Whip up comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles with this easy, hands-off recipe perfect for cozy family dinners and busy days. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft noodles for a timeless comfort meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re new to slow cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe makes it simple to create a warm, satisfying dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless cooking: Simply add ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax or focus on other tasks.
Family-friendly flavors: Mild and comforting, making it perfect for all ages and taste buds.
Versatile meal: Great as a weekday dinner or a comforting weekend feast with minimal prep.
One-pot convenience: Fewer dishes means less cleanup, always a win in the kitchen.
Customizable: Easily adaptable with different veggies, herbs, or noodle types to keep it exciting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles lies in its simple, straightforward ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and wholesome goodness.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless for easy shredding and juicy tenderness.
Egg noodles: Soft and slightly chewy noodles soak up the creamy broth perfectly.
Chicken broth: The base of your sauce, brings depth and seasoning right from the start.
Garlic and onion: Aromatics that add warmth and savory tones to every bite.
Carrots and celery: Classic vegetables that add color, crunch, and subtle sweetness.
Heavy cream or milk: For that rich, velvety texture that turns this dish into comfort food heaven.
Flour or cornstarch: To thicken the sauce just right, ensuring it coats every noodle.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance all ingredients.
Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme): Optional, but a fresh touch to brighten the dish.

Variations for Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

This Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe welcomes creativity, allowing you to make it your own based on your pantry staples, dietary preferences, or flavor cravings. Here are some fun and easy tweaks to try:

Vegetable boost: Add mushrooms, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients and color.
Dairy-free option: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk or a non-dairy creamer of choice.
Spicy kick: Mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
Herb variations: Experiment with rosemary, sage, or dill to change the flavor profile.
Whole wheat noodles: Use whole grain pasta for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles Recipe

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic finely to ensure they cook evenly and release their aromatic flavors throughout the dish.

Step 2: Add Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth to cover the chicken and veggies. Season with salt and pepper, then give everything a gentle stir to spread the seasoning evenly. This stock creates the flavorful base that seeps into the noodles later.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will become tender enough to shred easily, and the vegetables will soften to perfection.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Noodles

Remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Then, add the egg noodles, stirring them in gently so they can absorb the flavorful liquid.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce and Add Cream

Mix flour or cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry and stir it into the slow cooker along with the cream or milk. This step thickens the broth into a luscious sauce that clings to the noodles beautifully. Let cook for another 30 minutes until the noodles are tender.

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

Prep veggies evenly: Chop carrots and celery into uniform pieces to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Use fresh broth: Homemade or high-quality store-bought broth makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Add noodles later: Adding noodles too early can turn them mushy; add them in the last 30-40 minutes.
Shred chicken with ease: Use warm chicken removed from the cooker for quick shredding.
Stir gently: To keep noodles intact, stir carefully after adding them to avoid breaking.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

Garnishes

Brighten your dish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a burst of flavor and color that complements the creamy noodles perfectly.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to add contrasting textures and keep the meal balanced and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in deep bowls for a cozy experience or spoon over mashed potatoes for a hearty twist. You can also garnish with crispy fried onions for some crunch and extra indulgence.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully after resting, making reheated portions even tastier.

Freezing

Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For best texture, cook noodles just until al dente before adding, or freeze sauce separately from the noodles.

Reheating

Thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but cooking time may need to be extended, and it’s important to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature during cooking.

What kind of noodles work best in this recipe?

Egg noodles are the traditional choice because they hold up well in slow cooking and absorb flavors nicely, but you can also use other pasta types like rotini or penne.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk, almond milk, or any dairy-free creamer to keep the dish creamy without dairy.

Should I add noodles at the beginning?

No, adding noodles too early can result in a mushy texture. It’s best to add them during the last 30–40 minutes of cooking for perfect tenderness.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be creamy and thick enough to coat the noodles without being stiff or gluey — using a flour or cornstarch slurry helps achieve the ideal consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, soulful meal that fills your home with warmth and delicious aromas, give this Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe a try. It’s the perfect combination of simplicity and flavor, ideal for busy days or any time you want a comforting plate that feels like a warm hug. Grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and enjoy every creamy, tender bite with family and friends.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

Print Recipe

Whip up comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles with this easy, hands-off recipe perfect for cozy family dinners and busy days. Featuring tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft egg noodles, this one-pot dish delivers timeless comfort with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free noodles and flour substitute are used)

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2–3 boneless chicken breasts or thighs

Pasta

8 oz egg noodles

Vegetables & Aromatics

2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or milk

Thickening Agent

2 tablespoons flour or cornstarch
2–3 tablespoons water (for slurry)

Seasonings & Herbs

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or thyme (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables: Place boneless chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker. Finely chop carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to ensure even cooking and to release their aromatic flavors throughout the dish.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker, covering the chicken and vegetables. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently stir to distribute the seasonings evenly. This broth forms the flavorful base for the dish.
Slow Cook Until Tender: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should become tender enough to shred easily, and the vegetables should soften perfectly.
Shred the Chicken and Add Noodles: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the egg noodles, stirring gently so they absorb the flavorful liquid without breaking apart.
Thicken the Sauce and Add Cream: In a small bowl, mix flour or cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the slow cooker along with the heavy cream or milk. Let cook for an additional 30 minutes until the noodles are tender and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.

Notes

Chop carrots and celery into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Use fresh or high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor.
Add noodles only during the last 30-40 minutes to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Shred warm chicken for easier shredding.
Stir gently after adding noodles to keep them intact.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: slow cooker chicken and noodles, comfort food, easy slow cooker recipe, creamy chicken noodles, one pot meal