Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
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)
Protein
- 2–3 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta
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)
- 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