Masters of kitchen
There’s something magical about coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles. This dish is the very definition of comfort food—creamy, hearty, and full of love. It’s a nostalgic nod to grandma’s kitchen, with simple ingredients that come together to create something special.
Whether you’re craving something cozy on a chilly day or just need an easy dinner that practically cooks itself, this slow cooker recipe checks all the boxes. It’s family-friendly, foolproof, and incredibly satisfying.
With tender shredded chicken, soft egg noodles, and rich broth that simmers low and slow, each spoonful feels like a warm hug. The best part? You don’t have to hover over the stove to enjoy this classic. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it do the work for you.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
This recipe is a lifesaver on those busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you just want dinner to take care of itself. With just a few pantry staples and a little prep, you can have a warm, filling meal ready to go—with minimal effort.
It’s incredibly kid-friendly, making it perfect for picky eaters and family-style dinners. The creamy broth and tender chicken are gentle in flavor but comforting in every bite.
Another bonus? You don’t need canned soup to make it creamy—though you can add it if you’re in a rush. You have full control over the ingredients, which means it can be as wholesome or indulgent as you like.
And if you’re into leftovers (who isn’t?), this dish holds up beautifully. It thickens slightly in the fridge, and with a splash of broth, reheats like a dream.
Ingredients Spotlight & Substitutions
Let’s break down the heart of this dish: simple, budget-friendly ingredients that deliver big on flavor.
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Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. Thighs are juicier and less prone to drying out.
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Egg noodles – Frozen or dry egg noodles both work. They’re soft, absorbent, and perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
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Chicken broth – Use a rich, flavorful broth. Homemade gives you the most control, but a good-quality store-bought version is just as convenient.
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Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Feel free to add bay leaves for extra depth.
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Optional cream – For a richer version, add a splash of heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese at the end.
Substitution Tips:
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Broth: Use low-sodium broth to avoid over-salting, especially if you’re seasoning generously.
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Noodles: If you don’t have egg noodles, try rotini or wide pasta, but watch the cook time—they tend to break down faster.
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Chicken: Prefer dark meat? Chicken thighs are flavorful and forgiving in long cook times.
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Dairy-Free: Swap cream with unsweetened oat milk or coconut cream for a creamy texture without the dairy.
Pro Tip: Taste your broth before adding noodles—it’s easier to adjust the flavor now than later.
Choosing the Best Chicken Cuts for the Slow Cooker
When it comes to slow cooker recipes, not all chicken cuts perform the same. For this dish, both chicken breasts and thighs are great options—but they cook differently.
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Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, even after hours of slow cooking. They’re more forgiving and add richness to the dish.
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Chicken breasts are leaner and work well too, but watch them closely to prevent dryness.
Whichever you choose, make sure to shred the chicken after cooking. Use two forks or tongs to pull it apart right in the pot—it blends beautifully with the noodles and absorbs more flavor this way.
What Type of Noodles Work Best?
Not all noodles hold up the same in a slow cooker. Your best bet? Frozen egg noodles (like Reames). They have a hearty texture and hold their shape beautifully even after simmering.
If you don’t have frozen noodles, dry egg noodles or wide pasta will do the trick—just be sure to add them during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from turning mushy.
For a rustic, homemade touch, you can even roll out and cut your own noodles if you’re feeling adventurous!
Quick Note: Always keep an eye on the noodles near the end—they can go from perfect to soggy fast.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles: Step-by-Step Guide
This dish couldn’t be easier. Here’s a no-fuss guide to getting it on the table without breaking a sweat:
1. Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place your raw chicken (breasts or thighs) into the bottom of your slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and sprinkle in your seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and any herbs you like.
2. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. The broth should be bubbling gently and fragrant.
3. Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is tender, remove it briefly and shred it using two forks or shredding claws. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give everything a gentle stir.
4. Add the Noodles
Stir in your frozen or dry egg noodles. Let them cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, checking occasionally until they’re tender but not falling apart.
5. Finish with Cream (Optional)
For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese during the final 5–10 minutes of cooking.
Tip: Stir gently to avoid breaking the noodles. If it’s looking too thick, add a splash of warm broth to loosen it up.
Helpful Equipment Checklist
You don’t need anything fancy to make this comforting meal. Here’s what helps:
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6–8 qt slow cooker – Big enough to hold everything without overflow.
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Tongs or forks – For shredding the cooked chicken easily.
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Ladle – To serve generous, brothy scoops.
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Airtight containers – Perfect for storing leftovers.
Delicious Recipe Variations to Try
This dish is wonderfully versatile, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients. Here are some popular (and delicious!) ways to customize your slow cooker chicken and noodles:
● Creamy Comfort
Add a splash of heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese at the end of cooking for a richer, silkier texture. It gives the broth that luscious, gravy-like consistency that hugs every noodle.
● Veggie-Packed Goodness
Want to sneak in some extra nutrients? Toss in diced carrots, peas, corn, or celery about 1–2 hours before the dish is done. They’ll soften beautifully without becoming mush.
Mushrooms are another great add-in for a deeper, earthy flavor. Sauté them first for best results!
● Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut
Short on time? Use shredded rotisserie chicken and add it during the last hour. You’ll still get amazing flavor with half the effort.
● Turn Up the Heat
For a spicy twist, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or even chopped jalapeños. Just a little heat turns this classic into something bold and exciting.
These tweaks make it easy to turn this base recipe into something new every time you make it.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
To get that cozy, just-right texture and flavor, here are a few tips that make all the difference:
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Add noodles at the end: This is the golden rule. If you add them too early, they’ll turn to mush. Frozen egg noodles hold up best, but even they benefit from a last-minute drop-in.
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Stir gently: Once your noodles are cooked and the chicken is shredded, go easy on the stirring. It keeps everything from turning into a paste.
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Season at the end: Slow cookers can mute salt and spices. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Boost the flavor: Stir in a teaspoon of chicken base or bouillon for an extra pop of savory richness—especially helpful if your broth tastes a little flat.
These little adjustments can take your dish from good to great with almost no extra effort.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles makes fantastic leftovers—especially if stored correctly.
In the Fridge
Let it cool, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Expect it to thicken as it sits.
In the Freezer
If you want to freeze it, leave the noodles out. Cooked noodles don’t freeze well—they tend to get mushy when thawed. Instead, freeze the chicken and broth base, and add fresh noodles when you reheat.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, place your leftovers in a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, then warm gently over low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts.
Avoid boiling—it can make the noodles fall apart.
What to Serve with Chicken and Noodles
This dish is filling on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides:
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Crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls: Perfect for sopping up every drop of broth.
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Steamed green beans or roasted carrots: Add some color and balance to your plate.
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A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette: Keeps things fresh.
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Flaky biscuits: Southern-style comfort at its finest.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, a little something on the side makes this meal feel extra special.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Meal Tips
Want to prep this meal in advance? Here’s how:
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Add the raw chicken, seasonings, and broth to a freezer-safe bag.
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Leave out the noodles—they’re best added fresh.
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Label the bag with the date and instructions, then freeze flat to save space.
When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and then pour everything into the slow cooker. Cook as usual, then add the noodles toward the end.
It’s a great way to have a homemade, comforting meal ready with almost no work.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles vs Chicken Noodle Soup
While both dishes share similar ingredients, they’re quite different in texture.
Chicken and noodles is thick, hearty, and more like a stew—rich and creamy with less broth.
Chicken noodle soup is lighter, with a brothier base and fewer noodles. Both are cozy, but this one eats like a full meal.
FAQs
Can I put uncooked noodles in the slow cooker?
Yes—but timing is everything. Add uncooked noodles during the last 20–30 minutes of cooking to keep them from turning to mush. Stir occasionally and test for doneness.
Can I use rotisserie or leftover chicken?
Absolutely. Just reduce the initial cook time, since the chicken is already cooked. Add shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken during the final hour of cooking so it stays moist.
How do you thicken slow cooker chicken and noodles?
There are a few easy ways:
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Mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it in and cook for 15–20 minutes.
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Or, stir in cream cheese or heavy cream for a naturally creamy texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Omit the cream or use a substitute like unsweetened oat milk, coconut cream, or cashew cream. You’ll still get a lovely, creamy texture without the dairy.
What’s the difference between egg noodles and other types of pasta in this recipe?
Egg noodles are softer, richer, and absorb flavors well, making them ideal for this cozy dish. Other pastas—like penne or rotini—can work but may need shorter cooking times and might not give that same silky texture.
Slow Cooker Chicken And Noodles
Equipment
- 6–8 qt slow cooker
- Tongs or forks (for shredding)
- Ladle
- Airtight containers (for leftovers)
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz frozen egg noodles or dry egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream or sour cream optional, for creamy version
- Optional add-ins: diced carrots peas, celery, mushrooms
- Optional: 1 tsp chicken base or bouillon for richer flavor
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Place chicken in the slow cooker. Add chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the slow cooker.
- Add Noodles: Stir in frozen or dry egg noodles. Cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Optional Creamy Finish: Stir in heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese for extra richness.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add vegetables like peas or carrots during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition.
- For a dairy-free version, skip the cream or use a dairy-free substitute like oat or coconut cream.
- Leftovers will thicken in the fridge—add a splash of broth when reheating.
- Freeze without noodles for best texture upon reheating.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: Classic Comfort Made Simple
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe is everything you want on a chilly day: warm, filling, and soul-soothing. With easy prep and endless variations, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your own twist in the comments—we’d love to hear!