Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
Highlighted under: Family Favorite Comfort Food
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken and hearty noodles simmered in a rich broth, this recipe will warm your heart and fill your belly.
This Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe is a family favorite that brings everyone to the table. The simplicity of preparing it in a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Tender, juicy chicken that's full of flavor.
- Comforting noodles in a rich and creamy broth.
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
A Comforting Classic
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic dish that evokes feelings of warmth and comfort. This recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful broth that perfectly complements tender chicken and hearty egg noodles. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish allows you to prepare a wholesome dinner with minimal effort. Just set it and forget it, and let your slow cooker do the work!
What sets this dish apart is its versatility. You can easily customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For example, feel free to add in your favorite vegetables or even switch up the type of noodles used. This makes it not only a comforting classic but also a canvas for creativity in the kitchen.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the best things about Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is how well it lends itself to meal prep. Prepare a large batch on the weekend, and you’ll have delicious lunches and dinners ready to go throughout the week. Simply store the leftovers in airtight containers and reheat as needed. This not only saves you time but also ensures you have a nutritious meal on hand, making it easier to stick to healthy eating habits.
Additionally, this dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion out servings and freeze them for a busy day when you don’t feel like cooking. Just thaw and reheat, and you’ll have a homemade meal that’s just as comforting as the day it was made.
A Crowd-Pleaser
If you’re looking to feed a crowd, Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is an excellent choice. It’s filling, satisfying, and sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Whether it’s a family gathering, a potluck, or a casual get-together with friends, this dish is bound to be a hit. The rich and creamy broth combined with tender chicken and noodles creates a hearty meal that everyone will love.
You can easily double the recipe to serve more people, and it requires minimal additional effort. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough, or consider using two separate pots to ensure everyone gets a taste of this delightful dish.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
Add Vegetables and Broth
Add the carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Add Noodles and Cream
Stir in the egg noodles and heavy cream, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious slow cooker chicken and noodles!
Serving Suggestions
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple green salad or some crusty bread on the side. The bread is perfect for soaking up the rich broth, while the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty noodles.
If you're feeling adventurous, top your serving with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor and a pop of color. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese can also elevate the dish further, giving it a lovely umami kick.
Storing and Reheating
To store your Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use freezer-safe containers, and it can last for up to 3 months in the freezer.
When it comes to reheating, you can use the microwave or stovetop. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen it up, as the noodles may absorb some of the liquid during storage. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
A common question about Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is whether you can use frozen chicken. The answer is yes! You can place frozen chicken breasts directly into the slow cooker, but you should increase the cooking time by about an hour to ensure they are fully cooked. Just make sure to check the internal temperature to be safe.
Another frequent inquiry is about making this dish gluten-free. You can easily swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free alternatives. There are various options available in stores today, from rice noodles to gluten-free pasta, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal without the gluten.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
→ Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles.
→ What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding garlic, bay leaves, or fresh herbs for more depth.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles
Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a comforting dish that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken and hearty noodles simmered in a rich broth, this recipe will warm your heart and fill your belly.
Created by: Lena
Recipe Type: Family Favorite Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with salt and pepper.
Add the carrots, celery, onion, and chicken broth to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Stir in the egg noodles and heavy cream, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g