You know those days when everything feels like it’s going wrong? That was me last winter, craving creamy chicken and noodles. My kids were sick, work deadlines were piling up, and dinner was the last thing on my mind. I remember standing in my kitchen at 5 PM, completely exhausted, with two hungry kids asking what was for dinner. And then it hit me my grandma’s chicken and noodles crock pot recipe that I’d been avoiding because, honestly, mine never turned out quite like hers.
Table of Contents
Growing up in the Midwest, chicken and noodles from the crock pot was our Sunday dinner staple. My grandma would start it before church, and by the time we got home, the whole house smelled amazing. Those tender pieces of creamy chicken, paired with perfectly cooked noodles in a rich, flavorful broth it was pure bliss in a bowl. But when I tried making it as an adult? Dry chicken. Mushy noodles. Bland flavor. Every. Single serving of crockpot chicken. Time.
After that desperate evening last winter, I decided enough was enough. I spent weeks testing different chicken and noodles crock pot methods. I called my mom, consulted old cookbooks, and even joined online slow cooker forums (yes, they exist!). And what I discovered changed EVERYTHING about how I approach this classic comfort dish.
The chicken and noodles crock pot recipe I’m sharing today isn’t just another internet recipe it’s the solution to the three biggest problems most home cooks face: dry chicken, soggy noodles, and bland flavor. After 15+ attempts and some happy accidents along the way, I’ve cracked the code to making this humble dish taste like it came from a country restaurant kitchen, not a busy mom’s crock pot.
What makes this chicken and noodles crock pot recipe different is that it works with your schedule, not against it. Whether you’re a working parent, a busy student, or just someone who wants homemade comfort food without standing over the stove for hours, these three game-changing tips will revolutionize how you make this classic dish.
And the best part? This chicken and noodles crock pot recipe is as budget-friendly as it is delicious. In these times when grocery prices keep climbing, this recipe gives you maximum flavor without breaking the bank.
If you enjoyed this Recipe, you might also love my other cozy comfort food recipes:
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy
- Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan
- Spaghetti Crock Pot Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
- Crock Pot Beef and Noodles
Why This Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Recipe Will Become Your New Favorite
- Foolproof Results: Finally achieve tender chicken and perfect noodles every single time with my 3-tip method.
- Time-Saving: Use a slow cooker chicken recipe for effortless meals. Just 15 minutes of active prep time, then your crock pot does all the work.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, affordable ingredients that feed a family of 4 for under $10.
- Kid-Approved: Broccoli can be a great addition to make this recipe even healthier. Even picky eaters clean their plates when you add broccoli to the mix! (My 6-year-old asks for seconds!)
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch and freeze portions for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: Works with what you already have in your pantry – no special ingredients required.
- One-Pot Meal: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one dish means less cleanup.
- Comfort Food Upgrade: Tastes like it simmered all day on grandma’s stove, but with modern convenience.
- Meal Prep Hero: Makes amazing leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need (And What You Can Swap)
The Chicken Base
| Ingredient | Why It’s Important | Substitutions |
| Boneless Chicken Thighs | The secret to tender, juicy chicken that won’t dry out in your crock pot | Boneless chicken breasts work too, but reduce cooking time by 30 minutes |
| Chicken Broth | Creates the rich base for your noodles | Vegetable broth or bouillon cubes + water in a pinch |
| Yellow Onion | Adds subtle sweetness and depth | White onion or 1 Tbsp onion powder if you’re in a hurry |
| Carrots | Adds natural sweetness and nutrition | Frozen mixed vegetables work great too! |
| Celery | The essential aromatic that makes your chicken and noodles crock pot taste homemade | Celery seed (1 tsp) if you don’t have fresh |
The Flavor Boosters
| Ingredient | Why It’s Important | Substitutions |
| Better Than Bouillon | My 1 secret weapon for intense chicken flavor (Tip 1!) | 2 extra bouillon cubes or another tbsp of poultry seasoning |
| Poultry Seasoning | The perfect blend of herbs for that classic flavor | Make your own with sage, thyme, rosemary & marjoram |
| Butter | Adds richness that takes this from good to amazing | Olive oil works, but butter adds that homestyle flavor |
| Garlic Powder | Provides depth without overwhelming | 2 fresh minced garlic cloves |
| Bay Leaves | The subtle background note that makes people say “what’s in this?” | Thyme works in a pinch, but bay leaves are worth buying! |
The Noodle Component
| Ingredient | Why It’s Important | Substitutions |
| Egg Noodles | The traditional choice for chicken and noodles crock pot recipes | Frozen egg noodles for extra-thick texture, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious! |
| Cream of Chicken Soup is a key ingredient in this crockpot chicken recipe. | Creates thick, creamy sauce without constant stirring (Tip 2!) | Make a quick roux with flour and butter + extra milk, then add some low sodium chicken broth for flavor. |
| Evaporated Milk | Prevents curdling in the slow cooker (Tip 3!) | Heavy cream or half & half (add in the last 30 minutes only) |
| Cornstarch | Optional thickener if you like extra-thick sauce | Flour works too, but cornstarch is cleaner tasting and perfect for thickening your creamy chicken. |
Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on this list! The beauty of this chicken and noodles crock pot recipe is how forgiving it is. I’ve made it countless times with whatever I had in the pantry, and it always turns out delicious. That’s what I love about good comfort food – it adapts to what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions: The Foolproof Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Method
Now for the part you’ve been waiting for exactly how to make the best crockpot chicken and noodles in your slow cooker! I’ve broken this down into simple steps with all my hard-earned secrets included.
Preparation (Morning)
- Prep your aromatics: Dice 1 medium yellow onion, slice 2 large carrots, and chop 2 celery stalks. Cut everything roughly the same size for even cooking throughout your chicken and noodles crock pot.
- Season your chicken: Place 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs in the bottom of your crock pot. Generously season with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon poultry seasoning. Don’t skimp on seasoning here this builds the foundation of flavor for your entire chicken and noodles crock pot dish!
- Add the flavor base: Add your diced vegetables on top of the chicken. Then add 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces), 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 2 bay leaves. If your family loves garlic, double the amount for extra flavor depth.
- Pour in the liquids: Add 4 cups chicken broth and 1 heaping tablespoon Better Than Bouillon chicken base. TIP 1: This concentrated paste transforms regular broth from bland to restaurant-quality in your chicken and noodles crock pot recipe.
- Set and forget: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Do not open the lid during cooking! Every time you peek, you add 20 minutes to cooking time as heat escapes, especially when using frozen noodles.
Finishing Touches (Evening – About 30 Minutes Before Serving)
- Shred the chicken: Once cooking time is complete, remove chicken pieces and shred with two forks. The chicken should pull apart easily if it doesn’t, your chicken and noodles crock pot needs more time.
- Add the creamy element: Stir in 1 can cream of chicken soup. TIP 2: This not only adds creaminess but also creates the perfect thickened base that helps prevent the noodles from getting mushy. Whisk until completely incorporated.
- Return chicken: Add the shredded chicken back to your crock pot and stir well.
- Add the secret ingredient: Pour in 1/2 cup evaporated milk. TIP 3: Regular milk can curdle in the crock pot, but evaporated milk stays smooth and creamy, giving your chicken and noodles crock pot that silky texture.
- Add the noodles: Now add 8 oz (about 4 cups) uncooked egg noodles to the crock pot. Gently press noodles into the liquid until just submerged, but don’t stir yet! This prevents the dry egg noodles from clumping together.
- Final cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for exactly 20-25 minutes. Set a timer! This is the sweet spot for perfectly cooked noodles in the crockpot that aren’t mushy.
- Check thickness: After noodles are tender, assess the consistency. If you want thicker chicken and noodles crock pot gravy, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, add to pot, and cook 5 more minutes. For even thicker sauce, repeat this step.
- Final seasoning: Remove bay leaves. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Sometimes I add a little more poultry seasoning here if the flavor needs a boost.
- Rest before serving: Let your chicken and noodles crock pot rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to thicken slightly and flavors to meld together.
Troubleshooting Tips
- If noodles are too firm: Cook 5-10 minutes longer, checking frequently.
- If sauce is too thin: Use the cornstarch slurry method in step 12.
- If sauce is too thick, consider adding some low sodium chicken broth to achieve the desired consistency. Add chicken broth gradually, 1/4 cup at a time.
- If chicken seems dry: This likely means it cooked too long. Next time, check it sooner. For now, add a bit more butter to add moisture.
- If flavor seems bland in your crockpot chicken and noodles, consider adding more spices. Add another teaspoon of Better Than Bouillon and a dash more poultry seasoning.
Storage, Make-Ahead, & Freezing Tips for Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot
One of the best things about this chicken and noodles crock pot recipe is how well it keeps and reheats! Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers:
Refrigerator Storage
- Store cooled chicken and noodles crock pot in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
- The flavor actually improves overnight as the noodles absorb more of that delicious broth!
- Before reheating, add a splash of chicken broth if it seems too thick.
Freezer Instructions
- Store in portion-sized containers and freeze for up to 3 months..
- Let cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals from forming in your frozen noodles.
- Label containers with “Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot” and the date.
- The noodles will be slightly softer after freezing, but still delicious!
Reheating Methods
- Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Crock Pot: Place leftovers back in the crock pot on LOW for 1-2 hours until heated through (great for potlucks!).
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep ingredients the night before: Chop all vegetables and store in a container in the refrigerator.
- Freezer meal prep: Combine all ingredients except noodles and evaporated milk in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking, then proceed with the recipe.
- Double batch strategy: Make two batches at once. Serve one for dinner and freeze the other before adding noodles. When ready to eat, thaw and cook with fresh noodles.
Creative Variations & Serving Ideas for Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot
Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your chicken and noodles crock pot recipe:
Flavor Variations
- Herby Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot: Add fresh thyme, rosemary, and parsley in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a garden-fresh flavor boost.
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Noodles: Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan and 2 extra cloves of minced garlic with the cream soup.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken and Noodles: Add lemon zest and extra black pepper for a bright, zesty version.
- Buffalo Chicken and Noodles: Stir in 2-3 tablespoons buffalo sauce with the cream soup for a spicy kick!
- Mushroom Lovers’ Chicken and Noodles: Add 8 oz sliced mushrooms with the vegetables for an earthy flavor.
Veggie Boosters
- Garden Vegetable Chicken and Noodles: Add 1 cup frozen peas and 1 cup diced zucchini in the last 30 minutes.
- Spinach Artichoke Chicken and Noodles: Stir in 1 can drained, chopped artichoke hearts and 2 cups fresh spinach just before serving.
- Hidden Veggie Version: Puree cooked carrots and celery to thicken the sauce while adding extra nutrition for picky eaters.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Comfort: Serve chicken and noodles crock pot with a side of buttered dinner rolls or fluffy biscuits for dipping.
- Fresh Balance: Add a simple side salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Southern Style: Serve over mashed potatoes for the ultimate comfort food experience (my husband’s favorite way!).
- Bread Bowl: Hollow out a bread boule and serve the chicken and noodles inside for an impressive presentation.
- Casserole Upgrade: Transfer finished chicken and noodles to a baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs and shredded cheese, and broil until golden.
Nutrition Information
Let’s talk about what you’re actually getting in each delicious bowl of this chicken and noodles crock pot recipe! I know many of us are trying to balance comfort food cravings with keeping an eye on nutrition, so here’s the breakdown:
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
(Based on 6 servings per recipe, this is a perfect dish to make this recipe for family gatherings.)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 385 degrees for the perfect creamy chicken and noodles. | – |
| Total Fat | 14g | 18% |
| – Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| – Unsaturated Fat | 8g | – |
| Cholesterol | 115mg | 38% |
| Sodium | 890mg | 39% |
| Total Carbohydrates | 38g | 14% |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2g | 7% of your daily intake of protein can come from this creamy chicken and noodles dish. |
| – Sugars | 3g | – |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Key Micronutrients
This chicken and noodles crock pot recipe is surprisingly nutritious! Each serving provides:
- Vitamin A: 80% of your daily needs (thanks to those carrots!)
- Iron: 15% of your daily needs (from the chicken thighs and egg noodles)
- Potassium: 12% of your daily needs (from the vegetables and chicken)
Dietary Considerations
- Not gluten-free: Contains wheat in the egg noodles and possibly in the cream of chicken soup
- Not dairy-free: Contains milk products in the cream soup, evaporated milk, and butter
- Not vegetarian/vegan: Contains chicken and chicken-based products
- Moderate sodium: Can be reduced by using low-sodium broth and cream soup
- Not keto-friendly: Contains starchy noodles
- Not low-carb: Contains approximately 38g carbs per serving
Serving Size
A serving size is approximately 1½ cups of the finished chicken and noodles crock pot recipe, which includes both the creamy sauce, noodles, and chicken.
Note: Nutrition values calculated using the USDA FoodData Central database and product packaging information. Values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands and exact measurements used.
Lower-Calorie Modification: For a lighter version of this crockpot chicken and noodles recipe, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, light cream of chicken soup, and increase the vegetables. This can save about 80-100 calories per serving.
Expert Tips & FAQs
After making this crock pot chicken and noodles recipe literally dozens of times (my family would revolt if I stopped!), I can confidently say it’s a winner!), I’ve collected some insider knowledge that’ll help you achieve perfect results every time.
Pro Tips for Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Success
- If you have the time, don’t skip the searing step. Browning the chicken thighs before adding them to the crockpot enhances the flavor and makes a big differenceJust 3-4 minutes per side in a hot skillet!
- Use the right noodles. Extra-wide egg noodles hold up best in the crock pot. Thin pasta noodles will turn to mush, so consider using frozen noodles for better texture.
- The 25-minute noodle rule is sacred. I’ve tested this chicken and noodles crock pot recipe countless times, and 20-25 minutes is the perfect cook time for noodles. Set a timer!
- Chicken thighs > chicken breasts. Thighs stay juicy in the crock pot, while breasts can dry out. If you must use breasts, reduce the initial cooking time by 30 minutes.
- Let it rest. Like all good comfort foods, chicken and noodles crock pot tastes better after it sits for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put frozen chicken in my chicken and noodles crock pot recipe?
Yes, but with caution. The USDA advises against putting frozen meat directly in a slow cooker as it can spend too long at unsafe temperatures. However, if you must use frozen chicken, add an extra hour to the cooking time and make sure it reaches 165°F before shredding. I prefer thawing overnight in the refrigerator for safety and even cooking.
Why did my noodles turn to mush?
This happens for two reasons: cooking them too long or adding them too early. In a chicken and noodles crock pot recipe, noodles should only be added in the final 20-25 minutes of cooking. Also, make sure you’re using hearty egg noodles, not thin pasta.
Can I make this chicken and noodles crock pot recipe in an Instant Pot instead?
Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the chicken first, then add all ingredients except noodles, evaporated milk, and cream soup. Pressure cook on HIGH for 12 minutes, then quick release. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to pot with cream soup and evaporated milk. Add noodles, set to sauté, and cook 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender.
How do I fix watery chicken and noodles?
If your chicken and noodles crock pot turned out too thin, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water, add to the crock pot, and cook on HIGH for 10 more minutes with the lid off. Repeat if necessary. Remember that it will thicken naturally as it cools a bit.
Why does this recipe use canned soup? Can I make it from scratch?
I use cream of chicken soup as a time-saving thickening agent that helps prevent mushy noodles. For a from-scratch version, make a roux with 3 tablespoons butter and 3 tablespoons flour, then whisk in 1 cup of milk and let it thicken before adding to your chicken and noodles crock pot in place of the canned soup.
Conclusion: Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot Perfection
Well, there you have it the chicken and noodles crock pot recipe that changed my weeknight dinner game forever! Those three simple tips (Better Than Bouillon for flavor depth, cream soup for perfect texture, and evaporated milk for creaminess) truly make all the difference between a mediocre meal and something your family will request again and again.
What I love most about this recipe is how it brings together convenience and that made-from-scratch taste. In our busy world, we shouldn’t have to choose between quick meals and delicious ones and with this recipe, you don’t have to!
I’d love to know: What’s your favorite comfort food recipe that you’ve been trying to perfect, like chicken and dumplings? Have you tried any of these tips in other slow cooker recipes? Drop me a comment below and let me know if you give this chicken and noodles crock pot recipe a try!
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also love my Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast, 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese, or my Grandma’s Famous Beef Stew. All of them use these same principles for maximum flavor with minimum effort.
Don’t forget to save this recipe to your comfort food board on Pinterest, and follow me @tidbitrecipe for more family-friendly recipes that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience!
Chicken and Noodles Crock Pot
Equipment
- Crock Pot
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 1 medium yellow onion diced
- 2 large carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp poultry seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Better Than Bouillon chicken base
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup 1 can
- 0.5 cup evaporated milk
- 8 oz egg noodles uncooked (about 4 cups)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
Instructions
- Dice onion, slice carrots, and chop celery.
- Place chicken thighs in crock pot and season with salt, pepper, and poultry seasoning.
- Add diced vegetables, butter, garlic powder, and bay leaves on top of chicken.
- Pour in chicken broth and add Better Than Bouillon chicken base.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken and shred with two forks.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup until fully incorporated.
- Return shredded chicken to crock pot and stir well.
- Pour in evaporated milk.
- Add uncooked egg noodles, gently pressing them into the liquid without stirring.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-25 minutes until noodles are tender.
- If desired, mix cornstarch with cold water and add to thicken.
- Remove bay leaves and adjust seasoning to taste. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Until next time, happy slow cooking!