Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles is the kind of slow cooker comfort food that fills the kitchen with warm, savory aroma and invites everyone to the table. Tender chicken slow cooked in a creamy blanket of soup and butter becomes the base for pillowy egg noodles that soak up every bit of flavor. The texture is rich and silky, with soft noodles and shreddable chicken that melt in your mouth, while garlic powder and chicken bouillon add a cozy, savory backbone. It is ideal for busy weeknights, easy Sunday dinners, or anytime you want a low-effort meal that tastes like it simmered all day. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or your favorite dinner roll, or pair leftovers with something heartier like crockpot chicken fajitas for a different night. This recipe is forgiving, family friendly, and perfect when you want a warm, satisfying bowl without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles — Regular egg noodles provide a tender, slightly chewy texture that soaks up the creamy sauce.
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts — Boneless, skinless chicken breasts shred easily after slow cooking and supply the protein for the dish.
- 1/2 stick butter, cut into pats — Butter enriches the sauce and adds a silky mouthfeel; cutting into pats helps it melt evenly.
- Two 10.5-oz cans cream of chicken soup — These cans create the cream base and give concentrated chicken flavor and thickness.
- 1 tbsp garlic powder — Adds savory depth without the need to mince fresh garlic.
- 3.5 cups chicken broth — Provides the cooking liquid and balances the condensed soup so the noodles can cook.
- Salt and pepper, to taste — Use to adjust seasoning at the end for best flavor.
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon — Boosts the chicken flavor; dissolve into the broth for even distribution.
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley — Adds a mild herb note and color; adjust to your preference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Arrange them in a single layer if possible so they cook evenly.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper. Spoon the soup over the chicken and pour in the broth, then sprinkle the garlic powder and bouillon. Stir gently to combine if needed.
- Add pats of butter on top. Distribute the half stick of butter across the surface so it melts into the sauce.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Low yields the most tender chicken, while high is good when you are short on time.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot. Use two forks to shred, then stir the shredded chicken back into the sauce. Tip: Shred the chicken while it is hot for easier results.
- Stir in the egg noodles and dried parsley. Push the noodles down into the liquid so they are mostly submerged.
- Cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until the noodles are tender. Check at 30 minutes and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cooking time will vary by crockpot model and noodle brand.
- Serve warm. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.
If you have leftovers, consider turning the shredded chicken into a quick sandwich for lunch with inspiration from a simple chicken avocado melt sandwich idea.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high, plus 30-45 minutes for noodles
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes on low, or 4 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours 45 minutes on high
- Servings: 6
- Calories: Approximately 560 per serving
Tips, Storage & Variations
- Practical tips: Use low heat when you can for the juiciest chicken. Check noodles at 30 minutes to avoid overcooking. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in an extra 1/4 cup of chicken broth until you reach the desired consistency.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if the mixture has thickened.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the shredded chicken and sauce without the cooked noodles. Store in freezer bags or airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and add fresh cooked noodles when reheating.
- Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
- Increase the dried parsley to 4 tablespoons for a greener herb profile.
- Add an extra tablespoon of chicken bouillon for a bolder savory flavor.
- Use the lower end of chicken weight for a thicker sauce, or the higher end for more chicken in each serving.
- Serving suggestion: For a bright contrast, serve with a lightly dressed green salad or a lemony side like chicken piccata with lemon and capers inspired sides.

FAQ
-
How long do I cook the chicken in a crockpot?
Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. -
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, but increase the cook time and ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature before shredding. -
When should I add the noodles?
Add the egg noodles after shredding the chicken, then cook an additional 30 to 45 minutes until tender. -
Will the noodles get mushy in the crockpot?
They can if cooked too long. Check at 30 minutes and stir occasionally to prevent overcooking. -
Can I reduce the sodium?
Yes, use low-sodium chicken broth if available and adjust added salt to taste at the end.
People Also Ask
-
What kind of noodles work best for crockpot chicken and noodles?
Egg noodles are traditional because they hold texture and soak up the sauce well. -
How do I prevent the cream of chicken soup from curdling?
Stir the soup into the broth before adding to the crockpot and cook gently to keep the sauce smooth. -
Can I make this in an instant pot instead?
This recipe is designed for slow cooking, but you can adapt it to pressure cook with shorter times and careful noodle addition. -
Is chicken bouillon necessary?
It enhances the chicken flavor, but you can omit it and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. -
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
Reheat gently on low heat and add a splash of broth to restore creaminess. -
Can I add vegetables to the crockpot?
Root vegetables would need longer to become tender; add them at the start and watch liquid levels. -
What is the best way to shred cooked chicken?
Use two forks, a hand mixer on low for a few seconds, or shred with your fingers when the chicken is hot. -
Can I reduce the butter amount?
Yes, you can reduce the butter, but expect a slightly less rich sauce.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe is comforting, straightforward, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as cozy leftovers. If you want to explore similar slow cooker comfort dishes, see a classic take at Crockpot Chicken and Noodles – Belle of the Kitchen or try another easy variation at Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles – Simply Happy Foodie. Give this recipe a try, share how it turned out, and enjoy the warm bowl of comfort.
PrintCrockpot Chicken and Noodles
A slow cooker comfort food featuring tender chicken in a creamy sauce with egg noodles, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 300 minutes
- Total Time: 315 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free noodles)
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1.5–2 lb chicken breasts
- 1/2 stick butter, cut into pats
- Two 10.5-oz cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 3.5 cups chicken broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon
- 2–4 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, chicken broth, chicken bouillon, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the soup over the chicken and pour in the broth.
- Add pats of butter on top.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the crockpot.
- Stir in the egg noodles and dried parsley.
- Cook for an additional 30-45 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Serve warm and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Notes
For best results, shred the chicken while it is hot and check noodles at 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 90mg