Chicken and Noodles in Crock Pot – Easy Comfort Food Classic

Chicken and noodles in crock pot is the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug with every bite. It takes me back to a rainy afternoon in my early twenties, tired, broke, and digging through a near-empty fridge. I had some frozen chicken, egg noodles, and not much else. Out of desperation, I threw it all in the slow cooker and crossed my fingers. What came out hours later? Pure comfort. That moment taught me that great food doesn’t need to be fancy, it just needs time, heart, and a pinch of salt.

This dish has since become a go-to in my kitchen. Whether it’s a lazy Sunday or a rushed Wednesday, crock pot chicken and noodles is always a win. It’s simple, satisfying, and lets you get on with life while dinner practically makes itself. Plus, there’s nothing like the smell of tender chicken and savory broth filling your home.

Why Chicken and Noodles in Crock Pot Is a Must-Try

Slow Cooker = Effortless Comfort

Using a crock pot turns simple pantry staples into something soul-soothing. You don’t need hours standing over a stove. Just toss in chicken, broth, cream, and seasonings. Let the slow cooker do the heavy lifting. By the end of the day, you’ve got shredded, flavorful chicken swimming in rich, savory broth, ready for noodles.

It’s a lifesaver on busy days. While it cooks, you can take care of life, kids, or even prep a side like Paula Deen’s mac and cheese. And if you’re craving more chicken-based comfort, try Paula Deen’s chicken pot pie for your next dinner.

Budget-Friendly and Flexible

This meal is built for affordability. You can use bone-in or boneless chicken, fresh or frozen. Egg noodles are classic, but rotini or shells work too. Don’t have cream? Use canned soup or a splash of milk. It all melts together beautifully.

You’ll love that the recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand. It’s not just easy, it’s dependable, making it one of the best crock pot meals in my rotation.

How to Make Chicken and Noodles in Crock Pot

Step-by-Step for Foolproof Flavor

Making chicken and noodles in crock pot is as easy as layering and walking away. Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Place them in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add chicken broth, enough to just cover the meat, and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Want more richness? Toss in a can of cream of chicken or mushroom soup.

Set your slow cooker on low for 6–7 hours, or high for about 3–4. Once the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily, use two forks to pull it apart right in the pot. Then stir in wide egg noodles or your favorite pasta. Cover and cook for another 20–30 minutes on high, just until the noodles are tender.

Can you cook raw noodles in a crock pot? Yes, but timing is key. Add them too early, and they’ll get mushy. Always stir them in toward the end for perfect texture.

This meal pairs wonderfully with a side of Paula Deen’s chicken divan or even the creamy layers in this slow cooker enchilada casserole.

What Type of Chicken Works Best?

You can use either chicken breasts or thighs for this dish. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts shred beautifully and keep things lean. Frozen chicken also works, you just need to add an extra hour of cook time.

Can you put raw chicken in a crock pot? Absolutely. It cooks low and slow right in the broth, absorbing all that flavor. Whether fresh or frozen, the slow cooker makes sure it turns out juicy and tender every time.

Next up: Should you cook your chicken on high or low? Let’s break down the pros, cons, and best timing tips in Part 3.

Best Temperature and Timing Tips for Crock Pot Success

High or Low: Which Is Better?

A big question when cooking chicken and noodles in crock pot is whether to set the temperature to high or low. The answer depends on your schedule, but low is almost always better for flavor and texture.

Cooking chicken on low (6–7 hours) gives it more time to break down and absorb flavor, resulting in juicy, pull-apart pieces. High (3–4 hours) works great too if you’re in a rush, but it can sometimes dry the meat out if left too long.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a crock pot? Low is ideal for tenderness, while high works well if you’re short on time. The key is not to overcook once the chicken is fully done, shred it as soon as it reaches 165°F and continue with noodles.

Planning a comfort-heavy dinner? Pair this with something cozy like southern fried chicken livers or the creamy crack chicken penne for a satisfying meal lineup.

When to Add the Noodles

Timing is everything. Once your chicken is fully cooked and shredded, you can stir in the dry egg noodles. Cover again and cook on high for 20–30 minutes, checking once around the 15-minute mark for doneness.

How long to cook noodles in a slow cooker on low? Typically, 30–40 minutes. But keep in mind, overcooking leads to mushy noodles, especially in thinner broths. Always taste for texture!

If you want a creamier finish, stir in a splash of heavy cream or an extra dollop of sour cream with the noodles.

Up next: the most common questions home cooks have about this recipe, and what you need to know before your first batch.

FAQs and Pro Tips for Chicken and Noodles in Crock Pot

Your Most-Asked Questions, Answered

Let’s break down the top questions I hear when it comes to chicken and noodles in crock pot, especially from beginners.

Can you cook raw noodles in a crock pot?
Yes, but only near the end of cooking. Add them 20–30 minutes before serving so they don’t turn to mush. If using thinner noodles, check sooner, they’ll cook faster in hot broth.

Can you put raw chicken in a crock pot?
Absolutely. The slow cooker is designed to cook raw meat safely. Just ensure you cook it on high for at least 3–4 hours or low for 6–7. Chicken should hit 165°F before shredding.

Is it better to cook chicken on high or low in a crock pot?
Low gives the best flavor and texture. If you’re short on time, high is fine, just be sure not to overcook. Once the chicken is tender and easily shreds, it’s ready.

How long to cook noodles in a slow cooker on low?
Generally 30–40 minutes. Thicker noodles may take longer. Keep the lid closed to maintain heat and check texture around the 30-minute mark.

For extra creaminess, stir in cream cheese, sour cream, or a can of cream of celery at the end. If you’re going full comfort mode, serve this with Paula Deen chicken pot pie or chicken spaghetti with Velveeta.

Bonus Tips for Next-Level Flavor

Want to boost the base? Start with sautéed onions, celery, and carrots for more depth. You can also use Better Than Bouillon or a splash of white wine for added richness.

Have leftovers? They reheat like a dream. Just add a splash of broth or milk when warming to keep the noodles soft and creamy.

FAQs and Pro Tips for Chicken and Noodles in Crock Pot

Conclusion

Whether you’re after a nostalgic dinner or just something that cooks itself, chicken and noodles in crock pot is the answer. It’s simple, hearty, and flexible enough for whatever’s in your pantry. You don’t need special tools or fancy ingredients, just your slow cooker and a little patience. This dish is proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Next time you’re staring into the fridge wondering what to make, remember: you’re only a few ingredients away from something magical.

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