There's something incredibly comforting about digging into a bowl of creamy, hearty chicken and noodles. For those days when you need a lot of comfort without a lot of effort, our easy Crockpot Chicken and Noodles are perfect. With just a little bit of simple prep, you can have this cheesy chicken and egg noodle recipe slow-cooking to perfection while you go about your day.
There's nothing quite like the comfort of a home-cooked meal, especially when it's as hearty and satisfying as our chicken and noodles in the crockpot.
Our recipe starts with chicken breasts, seasoned perfectly with simple spices, then slow-cooked to tender perfection in a rich and creamy sauce.
The secret to that velvety creaminess? A combination of sour cream, half and half, and garlic herb cheese, which melds beautifully together during the slow cooking process, infusing the chicken with an irresistible depth of flavor.
But what would Chicken and Noodles be without the noodles?
We use egg noodles, their soft, slightly chewy texture making them the perfect companion to our succulent chicken. They absorb the creamy sauce wonderfully, each mouthful a delightful mix of noodle, chicken, and creamy goodness.
And let's not forget that final sprinkle of cheese to finish it off. It melts into the hot noodles and chicken, adding a touch of sharpness that cuts through the creaminess, bringing balance and extra flavor to the dish.
This crockpot chicken and noodles recipe is not just a meal; it's a bowl of comfort that's sure to warm you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer.
- Garlic Powder: This adds a subtle garlic flavor to the dish without the need for fresh cloves. If you prefer, fresh minced garlic can be used as a substitute. Onion powder is also a good alternative.
- Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Kosher salt or table salt can be used in its place.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: This provides a hint of heat and depth of flavor. Adjust the amount to your taste.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the base of our sauce, adding a savory depth to our crockpot creamy chicken and noodles. Vegetable broth could be used if that is what you have.
- Half and Half: This dairy product, which is half milk and half cream, adds a creamy richness to the dish. You could substitute with whole milk or heavy cream, depending on your dietary preferences.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream lends a tangy creaminess to our dish. Greek yogurt can be a healthier alternative.
- Garlic and Herb Cheese: This cheese, such as Boursin, adds a burst of flavor and creaminess. You could substitute with cream cheese and a mix of your favorite herbs if you can't find Boursin.
- Egg Noodles: These are the base of our dish, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. You could substitute it with other types of pasta or even gluten-free noodles if needed. Just make sure to adjust the pasta cook time if necessary.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This adds a gooey, melty element to the dish. Feel free to substitute with your favorite type of cheese.
- Crushed Butter Crackers: These add a crispy, buttery topping to this creamy chicken and noodles crockpot recipe. If you don't have any on hand, breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips could work as well.
Step by Step Instructions
For the full recipe for slow cooker chicken and noodles with measurements, see the recipe card at the end of the post.
Tips and Tricks
- Chicken Selection: Using boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs is a personal preference for this crock pot chicken and noodles. Breasts are leaner, while thighs can provide a richer flavor due to their higher fat content.
- Noodle Cooking: Make sure to press the noodles into the liquid before cooking them in the slow cooker. This ensures they'll be fully submerged and cook evenly.
- Stirring: Don't forget to stir occasionally during the noodle-cooking phase. This helps prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
- Cheese Melting: After adding the cheese, cover the pot to help it melt faster.
- Serving: Serve your crockpot chicken and egg noodles hot for the best taste and texture. If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite veggies, and fresh herbs or switch up the cheeses to make this dish your own. Carrots, corn, or green beans are great vegetable additions, and rosemary and thyme offer a fresh finish to the dish.
- Consider Soups: I’ve intentionally made this without soup, but you can add a can of condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup in place of the sour cream if you prefer.
FAQs
Why did my egg noodles turn to mush in the crockpot?
The most common cause if overcooked noodles. Make sure to press them into the liquid before cooking and stir occasionally during the process. Cooking on high heat for 30 minutes should be just enough to get them cook through.
To hold the dish in your slow cooker for a bit before serving, reduce the cooking time by 5 to 10 minutes so that they don't get overcooked.
Can I put raw chicken in the slow cooker?
Yes, raw chicken is perfectly fine in the slow cooker.
Tools
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- Slow Cooker - Use a crockpot, or a multi cooker such as the Ninja PossibleCooker or the Instant Pot Dutch Oven.
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try
- For a comforting and hearty dish that's perfect for any day of the week, try our Crockpot Baked Ziti - it's loaded with rich tomato sauce, tender pasta and plenty of melted cheese. This one is sure to become a family favorite.
- If you're looking for a kid-friendly meal that's also a hit with adults, our Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes are a must-try. They're messy, delicious, and full of tangy-sweet flavors.
- Bring your favorite pizza flavors to the dinner table with our Crockpot Pizza Casserole. It's a fun and versatile dish that lets everyone enjoy their preferred pizza toppings in a whole new way. Comfort food perfection!
- Finally, for a casserole that's packed with creamy, savory goodness, don't miss out on our Crockpot Ranch Casserole. It's a one-pot wonder that combines chicken, potatoes, and a zesty ranch seasoning that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 5.2 oz package garlic and herb cheese (such as Boursin)
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers such as Ritz
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together the chicken broth, half and half, and sour cream in your slow cooker.
- Add the chicken and then crumble the Boursin on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred.
- Whisk the sauce well. Press the noodles into the liquid and then return the chicken to the pot.
- Turn the heat to high, and cook for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the shredded cheese and then the butter crackers. Cover, and cook until the cheese melts.
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