Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a comforting and hearty dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This recipe is easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for those days when you don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and creating a deliciously tender chicken and noodle dish that the whole family will love. In this recipe, I’ll show you how to make Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles that is sure to become a new favorite in your hom
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by preparing the chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic as instructed.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and dried parsley.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker, ensuring that the chicken breasts are fully submerged.
- Cook on Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Season to Taste: Season the chicken and noodle mixture with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are used in this recipe for their lean protein and mild flavor. They become tender and flavorful when cooked in the slow cooker.
- Vegetables: Onion, carrots, celery, and garlic add flavor and nutrition to the dish. They become soft and tender after cooking in the slow cooker, adding texture and sweetness to the dish.
- Herbs: Dried thyme, rosemary, and parsley add aromatic flavors to the dish. They complement the chicken and vegetables beautifully, adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Chicken Broth: Chicken broth serves as the base of the dish, providing a rich and savory broth that flavors the chicken and vegetables as they cook. It also adds moisture to the dish, ensuring that the chicken remains tender.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are added towards the end of cooking and cook directly in the slow cooker. They absorb the flavors of the dish and become soft and tender, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
- Adjust the Consistency (Optional): If the broth is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir the cornstarch mixture into the slow cooker and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the broth has thickened.
- Serve: Ladle the Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting and flavorful dish!
Tips for Success:
- For added flavor, you can sauté the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite herbs and spices. Thyme, rosemary, and parsley are classic choices, but you can also try adding basil, oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- If you prefer a creamier dish, you can stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk before serving.
Storage Instructions:
- Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, simply place the desired amount of leftovers in a saucepan over medium heat until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Variations:
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles or substitute with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
- Add your favorite vegetables, such as peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms, for added flavor and nutrition.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to warm you up on a cold day or an easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles recipe is sure to hit the spot. Enjoy the delicious flavors and comforting aromas of this hearty dish!
