When the weather starts to cool, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty meal, and Cassie’s Comforting Chicken & Noodles is just the dish to bring a little coziness to your day. With tender chicken, thick and delicious egg noodles, and a creamy, flavorful broth, this easy Crock Pot recipe is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or just curling up with a bowl on a chilly evening.
The best part? It’s incredibly simple! Using frozen egg noodles and pantry staples like cream of chicken soup and chicken broth, this recipe doesn’t require much effort but delivers maximum flavor. Let’s dive into the details.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Minimal prep work: This recipe requires very little chopping or prep, making it perfect for busy days.
- Slow cooker magic: Just set it and forget it—your Crock Pot does all the heavy lifting while you enjoy your day.
- Customizable: You can easily add vegetables or adjust seasonings to suit your preferences.
- Ultimate comfort: Thick egg noodles and rich, creamy broth make this dish the definition of comfort food.
Ingredients:
- 1 package frozen egg noodles (24 oz)
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz each); substitute 1 can with cream of celery if desired
- 1 stick butter (1/2 cup), cut into pieces
- 1 can chicken broth (32 oz), with extra for thinning if needed
- Mixed vegetables (optional)
- 1 tsp Better Than Bullion (optional, for richer chicken flavor)
- 6 small or 4 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle salt and pepper over the chicken breasts and place them at the bottom of your Crock Pot.
- Add the Soup and Butter: Spoon the cream of chicken soup over the chicken. Scatter the butter pieces evenly on top of the soup.
- Prepare the Broth: In a bowl, whisk the Better Than Bullion with the chicken broth, then pour the mixture over the soup and chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover the Crock Pot with the lid and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: After 6 hours, remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the chicken to the Crock Pot.
- Add Noodles and Vegetables: Stir in the frozen egg noodles. If you’re adding vegetables, toss them in at this time. Cook for another 2 hours on low, stirring occasionally.
- Final Touches: If the dish becomes too thick, thin it out with a little extra chicken broth. Sprinkle with parsley if you like, then taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Serve: Ladle the comforting chicken and noodles into bowls, and enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Frozen noodles: These will naturally thicken your broth as they cook, so keep an eye on the consistency and add extra broth if necessary.
- Veggies: Feel free to toss in frozen peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables during the final two hours of cooking for added nutrition.
- Leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and enjoy again!
FAQs
Can I use dry noodles instead of frozen? Yes, but frozen noodles tend to have a better texture for slow-cooking. If using dry noodles, cook them separately and add them towards the end to avoid them becoming too soft.
What other soups can I use? You can swap one can of cream of chicken for cream of celery or even cream of mushroom if you like a different flavor profile.
Can I cook this on high? If you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken on high for 4 hours and then add the noodles for another 1 hour on high.
This Comforting Chicken & Noodles recipe is a no-fuss, flavorful meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table. Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!