Are you craving a comforting and hearty meal that’s easy to make and fills your home with delicious aromas? Look no further than our comforting Chicken & Noodles Crockpot recipe! This soul-warming dish combines tender chicken, savory broth, creamy soup, and perfectly cooked noodles, all simmered together to create a meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, let’s dive into the details and learn how to make this comforting classic!
Ingredients:
Meat:
- 1 chicken breast, boneless and skinless
Canned Goods:
- 2 cans chicken broth
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
Pasta & Grains:
- 1 packet frozen egg noodles
Dairy:
- 1 stick of butter
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred Chicken: If using a whole chicken breast, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Alternatively, you can use pre-cooked shredded chicken for added convenience.
- Combine Ingredients: In the crockpot, combine the shredded chicken, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and frozen egg noodles. Stir to combine, ensuring that the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
Step 2: Cook in the Crockpot
- Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the mixture on low heat for 6-8 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the noodles are cooked through.
- Stir Occasionally: Occasionally stir the mixture during the cooking process to prevent the noodles from sticking together and ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Add Butter
- Add Butter: About 30 minutes before serving, add the stick of butter to the crockpot. Stir until the butter is melted and well incorporated into the chicken and noodle mixture. This will add richness and flavor to the dish.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve Hot: Once the chicken and noodles are cooked to perfection and the butter is melted, your comforting meal is ready to serve.
- Garnish: Garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve the Chicken & Noodles hot and enjoy the comforting goodness with your loved ones.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version of this dish, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add a variety of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and peas for added flavor and nutrition.
- Creamy Variation: For an extra creamy texture, you can substitute one can of cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
- Herb Infusion: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage to the crockpot along with the other ingredients. These herbs will infuse the dish with aromatic flavors that complement the chicken and noodles perfectly.
Keto and Low Carb Version:
To make a keto or low-carb version of this recipe, you can make the following substitutions:
- Chicken Breast: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a higher fat content.
- Noodles: Replace the traditional egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles (zoodles) or shirataki noodles for a low-carb option.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Prepare a homemade keto-friendly cream of chicken soup using almond flour, heavy cream, chicken broth, and seasonings.
- Butter: Use grass-fed butter or ghee for added richness and healthy fats.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast? A: Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time.
Q: Can I use fresh egg noodles instead of frozen? A: Yes, you can use fresh egg noodles if you prefer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time as fresh noodles cook faster than frozen ones.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish? A: Absolutely! This Chicken & Noodles recipe freezes well. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bags. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
In conclusion, our Chicken & Noodles Crockpot recipe is the epitome of comfort food – warm, flavorful, and satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal effort required, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave a delicious homemade meal without the fuss. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, this comforting classic is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. So, fire up your crockpot, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a bowl of pure comfort with our Chicken & Noodles recipe!
