Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles: A Cozy Culinary Hug

Step into the realm of comfort with our Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles—a heartwarming dish that embodies the essence of home-cooked goodness. This recipe is a testament to the magic that happens when simple ingredients come together in the slow cooker, creating a savory symphony that will warm your soul on chilly evenings. Join us as we embark on a culinary journey, exploring the art of crafting this cozy classic that invites you to slow down and savor the comforting embrace of a steaming bowl of chicken and noodles.

Ingredients:

Gather around the kitchen table as we assemble the components for Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles:

For the Chicken:

  • 2.5 to 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)

For the Slow Cooker Base:

  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Noodles:

  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles

For Creamy Finish:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for thickening)

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
    • Dredge each chicken breast in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
  2. Sear the Chicken:
    • In a skillet over medium-high heat, sear the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides. This step adds flavor to the dish.
  3. Slow Cooker Setup:
    • Place the seared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
    • Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, water, bay leaves, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
  4. Low and Slow:
    • Set the slow cooker to low and let the ingredients simmer for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
  5. Shred the Chicken:
    • Remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
    • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. Noodle Addition:
    • Add egg noodles to the slow cooker and let them cook for 20-30 minutes or until tender.
  7. Creamy Indulgence:
    • In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and flour until smooth.
    • Pour the cream mixture into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine.
  8. Final Seasoning:
    • Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove bay leaves.
  9. Serve with Garnish:
    • Ladle the warm chicken and noodle soup into bowls.
    • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Cook Notes:

  • Flour Dredging Importance: Dredging the chicken in flour not only helps in achieving a golden crust but also contributes to thickening the broth.
  • Slow Cooker Vigilance: Monitor the slow cooker during the last hour to prevent overcooking the noodles, as they can become mushy.
  • Creamy Consistency: Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream based on your preference.

Variations:

Herb Infusion: Enhance the herbal notes by adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary during the last hour of cooking.

Vegetable Medley: Include additional vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans to create a hearty vegetable-chicken-noodle medley.

Spice It Up: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Keto Version:

For a keto-friendly adaptation, skip the flour dredging and replace the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles. Use a keto-approved thickener for the creamy finish.

Low-Carb Version:

Craft a low-carb alternative by using almond flour for dredging and substituting the egg noodles with low-carb alternatives like cauliflower rice or konjac noodles.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles isn’t just a meal; it’s a journey through layers of flavor, a comforting embrace, and a reminder of the joy found in a bowl of homemade goodness. From the fragrant herbs to the creamy broth, each element contributes to a symphony of tastes that evoke feelings of warmth and satisfaction. So, let the slow cooker work its magic, fill your home with the enticing aroma of simmering broth, and indulge in the comfort of Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles—a timeless classic that invites you to savor the simple pleasures of a homemade meal.