Name: Crockpot Chicken and Noodles: Comfort Food Made Effortless
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h 40 min
Total time: 4 h 55 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 medium yellow onion, diced; 3 carrots, sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp dried parsley; ½ tsp black pepper; 1 tsp salt; 12 oz wide egg noodles; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 1 tbsp flour (optional)

Nothing beats coming home to a warm, hearty meal that practically made itself. This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it dinner, delivering tender chicken, thick noodles, and rich broth with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, it’s comfort food at its finest.

Why This Recipe Works

Hands-off cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work while you tackle your day (or binge your favorite show).
Rich, homemade flavor: Simmering chicken low and slow creates a deeply savory broth without store-bought stock.
Foolproof noodles: Egg noodles cook directly in the crockpot, soaking up all that delicious flavor without turning mushy.
Customizable: Easily adapt with extra veggies, spices, or even a creamy twist.
Crowd-pleaser: Picky eaters and hungry families alike will devour this cozy classic.

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trimmed of excess fat)
1 medium yellow onion (diced)
3 carrots (peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds)
3 celery stalks (sliced ¼-inch thick)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried parsley
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
12 oz wide egg noodles (uncooked)
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tbsp all-purpose flour (for thickening, optional)

Equipment Needed

6-quart or larger slow cooker
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Chef’s knife and cutting board
Small bowl (for optional slurry)

Instructions

Step 1: Layer the Aromatics and Chicken

Start by scattering diced onions, carrots, and celery across the bottom of your crockpot—this creates a flavorful base. Place chicken thighs on top, then sprinkle with minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the liquid nearly covers the chicken (add a splash of water if needed). Pro tip: Resist stirring here! Layering lets the veggies soften while the chicken stays juicy.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Tender Perfection

Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours. The chicken should reach 165°F internally and shred easily with a fork. If you’re home, give the pot a gentle stir halfway through to redistribute flavors. Low and slow is key for fall-apart texture, but if you’re crunched for time, the high setting works in a pinch.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Thicken the Broth

Use tongs to transfer chicken to a bowl, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. For a richer broth, melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl, whisk in flour, and stir this slurry back into the crockpot. Skip this step if you prefer a lighter soup. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir well. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles Directly in the Broth

Add uncooked egg noodles, pushing them down to submerge. Cover and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes, stirring once halfway, until noodles are al dente. Pro tip: Overcooking noodles turns them gummy, so check at 15 minutes if your crockpot runs hot. The broth will thicken slightly as the noodles release starch.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Turn off the heat and let the dish sit uncovered for 5–10 minutes—this helps the flavors meld and prevents scalding your tongue (we’ve all been there). Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy. Serve with crusty bread for maximum broth-soaking potential.

Tips and Tricks

Chicken cuts matter: Thighs stay juicier than breasts during long cooking, but a mix of both works. For breasts, reduce cook time by 1 hour on LOW to avoid dryness.
Broth boost: Add a parmesan rind or a splash of white wine with the broth for extra umami depth.
Noodle know-how: If your slow cooker doesn’t get hot enough to cook noodles, boil them separately and add just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Veggie variations: Frozen peas or green beans can be stirred in during the last 30 minutes for color and crunch.
Storage smarts: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days, but note noodles will absorb more broth over time. Reheat with a splash of water or broth to loosen.
Creamy twist: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or evaporated milk at the end for a velvety texture.

Recipe Variations

Herb Garden Edition: Swap dried herbs for 2 tbsp fresh thyme and rosemary, added in the last hour of cooking.
Spicy Kick: Stir in 1 diced jalapeño with the onions and finish with a dash of hot sauce.
Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and add with the carrots for an earthy twist.
Biscuit Topper: Skip noodles and top with refrigerated biscuit dough in the last 45 minutes for a chicken-and-dumplings vibe.
Gluten-Free: Use GF egg noodles and cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but add 1–2 hours to cook time on LOW and ensure the internal temp hits 165°F. For food safety, avoid piling frozen thighs—space them out so they heat evenly.

Why did my noodles turn mushy?
Overcooking or using thinner noodles (like extra fine egg noodles) is the culprit. Stick to wide noodles and check for doneness early. If reheating leftovers, expect softer noodles—it’s inevitable.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Omit the butter and flour slurry, or use olive oil and 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp broth for thickening.

Is this recipe freezable?
Technically yes, but noodles may disintegrate upon thawing. For better results, freeze just the shredded chicken and broth, then cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

What’s the best way to add more protein?
Stir in 1 cup cooked white beans or diced ham during the last 30 minutes for a heartier meal.

Summary

This Crockpot Chicken and Noodles recipe is the epitome of easy comfort food—tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a savory broth that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. With minimal prep and endless customization options, it’s a weeknight hero.