This comforting chicken and noodles crock pot recipe is a hearty, soul-warming meal that I can set and forget. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, thick homestyle egg noodles, and a creamy, savory broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly nights or when I just need something cozy and easy to feed the whole family.

Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s pure comfort food with minimal effort. Everything goes into the slow cooker, and by the end of the day, I’ve got a warm, filling meal that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours. The chicken becomes fall-apart tender, and the noodles soak up all the rich flavors of the broth. It’s also budget-friendly and made with simple pantry staples, which makes it a regular go-to in my house.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Chicken broth
Cream of chicken soup
Onion (chopped)
Garlic (minced)
Salt
Black pepper
Dried thyme
Egg noodles (frozen homestyle or wide-style)
Butter
Optional: frozen peas or carrots for extra vegetables

Directions

I add the chicken, chopped onion, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth into the crock pot.
I cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for about 3–4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is done, I remove it from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
I stir in the egg noodles and butter, then cover and cook on high for another 30–45 minutes, or until the noodles are soft and cooked through.
If I’m adding peas or carrots, I stir them in during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
I give everything a gentle stir before serving to make sure it’s all coated in the creamy sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 6 people and takes 7–8 hours on low or 4–5 hours on high, including time for cooking the noodles at the end.

Variations

Sometimes I switch out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor base. When I want a bit more richness, I stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end. For added veggies, I throw in chopped spinach or corn. And if I’m out of egg noodles, I’ve used rotini or even dumplings as a substitute.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up if it thickens too much. It also reheats well in the microwave. I don’t recommend freezing it after adding the noodles, as they tend to get mushy, but I freeze the base (without noodles) and add fresh noodles later when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if I have leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breast, I skip the slow-cooking step and just simmer everything for a couple of hours before adding the noodles.

Do I have to use frozen egg noodles?

No, but I prefer them for their thick, homemade-style texture. Dry egg noodles or other pasta shapes work too—just adjust the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, I use a dairy-free cream of chicken alternative and skip the butter or use a plant-based version.

What kind of chicken works best?

I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Thighs are juicier and a bit more flavorful, but both work well in this recipe.

How can I thicken the sauce more?

If I want the sauce thicker, I mash a few of the noodles against the side of the crock pot once they’re cooked, or I stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).

Conclusion

This comforting chicken and noodles crock pot recipe is everything I want in an easy, satisfying dinner. It’s creamy, cozy, and full of flavor—perfect for feeding a hungry family or stocking up on leftovers. I love how it fills the kitchen with the smell of home, and it's one of those meals that always brings comfort, no matter the season.