Articles, Recipes, Seafood

Crock Pot Chicken Noodles

 

 

Here’s a recipe for Crock Pot Chicken Noodles that feeds a family of 6:

Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup
  • 1 small can chicken broth
  • 1 package cream cheese, cubed
  • Seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, etc.)
  • 12 oz egg noodles or noodles of your choice

Instructions:

  1. Place the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, cubed cream cheese, and your desired seasonings. Mix well until the cream cheese is incorporated into the mixture.
  3. Pour the cream of chicken mixture over the chicken breasts in the crockpot.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
  6. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the creamy sauce until well combined.
  7. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and add them to the crockpot with the chicken and sauce. Stir to combine.
  8. Let the chicken and noodles cook together in the crockpot for an additional 15-30 minutes on low heat to allow the flavors to meld together.
  9. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  10. Serve the Crock Pot Chicken Noodles hot, garnished with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

This creamy and comforting dish is perfect for a family dinner and can be easily customized with your favorite seasonings and noodles. Enjoy!

Here are some helpful tips to make your Crock Pot Chicken Noodles even more delightful:

  1. Add Vegetables: For added flavor and nutrition, consider adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, peas, or spinach to the crockpot along with the chicken and creamy sauce. These vegetables will complement the dish and add color and texture.
  2. Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary can elevate the flavor of the dish. Add them to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking or use them as a garnish before serving for a burst of freshness.
  3. Brown the Chicken: For extra depth of flavor, you can brown the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This step helps to caramelize the chicken and adds a richer flavor to the dish.
  4. Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You can add spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to the creamy sauce for a flavor boost.
  5. Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: While canned cream of chicken soup is convenient, making your own homemade version can take the dish to the next level. It’s fresher, healthier, and allows you to control the ingredients and seasonings.
  6. Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice added to the creamy sauce can brighten up the flavors and add a subtle tanginess to the dish. Just be sure not to add too much, as a little goes a long way.
  7. Finish with Fresh Parmesan: Before serving, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and noodles for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess. The cheese will melt into the dish, adding richness and depth.
  8. Use Wide Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional for chicken noodle dishes and have a nice texture that holds up well to the creamy sauce. If you can’t find wide egg noodles, you can use regular egg noodles or any other type of pasta you prefer.
  9. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or water. If it’s too thin, you can thicken it with a cornstarch slurry (mix equal parts cornstarch and cold water) added to the crockpot during the last hour of cooking.
  10. Let Flavors Meld: For the best flavor, allow the chicken and noodles to cook together in the crockpot for at least 15-30 minutes after adding the noodles. This allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the noodles absorb the creamy sauce.

With these tips, you can make your Crock Pot Chicken Noodles even more delicious and satisfying!

Here are some secrets to help you achieve that perfection:

  1. Choose the Right Cut of Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Chicken thighs have more flavor and tenderness, and they hold up better to slow cooking without drying out.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Before adding the chicken to the crockpot, sear it in a hot skillet with a little oil until golden brown on both sides. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the chicken and adds depth to the dish.
  3. Season Well: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any other herbs or spices you like. Seasoning the chicken before cooking ensures that the flavors penetrate deeply into the meat.
  4. Use Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup: While canned cream of chicken soup is convenient, making your own homemade version results in a richer and more flavorful sauce. You can control the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste.
  5. Add Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of the dish by adding aromatics like chopped onions, minced garlic, and diced celery to the crockpot along with the chicken. These aromatics will infuse the sauce with savory depth and complexity.
  6. Add Cream Cheese: Adding cream cheese to the sauce creates a rich and creamy texture that coats the chicken and noodles beautifully. Be sure to cube the cream cheese and add it to the crockpot along with the other ingredients for even distribution.
  7. Low and Slow Cooking: Cook the chicken and noodles on low heat for 4-6 hours. Cooking the dish slowly allows the flavors to meld together and ensures that the chicken becomes tender and juicy.
  8. Stir Occasionally: Stir the ingredients occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even distribution of the sauce. This helps to prevent any dry spots and ensures that every bite is flavorful.
  9. Cook the Noodles Separately: For best results, cook the egg noodles separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Add the cooked noodles to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and ensures they retain their texture.
  10. Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may need to add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

By following these secrets, you can achieve the perfect Crock Pot Chicken Noodles that are flavorful, comforting, and sure to be a hit with your family!

Here are some of the most popular questions and answers related to Crock Pot Chicken Noodles:

  1. Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. However, it’s recommended to thaw the chicken before adding it to the crockpot for even cooking.
  2. How long does this dish need to cook in the crockpot? This dish typically cooks on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  3. Can I use chicken broth instead of cream of chicken soup? Yes, you can substitute chicken broth for cream of chicken soup if you prefer. However, the dish will have a different flavor and texture, so you may need to adjust the seasonings accordingly.
  4. Can I add vegetables to this dish? Yes, you can add vegetables such as carrots, celery, peas, or spinach to the crockpot along with the chicken and noodles for added flavor and nutrition.
  5. Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer in this dish, such as penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the type of pasta you choose.
  6. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Simply combine the ingredients in the crockpot and cook according to the recipe instructions when you’re ready to eat.
  7. How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stove until heated through before serving.
  8. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, you can freeze this dish for later. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  9. Can I add additional seasonings or spices to this dish? Yes, feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste preferences. You can add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, or rosemary for extra flavor.
  10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this dish. Chicken thighs are often more flavorful and tender, making them a great option for slow cooking.

These are some of the most commonly asked questions about Crock Pot Chicken Noodles, which can help you prepare and enjoy this delicious and comforting dish!