Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles

Why This Recipe Is an Absolute Keeper

Before we dive into the method, here’s why this crock pot chicken and noodles will become a staple in your kitchen:

Simple ingredients. Chicken, garlic salt, dried onion, pepper, chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, carrots, butter, peas, and frozen noodles. That’s it!
Set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work.
Ready in minutes. Five minutes of prep, then walk away.
Creamy, savory, and comforting. Every bite is pure comfort.
Tender, juicy chicken. It shreds beautifully.
Soft, satisfying noodles. They soak up the creamy sauce.
Colorful, flavorful vegetables. Carrots and peas add sweetness and texture.
Crowd-pleasing. Kids and adults alike devour this.
Budget-friendly. Simple, affordable ingredients.
Perfect for any occasion. Busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or holiday dinners.

The Ingredients

This recipe uses simple, affordable ingredients that come together beautifully.

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – For tender, juicy chicken.
1 teaspoon garlic salt – For savory depth.
1 teaspoon minced dried onion – For onion flavor.
1 teaspoon black pepper – For warmth.
4 cups chicken stock – For the savory base.
2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup – For creaminess and flavor.
3 carrots, peeled and sliced – For sweetness and color.
8 tablespoons butter – For richness.
1 cup frozen peas – For sweetness and color.
1 (24-ounce) bag frozen noodles (I used Reames) – For hearty, satisfying noodles.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the Chicken

Add your chicken breasts to the crock pot. Aim for a single layer.

Pro Tip: A single layer ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle on the garlic salt, dried onions, and pepper.

Pro Tip: Season evenly for consistent flavor.

Step 3: Add the Liquids and Vegetables

Slowly pour in the chicken stock, cream soups, and carrots and butter.

Pro Tip: Stir gently to combine the soups with the stock.

Step 4: Cook Low and Slow

Cover with lid and cook on low 4 hours, or high for 2 hours.

Pro Tip: Don’t lift the lid! Every time you open the slow cooker, you lose heat and add cooking time.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken and shred, and then add chicken, peas and noodles back into the slow cooker.

Pro Tip: Shred the chicken in the slow cooker so it soaks up all that delicious sauce.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Cook another 1 1/2 – 2 hours or until the noodles are fully cooked.

Pro Tip: Stir once or twice to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Step 7: Stir and Serve

Stir well and serve.

Pro Tip: Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve It Like a Pro

This crock pot chicken and noodles is delicious on its own, but a few simple sides make it a complete meal:

With crusty bread – For soaking up the creamy sauce.
With a simple green salad – Balances the richness.
With roasted vegetables – Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli.
With mashed potatoes – Double comfort.
With a glass of white wine – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
With a glass of sweet tea – The Southern way.
With a sprinkle of fresh parsley – For a pop of color.
With a dash of hot sauce – For heat.
With a side of rice – For a complete meal.
With a side of cornbread – Southern comfort.

Variations & Swaps (Because Life Happens)

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it is. Here are some easy ways to make it your own:

Make It with Different Proteins

Chicken thighs – Boneless, skinless thighs stay extra juicy.
Turkey breast – A leaner alternative.
Pork chops – Boneless pork chops work beautifully.
Sausage – Italian or breakfast sausage adds a different flavor.

Make It with Different Soups

Cream of mushroom – Earthy and savory.
Cream of celery – Mild and aromatic.
Cream of onion – Rich and savory.
Cheddar cheese soup – For a cheesy twist.

Make It with Add-Ins

Celery – Diced for crunch and flavor.
Mushrooms – Sliced and sautéed.
Onions – Diced and sautéed.
Bell peppers – Diced for color and flavor.
Jalapeños – Minced for heat.
Fresh herbs – Parsley, thyme, or rosemary.

Make It Spicier

Add cayenne – A pinch for heat.
Add red pepper flakes – A pinch for warmth.
Add jalapeños – Minced for fresh heat.
Add hot sauce – A few dashes for kick.

Make It with Different Noodles

Frozen egg noodles – The classic choice.
Dried egg noodles – Add during the last hour of cooking.
Pasta – Rotini, penne, or farfalle work beautifully.
Gluten-free noodles – For dietary needs.

Pro Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles

Use boneless, skinless chicken. It cooks evenly and shreds beautifully.
Season the chicken well. For maximum flavor.
Don’t lift the lid. Keep that heat and moisture inside.
Shred the chicken in the slow cooker. It soaks up all that delicious sauce.
Add noodles at the end. They cook quickly and absorb the sauce.
Stir once or twice. Prevents the noodles from sticking.
Let them sit. A few minutes off heat lets the noodles absorb more sauce.
Serve with a starch. Bread or mashed potatoes soak up the sauce.
Make extra. It disappears fast!
Store properly. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of chicken?
Yes. Boneless, skinless thighs work beautifully and stay extra juicy.

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to add 1-2 hours to the cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

Can I use a different cream soup?
Yes. Cream of mushroom, cream of celery, cream of onion, or cheddar cheese soup all work beautifully.

Can I use dried egg noodles instead of frozen?
Yes. Add them during the last hour of cooking, and add an extra cup of broth or water.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This dish tastes even better the next day. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

How long do leftovers last?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze this dish?
Yes. Freeze cooled chicken and noodles in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Why is my dish too thin?
The chicken may have released too much liquid. Remove the lid and cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes to thicken.

Why are my noodles mushy?
You may have overcooked them. Cook the noodles for 1½-2 hours, until tender but not mushy.

Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely! Celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers all work beautifully.

Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes. Add all ingredients except the noodles to the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 12-15 minutes, then natural release. Stir in the noodles and cook on sauté until tender.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger slow cooker and adjust cooking time slightly.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store cooled chicken and noodles in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Freezer

Freeze cooled chicken and noodles in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating Tips

Microwave: Quick and easy. Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Slow Cooker: Reheat on LOW for 1-2 hours, until hot.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prep Ahead: Chop the carrots and measure the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance.
Assemble Ahead: Layer everything except the noodles in the slow cooker crock, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Start cooking in the morning. Add the noodles at the end.
Freeze Ahead: Freeze cooked chicken and noodles for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

The Beauty of Simple, Creamy, Savory Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles

There’s something deeply satisfying about a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. This Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles is the kind of meal that makes people happy—the kind that brings everyone to the table with a smile.

It’s not fancy. It’s not complicated. But it is reliable, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious. And isn’t that what great comfort food is all about?

So keep chicken breasts, garlic salt, dried onion, pepper, chicken stock, cream of chicken soup, carrots, butter, peas, and frozen noodles in your kitchen. And when you need a simple, impressive meal that delivers big flavor with minimal fuss, you’ll know exactly what to make.

Final Verdict

Rating: 5 out of 5
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5½-6 hours on LOW (4 hours + 1½-2 hours) or 3½-4 hours on HIGH
Total Time: Approximately 4-6 hours
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cleanup: Minimal (one slow cooker)
Leftover potential: Excellent — tastes even better the next day
Best for: Busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, holiday dinners, and anytime you need a hands-off meal