Of course! A slow cooker chicken noodle meal is the ultimate comfort food – easy, hearty, and perfect for a busy day. The key is adding the noodles at the end to prevent them from turning to mush.
Here is a classic, foolproof recipe along with tips for perfect results every time.
Classic Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Meal
This recipe yields a rich, flavorful broth with tender chicken and vegetables.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 6-8 hours on Low, 3-4 hours on High, plus 30 minutes for noodles
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients
· 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (thighs stay more tender)
· 1 medium onion, diced
· 3 carrots, peeled and sliced into ½-inch rounds
· 3 celery stalks, sliced
· 3 cloves garlic, minced
· 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
· 1 teaspoon dried thyme
· 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tbsp fresh)
· 1 bay leaf
· Salt and black pepper to taste
· 8 oz (225g) wide egg noodles or your favorite pasta
· 1 cup frozen peas (optional, add at the end)
· 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the insert of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a little olive oil for easier cleaning.
- Add Ingredients: Place the chicken, onion, carrots, celery, and garlic into the slow cooker. Season with the thyme, parsley, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over everything and add the bay leaf.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork.
- Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and place them on a cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
- Cook the Noodles: Stir the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add the uncooked egg noodles and frozen peas (if using). Stir to submerge the noodles as much as possible.
- Finish Cooking: Cover and cook on HIGH for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Avoid overcooking at this stage.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
· Don’t Overcook the Noodles: This is the #1 rule! Noodles will continue to absorb liquid and soften even after you turn off the heat. Cook them just until al dente.
· For a Richer Broth: For a deeper flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a pan with a little butter or oil until slightly softened before adding them to the slow cooker.
· Prevent Mushy Noodles: If you’re making this for a crowd or know you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately according to package directions. Add a portion of cooked noodles to each bowl when serving and ladle the hot soup over them. This keeps the noodles perfectly firm.
· Creamy Version: For a creamy chicken noodle soup, stir in 1/2 to 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
· Thicken the Soup: If you prefer a thicker, stew-like consistency, make a quick slurry. Mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 3 tablespoons of cold water until smooth. Stir this into the slow cooker after you add the noodles, and it will thicken as it cooks.
Easy Variations to Try
· Herb Lover’s: Add a sprig of fresh rosemary or sage along with the thyme.
· Lemon & Dill: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh dill and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end for a bright, fresh flavor.
· Different Noodles: Feel free to use other pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even tortellini. Gluten-free noodles work well too, but check the cooking time.
· More Veggies: Add chopped potatoes, corn, or green beans at the beginning with the other vegetables.
Enjoy your cozy, homemade meal! There’s nothing better than coming home to the smell of this classic dinner ready and waiting.