This Slow Cooker Chicken & Noodles recipe is the kind of simple comfort food that saves dinner when you do not know what to make. Tender egg noodles cook with diced chicken, creamy chicken soup, and savory broth for an easy, cozy meal with very little prep.
It is warm, creamy, filling, and made with basic ingredients you can keep on hand. The biggest trick is adding the dry egg noodles near the end so they become tender without turning mushy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This is an easy slow cooker meal that works especially well when you already have cooked chicken in the refrigerator or freezer. Rotisserie chicken is perfect here and makes the recipe even faster.
The cream of chicken soup creates a smooth, comforting sauce while the broth gives the noodles enough liquid to cook directly in the crockpot. Garlic powder and onion powder add simple savory flavor without requiring extra chopping.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 can cream of chicken soup, about 10.5 ounces
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup sliced carrots, cooked until tender
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy variation
Ingredient Notes
Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are ideal because they give the dish that classic chicken-and-noodles texture. Do not add them at the beginning of a long slow-cooking cycle because they can become overly soft.
Cooked chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or any fully cooked boneless chicken. Since the chicken is already cooked, it only needs enough time in the slow cooker to heat through and absorb flavor.
Cream of chicken soup: This provides the creamy base and helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Chicken broth: Low-sodium broth makes it easier to control the final seasoning, especially because condensed soup can already contain a good amount of salt.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken & Noodles
- Lightly grease the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker if desired.
- Add the cooked diced or shredded chicken.
- Spoon the cream of chicken soup over the chicken.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and optional herbs.
- Stir until the soup and broth are well combined.
- Cover and cook on low for about one to two hours, just until everything is hot and flavorful.
- Turn the slow cooker to high.
- Add the dry egg noodles and stir well so they are coated in the hot liquid.
- Cover and cook for about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Begin checking around 20 minutes because different noodle brands cook at different speeds.
- Once the noodles are tender, turn the slow cooker to warm or off.
- Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper.
- Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy.
The Secret to Good Slow Cooker Noodles
Egg noodles cook much faster than chicken or vegetables, so they should be added near the end. If they sit in hot liquid for several hours, they can absorb too much broth and lose their texture.
Once the noodles are just tender, stop active cooking. They will continue absorbing liquid as the dish sits.
How to Adjust the Consistency
If the chicken and noodles become thicker than you prefer, stir in additional warm chicken broth about one-quarter cup at a time.
If the mixture is too loose after the noodles are cooked, leave the lid off for five to 10 minutes. The noodles will continue absorbing some of the liquid.
A tablespoon or two of butter can also be stirred in at the end for a richer, silkier finish.
Can You Put Dry Egg Noodles Directly in the Crockpot?
Yes, as long as you add them near the end rather than at the beginning. The noodles need enough hot liquid to cook, but they do not need hours in the slow cooker.
Stir them thoroughly after adding so they are exposed to the broth, and check frequently once they begin softening.
Easy Cheesy Chicken & Noodles
For a richer variation, stir in about one-half cup shredded cheddar cheese after the noodles are tender.
Turn the slow cooker to warm and stir until the cheese melts. A small amount of Parmesan can also be added for extra savory flavor.
Chicken and Vegetable Variation
Frozen peas are one of the easiest additions because they only need a few minutes to heat through.
Add them during the final five to 10 minutes of cooking. You can also use cooked carrots, corn, or green beans.
Extra Creamy Variation
For an extra creamy version, stir in four ounces of softened cream cheese after the noodles are cooked.
Add it in small pieces and stir gently until melted. If the sauce becomes too thick, loosen it with a little warm chicken broth.
What to Serve with Chicken & Noodles
This recipe can work as a main dish because it already contains chicken and pasta, but it also pairs well with simple sides.
Serve it with green beans, peas, roasted carrots, broccoli, corn, or a crisp garden salad.
Warm biscuits, dinner rolls, or garlic bread are also excellent with the creamy sauce.
Using Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe especially convenient. Remove the skin and bones, then chop or shred about two cups of meat.
Because it is already seasoned, taste the finished dish before adding extra salt.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can combine the chicken, cream of chicken soup, broth, and seasonings in the slow cooker ahead of time and refrigerate the insert if your slow cooker manufacturer allows it.
Do not add the egg noodles until shortly before serving. This is important for maintaining their texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.
The noodles will absorb more sauce while refrigerated, so leftovers will be thicker.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk and warm gently until steaming hot.
Freezing is possible, but egg noodles may become softer after thawing, so this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Chicken & Noodles
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: About 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours
Total Time: About 2 hours
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Cooking Method: Slow Cooker
Quick Instructions
- Add cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for one to two hours until hot.
- Turn to high.
- Add uncooked egg noodles.
- Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stop cooking as soon as the noodles are tender.
- Adjust seasoning and add extra broth if needed.
- Serve warm.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chicken & Noodles is one of those dependable comfort-food recipes made for busy days. With cooked chicken, dry egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, broth, and a few simple seasonings, you can put together a warm family meal with almost no effort.
The key is simple: heat the creamy chicken base first, add the noodles near the end, and serve as soon as they become tender for the best texture.