Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds (about 4) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Salt to taste (optional)
– 8 oz (about 4 cups) egg noodles
– 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional, for added veggies)
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Chicken and Broth:**
– Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the diced onion, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine.
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
– Cover and cook on **LOW** for 6-7 hours or on **HIGH** for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. **Shred the Chicken:**
– Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
4. **Add Noodles and Cream:**
– Add the egg noodles, heavy cream (or half-and-half), and butter to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, making sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Add frozen peas and carrots if using.
– Cover and cook on **HIGH** for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring once halfway through.
5. **Finish and Serve:**
– Once the noodles are cooked, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
– Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Tips:
– **Noodles:** Stir halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking of the noodles. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water.
– **Creaminess:** For a richer dish, you can replace half of the heavy cream with cream cheese.
– **Vegetables:** You can add other vegetables like green beans, corn, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
Enjoy!
This **Comforting Chicken & Noodles Crock Pot** recipe is a cozy, hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days or whenever you need a simple and delicious dinner. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and noodles make it a family favorite!