Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

If you cherished our beloved Crockpot chicken casserole with rice, prepare to fall in love with its equally delicious cousin: this rich and hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole. Crafted to perfection in a slow cooker, this ultimate comfort food can also be easily adapted for stovetop cooking, offering flexibility for any busy weeknight or relaxed weekend gathering. Its creamy texture and satisfying flavors make it an instant family favorite.

This delightful dish, featuring tender chicken with egg noodles enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce, is a staple in many households for good reason. It’s incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite mixed vegetables, an abundance of savory cheese, and a generous topping of crispy fried onions for an added layer of texture and flavor. While our preferred method for this quick and easy casserole is the slow cooker, we’ll also guide you through preparing it on the stove for those times you need dinner on the table a bit faster.

The Ultimate Crockpot Chicken Noodle Casserole Experience

Embracing the convenience of your slow cooker, this chicken noodle casserole delivers deep, developed flavors with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender, practically melting in your mouth, while the sauce thickens into a rich, savory gravy. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without constant supervision. Simply set it and forget it, returning hours later to a perfectly cooked, comforting casserole that will warm you from the inside out.

For even more cooking versatility, consider our Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles recipe, offering a rapid alternative when time is of the essence. The key to success across all methods is allowing boneless, skinless chicken to gently simmer in a thick, flavorful sauce. This ensures the chicken absorbs all the wonderful seasonings and remains juicy.

Incorporating mixed vegetables is a fantastic way to boost both nutrition and flavor. We recommend adding them closer to the end of the cooking process to maintain their vibrant color and slightly crisp texture. Frozen peas and carrots, or even green beans, work wonderfully and require no prior thawing, making prep a breeze. A dollop of full-fat sour cream is highly recommended for an extra layer of velvety richness, though you can omit it if you prefer a lighter consistency.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Casserole

Crafting this irresistible chicken noodle casserole begins with a selection of readily available ingredients. We prioritize fresh, high-quality components to ensure every spoonful is packed with flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting masterpiece:

• 2-3 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Opt for small to medium-sized breasts, or use thighs for a richer, darker meat profile. This recipe is also fantastic for utilizing leftover cooked chicken breast, significantly reducing cooking time.
• 1 Can Cream of Mushroom Soup: A classic creamy base that adds depth and umami.
• 1 Can Cream of Chicken Soup: Enhances the chicken flavor and contributes to the casserole’s signature velvety texture.
• 1 Cup Sour Cream: Choose full-fat sour cream for the ultimate creaminess and tangy balance. Avoid low-fat versions for best results.
• 2 tbsp Paprika: Adds a subtle sweet and smoky note, along with a beautiful color.
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Provides a concentrated onion flavor without the texture of fresh onion.
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder: A foundational spice that complements the chicken and creamy sauce.
• 1/4 tsp Salt: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your taste.
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a nice aromatic kick.
• 1/2 tsp Dried Oregano: Brings an aromatic, earthy flavor that pairs well with chicken.
• 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but highly recommended for a very subtle warmth without making the dish spicy.
• 12 oz Frozen Vegetables: Your choice of mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or green beans. No need to thaw.
• 16 oz Uncooked Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but medium or small shells or elbow macaroni work equally well.
• 1 Cup Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, savory, and slightly tangy flavor that melts beautifully into the casserole.
• 1/2 Cup Crispy Fried Onions: The essential crunchy topping that adds texture and a savory onion finish.

Versatile Substitutions for Every Diet and Preference

This chicken noodle casserole is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to various dietary needs or simply personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these suggested substitutions:

• Dairy-Free Options: For those avoiding dairy, you’ll be pleased to know that this casserole can still be incredibly delicious. Many stores now offer excellent lactose-free cheese and sour cream alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of their dairy counterparts surprisingly well. I’ve personally used them and found the difference to be almost imperceptible.
• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: If you prefer dark meat over white, this recipe works beautifully with chicken thighs. Thighs are generally smaller, offer a richer flavor profile, and tend to stay even more moist during slow cooking. If using thighs, you might find the cooking time in the slow cooker reduces slightly, typically to 5-6 hours on low, compared to the 6-8 hours for breasts, depending on their thickness. They’re an excellent choice, especially when found on sale!
• Other Creamy Soups: While cream of mushroom and cream of chicken are classic, feel free to experiment with other condensed creamy soups like cream of celery for a different flavor dimension.
• Cheese Varieties: While sharp cheddar is our top pick, you can substitute with other good melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses for a different twist.

Many people are familiar with Crockpot chicken soup, often enjoyed when feeling under the weather. While both dishes feature similar pasta noodles, this chicken noodle casserole is a distinctly different experience. It’s designed to be a much thicker, heartier, and more indulgent bowl of comfort food, offering a rich sauce and substantial ingredients that truly satisfy. It’s a meal in itself, perfect for a fulfilling dinner.

Step-by-Step Guide: Making Chicken Noodle Casserole in Your Slow Cooker

Creating this delicious slow cooker chicken noodle casserole is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting and satisfying meal:

• Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Whisk the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and oregano. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Add the cayenne pepper now if you like a little heat.
• Add the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) into the prepared slow cooker. Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken, ensuring the pieces are fully submerged in the sauce. This allows the chicken to absorb maximum flavor as it cooks.
• Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the “low” setting for 6 to 8 hours. The exact timing may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken pieces. The chicken is ready when it can be easily shredded with two forks.
• Shred and Incorporate Vegetables: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker and, using two forks, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in your chosen mixed frozen vegetables. Cover again and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are heated through and tender to your liking.
• Cook the Noodles Separately: While the vegetables are heating, boil the dry egg noodles in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until they are al dente (firm to the bite). Drain the noodles thoroughly.
  • Wide egg noodles are traditional for this dish, offering a satisfying bite.
  • However, smaller pasta shapes like medium or small shells, or even elbow macaroni, are also excellent choices and will work well in this casserole.
• Combine and Melt Cheese: Add the cooked and drained noodles to the slow cooker, stirring gently to evenly coat them with the rich sauce and shredded chicken. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the casserole. Replace the lid and allow it to cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbly, and the noodles have reached your desired tenderness.
• Serve with Crispy Topping: Ladle generous portions into bowls and serve immediately, topped with a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for that essential crunch and savory finish. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Noodle Casserole

Elevate Your Casserole: Using Pre-Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken

Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly adaptable for speed and convenience, making it one of our favorite leftover chicken breast recipes. Utilizing pre-cooked chicken, such as a store-bought rotisserie chicken, significantly cuts down on overall preparation and cooking time. If your chicken is already cooked, you’ll only need to cook the casserole on low for approximately 2 hours in the slow cooker, just long enough for the flavors to meld and the sauce to heat through. If you plan to add vegetables, stir them in after about 1.5 hours of cooking to ensure they are heated but still retain some texture. This hack is perfect for getting a wholesome meal on the table even on your busiest days!

Creative Noodle Alternatives for Your Casserole

While classic egg noodles are a cornerstone of this casserole, you have fantastic options if you’re looking to reduce carbs, go gluten-free, or simply try something new. Here are a couple of excellent substitutes:

1. Air Fryer Zucchini Noodles: For a low-carb and gluten-free alternative, air fryer zucchini noodles are a light and flavorful choice. They absorb the creamy sauce beautifully without adding heavy starches. Simply spiralize your zucchini, lightly season, and air fry for a few minutes until tender-crisp.
2. Spaghetti Squash Pasta: Another wonderful gluten-free and low-carb option is spaghetti squash pasta. To prepare, bake a whole spaghetti squash until soft, then scrape out the flesh into noodle-like strands. These strands have a mild flavor and lovely texture that complements the casserole well.
   • Remember, both zucchini noodles and spaghetti squash cook much faster than traditional pasta, so add them to your casserole just before serving and be sure to watch them closely to avoid overcooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole with Noodles

By
Justine

This slow cooker chicken casserole with noodles is incredibly easy to make! Featuring tender chicken breasts or thighs in a rich, creamy sauce with pasta, it’s the perfect fuss-free comfort food meal.

Prep:

10 mins

Cook:

8 hrs

Servings:
8

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Equipment

• 1 slow cooker (6-quart or larger recommended)

Ingredients

• 2-3 lbs chicken breasts, boneless, skinless, small size or thighs
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup, condensed
• 1 can cream of chicken soup, condensed
• 1 c sour cream, full-fat, not low-fat
• 2 tbsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, optional, for a subtle kick
• 12 oz frozen mixed vegetables, e.g., peas, carrots, corn, green beans
• 16 oz egg noodles, uncooked, wide or medium
• 1 c sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 c crispy fried onions, for topping

Instructions

1. Slow Cooker Method: Begin by spraying your slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, whisk together both cans of condensed soup, sour cream, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the creamy sauce mixture over them, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Cover and cook on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours, or until the chicken is incredibly tender and easily shreds with two forks.
2. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the frozen mixed vegetables. Re-cover the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the vegetables to heat through and become tender. In a separate pot, boil the egg noodles until al dente according to package directions. Drain them thoroughly.
3. Add the drained, cooked egg noodles to the slow cooker and gently stir to ensure they are evenly coated with the rich chicken and vegetable sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire casserole. Place the lid back on and cook for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese has melted into a golden, bubbly layer and the noodles are perfectly tender to your preference. Serve hot, topped generously with crispy fried onions.

Video Overview

Notes & Stove-Top Method

Chicken Noodle Casserole On the Stove

For a quicker stovetop version, combine the soups, sour cream, and seasonings in a large pot or Dutch oven. Submerge the raw chicken into the sauce. Cover the pot and cook over medium heat, allowing it to bubble gently until the chicken is fork-tender and can be easily pulled apart, approximately 30-40 minutes depending on chicken thickness.

Once the chicken is cooked and shredded, add the frozen vegetables and stir to submerge. Continue to simmer until the vegetables are tender to your liking, usually about 10 minutes. Separately, boil your egg noodles in a pot of water until al dente, then drain. Stir the cooked noodles into the chicken and vegetable mixture. Fold in half of the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Serve immediately, garnishing each bowl with the remaining cheese and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1oz

Calories: 575kcal

Carbohydrates: 55g

Protein: 40g

Fat: 21g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g

Monounsaturated Fat: 5g

Trans Fat: 0.05g

Cholesterol: 156mg

Sodium: 906mg

Potassium: 808mg

Fiber: 4g

Sugar: 3g

Vitamin A: 3509IU

Vitamin C: 6mg

Calcium: 179mg

Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Additional Information

Course:
Entree, Main Course

Cuisine:
American Comfort Food

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