Hearty Crockpot Chicken and Noodles: A Comforting Family Meal
When life gets busy and time is tight, sometimes you need a meal that is both comforting and easy to prepare. This hearty crockpot chicken and noodles recipe is perfect for those days when you want a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a few convenient ingredients, you can create a flavorful dish that feeds a family and even leaves you with leftovers. Here’s how to make this simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 Frozen Chicken Breasts: Choose large, frozen chicken breasts for a tender, juicy result.
- 1 32oz Container of 50% Less Sodium Chicken Broth: This helps to create a rich, flavorful base without being overly salty.
- 1 Packet of Chicken Gravy: For added depth and creaminess.
- 1 Family Size Can of Cream of Chicken Soup: This gives the dish a creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 Stick of Butter: Adds richness and a touch of indulgence.
- 1 24 oz Pack of Reams Frozen Noodles: These noodles cook up nicely in the crockpot and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- 1 10 oz Bag of Frozen Mixed Veggies: A convenient way to add vegetables to your meal without extra prep.
- 1/2 tsp Pepper: For seasoning and a hint of spice.
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder: Adds a savory flavor to the dish.
- A Sprinkle of Dried Parsley: For a touch of color and freshness.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Place the frozen chicken breasts into the crockpot.
- Add the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, chicken gravy packet, and spices. Mix everything together to combine well.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Set the crockpot to high and cook for approximately 5 hours. This allows the chicken to cook thoroughly and absorb all the flavors.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Once the chicken is cooked, use a fork to shred it directly in the crockpot. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
- Add Noodles and Veggies:
- Add the frozen noodles and mixed vegetables to the crockpot. Stir to combine everything.
- Continue to cook for an additional hour, or until the noodles are cooked to your preference and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve:
- Serve the chicken and noodles hot with biscuits or your favorite bread on the side for a complete meal.
Tips for Success:
- Use Frozen Ingredients: Frozen chicken breasts and vegetables are convenient and help to simplify preparation. Just be sure to adjust cooking times if you use fresh ingredients.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed veggies for fresh or other frozen vegetables based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more pepper, salt, or even a splash of cream if you prefer a richer sauce.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It also freezes nicely, so you can prepare a larger batch and enjoy it later.
This crockpot chicken and noodles recipe is a wonderful example of how you can create a satisfying and comforting meal with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for an easy dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation. Enjoy the convenience and flavor of this hearty recipe, and feel free to make it your own with your favorite additions or tweaks!
