You know those meals that feel like a warm hug at the end of a long day? This is one of them. Crockpot chicken with buttered noodles is cozy, simple, and full of flavor.
You throw everything in the slow cooker, walk away, and come back to juicy, tender chicken that shreds like a dream. Add buttery noodles at the end, and bam—dinner’s done.
🍗 Why I Love This Recipe
I grew up on slow cooker meals, and this one reminds me of home. It’s just the right mix of comfort and convenience. There’s no fancy prep, no long ingredient list. Just a few basics that come together in the best way.
- It’s set-it-and-forget-it. Toss it in and go about your day.
- Leftovers are even better the next day.
- The buttered noodles soak up all the slow-cooked flavor.
- You only need a few pantry staples to pull it off.
- Feels like comfort food but isn’t too heavy.
🍽️ Servings + Time
- Serves: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4–6 hours (on Low) or 2–3 hours (on High)
- Total Time: 10 minutes active, up to 6 hours total
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Slow cooking = juicy chicken. The crockpot traps steam, keeping the chicken moist and shreddable.
- Butter + noodles = flavor magic. The hot noodles absorb butter and broth like a sponge.
- Layering flavors. Chicken cooks in broth and seasoning, infusing the meat with flavor from the inside out.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken: Even in a slow cooker, too long can dry it out. Stick to the timing.
- Not seasoning enough: The broth needs a good amount of seasoning—don’t skimp!
- Skipping the butter at the end: It brings everything together. Don’t skip it or swap for oil.
🧂 What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for the crockpot)
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the noodles)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
🛠️ Tools:
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Medium pot (for noodles)
- Strainer
- Two forks (for shredding chicken)
- Measuring cups and spoons
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add Chicken and Seasonings to Crockpot
Place 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the crockpot. Sprinkle with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper.
Step 2: Add Broth and Butter
Pour 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter on top.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on Low for 4–6 hours or High for 2–3 hours, until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove chicken to a plate and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the broth in the crockpot.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Boil a pot of water, add 12 oz egg noodles, and cook until tender (about 6–7 minutes). Drain.
Step 6: Butter the Noodles
Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the hot noodles and stir until melted and glossy.
Step 7: Combine Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Use a slotted spoon to scoop shredded chicken into the noodles. Stir gently to mix. Add a few spoonfuls of broth if desired. Garnish with chopped parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer chicken if you want less broth—this keeps the noodles from getting soggy.
- Salt your pasta water. This gives the noodles a head start on flavor.
- Mix chicken and noodles just before serving so nothing gets mushy.
- Add more butter if your noodles absorb too much liquid.
- Want more flavor? Toss in a clove of garlic or a bay leaf with the chicken while it cooks.
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Use boneless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Add frozen peas or spinach at the end for some green.
- Swap Italian seasoning for ranch seasoning for a twist.
- Use gluten-free noodles if needed.
- Add a splash of heavy cream to the broth for a creamy version.
🧊 Make-Ahead Tips
- You can cook and shred the chicken up to 2 days in advance.
- Noodles are best made fresh but can be cooked ahead and stored with a bit of oil or butter to keep from sticking.
- The whole dish reheats well in a pan with a splash of broth.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to keep it moist.
- Freezing is possible—just freeze chicken and noodles separately for best texture.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- Side salad with a simple vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or rolls
- A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but you must thaw it first for food safety.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
Totally. Just skip the crockpot part and heat it in the broth before mixing.
Is this spicy?
Nope! It’s mild and cozy. You can add a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat.
🏁 Wrapping It Up
If you’re looking for something that tastes like comfort in a bowl, this is it. Crockpot chicken with buttered noodles is one of those easy meals you’ll make again and again. It’s low effort, big reward. Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out! Leave a comment below if you have questions or if you made any tasty changes—I’d love to hear from you!