Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles is a simple, hearty, comforting recipe for cold evenings.
For some reason I always forget to use my slow cooker.
I don’t know why, because every time I remember that it is an option and I actually use it I realize all over again what an amazing kitchen appliance it is.
My latest reminder was in the form of this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles.
This recipe for Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles was completely perfect for a busy, chilly spring day a couple weeks ago.
It took no time at all to prepare and it absolutely hit the spot as simple comfort food.
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If, like me, you forget what a great tool a slow cooker can be, here are a few tips for slow cooker success.
Tips for Cooking in a Slow Cooker
1. Always sear all sides of the meats first to brown the meat and seal in the moisture.
Don’t just throw the chicken in raw when preparing this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles. It tastes so much better when you brown the meat first.
Bonus: if your slow cooker sleeve is stove-top safe you can sear the meat in it which eliminates an extra dirty dish and leaves all those tasty browned bits from searing in the pan for deep flavor.
2. Saute aromatic ingredients like onion, carrot, celery, and garlic before adding to the slow cooker to avoid a raw taste and add deeper, more fragrant flavor.
The broth in your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles will have a much richer taste if you sauce the aromatics first.
Bonus again if your slow cooker sleeve is stove-top safe. I have one that is and I highly recommend looking for a model like that.
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3. Cook low and slow for a longer period of time rather than quick and hot for fall apart in your mouth moist, tender meats.
The chicken becomes fall apart tender when you cook the Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles in a slow cooker for several hours rather than boiling it quickly on the stove.
The flavors also have plenty of time to develop this way.
This recipe can be cooked on high or low in your slow cooker depending on your time schedule during the day.
3 – 4 hours on high or 6 – 8 hours on low will give you the best results when preparing this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles.
4. Add dried herbs at the beginning of cooking and fresh herbs towards the end.
The flavor of herbs and spices can diminish with the long cooking times, particularly with delicate fresh herbs.
It is best to taste just before serving and add a boost of flavor with additional spices and/or fresh herbs if needed.
If you want to add some fresh herbs, like chopped parsley, to this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles, I recommend stirring them in at the end of the cook time.
When you add the noodles and the peas is a great time to add any fresh herbs you might like to add.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Slow Cooker French Dip Panini
- Braised Short Rib and Bacon Chili
- Crock Pot Mexican Chicken
- Shredded Pork Tacos
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Let me know if you try this recipe and what you think of it by leaving a comment below.
What are your favorite slow cooker recipes?
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Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles
This recipe for Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles is completely perfect for a busy, chilly evening. It takes no time at all to prepare and it absolutely hit the spot as simple comfort food.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, each cut into quarters
- salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 large yellow onion, sliced thin
- 28 ounces chicken broth
- 28 ounces Italian style diced tomatoes
- 1 can Bush's Cannellini Beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 pound carrots, sliced
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
Instructions
- In a skillet (or your slow cooker insert if it is stove top safe), heat the olive oil over medium high heat.
- Add the chicken thighs, seasoning first on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook just until browned on both sides and then transfer to the slow cooker insert.
- Sprinkle the top of the chicken with the thyme and oregano.
- Adding additional olive oil if needed, sauté the onions and carrots for 3 - 4 minutes.
- Then, transfer them to the slow cooker, layering them on top of the chicken.
- Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and beans.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Be sure to adjust the cooking time if you know that your slow cooker tends to cook hotter or colder than normal.
- Then, stir in the egg noodles and peas.
- Add additional broth if needed and cook covered until the noodles are tender, about 10-15 minutes.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 8 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 292Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 112mgSodium 884mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 7gSugar 6gProtein 28g
GoodLifeEats.com offers recipe nutritional information as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although GoodLifeEats.com makes every effort to provide accurate information, these figures are only estimates.
This is a brand that I have always used in my own kitchen and any opinions expressed regarding the product are my own.
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Colleen
Sunday 1st of June 2014
Do you drain the tomatoes or throw in the whole can? Thank you
Katie
Tuesday 3rd of June 2014
the whole can
Alex | Better with Family
Thursday 27th of March 2014
Thanks for the great tips, Katie! I didn't know to sauté veggies before putting them in the slow cooker. I love the addition of the beans to this. I bet they add a nice extra layer of flavor and heartiness. Thanks for sharing!