Slow Cooker Italian Chicken and Noodles

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles is a simple, hearty, and comforting recipe for cold evenings. Turn on the slow cooker first thing in the morning, then enjoy your dinner that night!

Making This Easy Chicken and Noodles Recipe

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 Chicken and Noodles.

This recipe for chicken and egg noodles was completely perfect for a busy, chilly day a couple weeks ago. It took no time at all to prepare and it absolutely hit the spot as simple comfort food.

Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles Ingredients

For this easy chicken and noodles, you’ll need the following basic ingredients:

• Olive oil
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Dried thyme and oregano
• Yellow onion
• Chicken broth
• Italian-style diced tomatoes
• Cannellini beans
• Egg noodles
• Frozen peas

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Can I Use Chicken Breasts?

I imagine so, but chicken breasts tend to be less juicy than chicken thighs. However, you may use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, if desired.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles

This is hands down the best chicken and noodles recipe, both because it’s easy to make and it tastes so incredibly delicious!

1. Brown the chicken on both sides in an oiled skillet, then transfer to the slow cooker insert.
2. Sprinkle the top of the chicken with the thyme and oregano.
3. In the same skillet you browned the chicken in, sauté the onions and carrots until slightly tender. Then, transfer them to the slow cooker, layering them on top of the chicken.
4. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, and beans.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. At this point, stir in the egg noodles and peas.
7. Cook covered until the noodles are tender.

The above is simply a quick summary of this recipe. Check out the full recipe in the free printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for all the detailed instructions.

Can You Freeze Chicken and Noodles?

Technically yes, but I don’t recommend doing so. Once frozen, the noodles will become grainy and once reheated they’ll turn to mush.

Tips for Making Slow Cooker Dinners

If, like me, you forget what a great tool a slow cooker can be, here are a few tips for slow cooker success.

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.

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 Dinner Recipes:

Crock Pot Mexican Chicken is the perfect shredded chicken recipe for your next Mexican recipe. Packed with flavor and super tender thanks to hours in the crock pot, this recipe is sure to please!

Next time you’re craving Pork Carnitas, try this Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas Lettuce Wrap recipe. Top it off with some fruity Mango Salsa for a fresh burst of flavor.

Not sure what to do with a ham bone? This Slow Cooker Ham Soup with Potatoes and Kale is both easy to prepare and flavorful, thanks to the use of a slow cooker and the rich flavor that a leftover ham bone imparts.

This Braised Short Rib and Bacon Chili has chunks of tender beef short ribs, peppers, and kidney beans in a thick chili base. Comfort food at its finest!

These Shredded Pork Tacos can be made using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Each person can customize their toppings as they see fit!

I have an ongoing relationship with Bush’s Beans where I am compensated for my time. 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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Let me know if you try this recipe and what you think of it by leaving a comment below.

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