Ret Soup
Introduction
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Noodles dish is ideal for those looking to enjoy a warm, hearty meal with minimal effort. With tender chicken and rich, flavorful noodles, this recipe brings comfort to your table on a busy day.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 700g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 500ml chicken broth
– 250ml cream of chicken soup
– 100g butter
– 200g carrots, sliced
– 200g celery, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 200g egg noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 5g fresh parsley, chopped
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Directions
1. Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Pour in chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.
3. Add butter, carrots, celery, and garlic.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until chicken is tender.
5. Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred with two forks.
6. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot.
7. Add egg noodles, stir, and cover.
8. Cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until noodles are cooked to your preference.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot, ensuring they are arranged evenly for consistent cooking.
Step 2: Add Liquid Ingredients
Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the chicken breasts. This will provide the necessary moisture and flavor for the dish.
Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables and Butter
Add the butter, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic into the crockpot. This combination will enhance the overall taste and texture.
Step 4: Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking method allows the chicken to become tender and absorb the flavors.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Return Shredded Chicken
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot, mixing it into the broth and vegetables for even distribution.
Step 7: Add Egg Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles, ensuring they are fully submerged in the liquid. This will allow them to cook properly.
Step 8: Cook on High
Cover the crockpot again and switch the setting to high. Cook for an additional 30 to 40 minutes, or until the egg noodles reach your preferred texture.
Step 9: Season to Taste
Once the noodles are cooked, add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as necessary to enhance the flavor.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Before serving, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for added color and flavor.
Notes
Cooking Time Variability
Cooking times may vary based on the specific crockpot model, so be sure to check the chicken and noodles for doneness before serving.
Storage Recommendations
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.
Freezing Tips
This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. However, the texture of the egg noodles may change upon reheating. Consider cooking the noodles separately if you plan to freeze portions.
Customization Options
Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn for extra nutrition. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
Storage Instructions
Crockpot Chicken and Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let the dish cool completely before transferring it to the container. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, and then reheat in a pot on the stove or microwave until heated through. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the noodles when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread or dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. For a well-rounded meal, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables, such as green beans or broccoli. To elevate the flavors, consider drizzling a bit of lemon juice over the top just before serving or sprinkling some additional freshly chopped parsley for an added touch of freshness.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (approximately 1/6 of the recipe):
– Calories: 400
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Dietary Fiber: 2g
– Sugars: 3g
– Total Fat: 18g
– Saturated Fat: 10g
– Sodium: 900mg
Please note that these values can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes.
Ingredient Substitutions
– Chicken: You can replace the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, try using tofu or jackfruit.
– Chicken broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option or homemade stock for enhanced flavor.
– Cream of chicken soup: Substitute with a cream of mushroom soup or make your own creamy sauce using flour, butter, and milk.
– Butter: Olive oil or margarine can be used in place of butter for a healthier alternative.
– Noodles: Egg noodles can be replaced with whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions.
– Carrots and celery: Other vegetables, such as peas, corn, or bell peppers, can be used based on your preference.
Cook techniques
Layering Ingredients
Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure they cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the broth and other ingredients.
Searing for Flavor
For added depth, consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before placing them in the crockpot. This step is optional but can enhance the overall taste.
Shredding Chicken
After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken. This technique creates tender, bite-sized pieces that blend well with the noodles and broth.
Cooking Noodles
Add egg noodles during the last 30-40 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overly mushy. Stir occasionally for even cooking.
Seasoning
Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper towards the end of cooking for a customized flavor profile that suits your preference.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; however, make sure to cook it a little longer (about 7-8 hours on low) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or alternatives like cream of mushroom soup or a thickened broth with heavy cream.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or potatoes for added nutrition and flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles or rice for a gluten-free version of this dish.
Conclusion
This comforting Crockpot Chicken and Noodles dish is a great choice for a busy weeknight meal. With its rich flavors and tender chicken, it offers a satisfying experience that the whole family will love. The hands-off cooking method makes it easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy more time with your loved ones while still delivering a hearty, delicious dinner.
Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry
Combine chicken with mixed vegetables like bell peppers and broccoli for a quick stir-fry served over rice or noodles.
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Use the same chicken base but add taco seasoning. Shred the chicken and serve in taco shells with your favorite toppings.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Substitute rice for noodles in the original recipe, adding extra broth to achieve a creamy texture while cooking in the crockpot.
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Shred the cooked chicken and mix with buffalo sauce, then serve in wraps with lettuce, cheese, and ranch dressing for a spicy twist.
Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Include mushrooms and arborio rice in the crockpot; allow it to absorb the broth and create a creamy risotto-style dish.
Chicken Pot Pie
Use the chicken and vegetable mixture as a filling and top it with puff pastry or pie crust for a comforting pot pie.
Curry Chicken and Noodles
Incorporate coconut milk and curry powder instead of cream soup for a warm and flavorful curry noodle dish.
Chicken Alfredo Pasta
Add Alfredo sauce and fettuccine noodles in place of egg noodles for a rich and creamy pasta dish.
