I call it “mommas crockpot noodles”
•In the crockpot: I pour enough chicken stock to cover bottom cause I want my chicken to bathe, not drown. I add in three raw chicken breasts, and two hefty spoonfuls of butter, along with seasoning of choice! Sometimes it ranch, sometimes Cajun, sometimes just salt and pepper cause my husband is a bland man…
Let this cook on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through
•once chicken is cooked, I shred it and add a family sized can of cream of chicken soup, along with cheese of choice! Tonight it was three cuts off of a block of velveeta (like I said, I don’t measure, just do it until it feels right) 
•on stovetop: I cooked egg noodles (use whichever noodles you like but the egg noodle shape is more fun for me) and I also add a chicken bouillon cube to my noodles!
Once the noodles are done, I drain them and dump them into crockpot! *this can also be easily made with canned chicken, but since I had time and chicken to spare, it makes a world of difference!
Mix together and voila! The perfect meal to feed clan of folks, or feed your husband for three days
Here are some tips to make “Momma’s Crockpot Noodles” even better:
- Use Quality Chicken Stock: Opt for a good quality chicken stock or broth to enhance the flavor of the dish. If you have homemade stock, even better!
- Seasoning Variety: Experiment with different seasoning blends to keep the flavors interesting. You can try ranch seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or even some smoked paprika for a twist.
- Adjust Butter: The butter adds richness to the dish, but you can adjust the amount based on your preference. If you prefer a lighter dish, you can reduce the amount of butter or use a lower-fat alternative.
- Chicken Cooking Time: Ensure the chicken breasts are fully cooked through but not overcooked. You can check for doneness with a meat thermometer or by cutting into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there is no pinkness.
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different types of cheese to add depth of flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses can work well. If using Velveeta, consider adding a bit of sharp cheese for extra flavor.
- Noodle Choice: While egg noodles add a nice texture and hold up well in the crockpot, feel free to use any type of pasta you prefer. Rotini, penne, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces can work.
- Enhance Noodle Flavor: Adding a chicken bouillon cube to the cooking water for the noodles adds extra flavor. You can also try adding garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs to the cooking water for an additional layer of flavor.
- Mixing Technique: Once you’ve added the cooked and drained noodles to the crockpot, mix everything together gently to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the creamy chicken mixture.
- Adjust Consistency: If the dish seems too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of milk or additional chicken stock. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can let it cook uncovered for a bit to thicken up.
- Serve with Garnishes: Consider topping each serving with chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onions, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or even some crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor
Q1: Can I cook raw noodles in a crockpot? A: Yes, you can cook raw noodles in a crockpot. However, it’s important to note that noodles can become mushy if overcooked, so it’s best to add them during the last 30 minutes to 1 hour of the cooking time.
Q2: Should I cook noodles before adding them to the crockpot? A: It depends on the recipe. If you’re making a soup or stew in the crockpot, you can add uncooked noodles directly to the pot. If you’re making a pasta dish with a sauce, it’s recommended to cook the noodles separately according to the package instructions and then add them to the crockpot during the last part of the cooking time.
Q3: How much liquid do I need to cook noodles in a crockpot? A: Noodles need a sufficient amount of liquid to cook properly. For soups and stews, there is usually enough liquid in the recipe to cook the noodles directly in the crockpot. If you’re making a pasta dish, make sure there is enough sauce or broth to cover the noodles completely.
Q4: Can I use any type of noodles in a crockpot? A: Yes, you can use various types of noodles in a crockpot, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, macaroni, or even egg noodles. The cooking time may vary depending on the type and thickness of the noodles, so it’s essential to monitor them to prevent overcooking.
Q5: How do I prevent noodles from becoming mushy in the crockpot? A: To prevent noodles from becoming mushy, it’s crucial not to overcook them. If the recipe calls for cooking noodles in the crockpot, add them during the last part of the cooking time and check for doneness frequently. Additionally, using the right amount of liquid and not overcrowding the crockpot can help ensure that the noodles cook evenly.
Q6: Can I refrigerate or freeze leftovers with noodles from the crockpot? A: Yes, you can refrigerate leftovers with noodles from the crockpot for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store them in an airtight container. However, noodles tend to absorb liquid and can become softer upon reheating. If you’re planning to freeze the leftovers, consider undercooking the noodles slightly to account for the additional cooking they will undergo during reheating.
