Hearty Chicken and Noodles with Vegetables

This hearty chicken and noodle dish is perfect for feeding a family and still leaves you with some delicious leftovers. It’s a comforting, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and sure to please everyone from toddlers to adults. The combination of tender chicken, rich broth, creamy soup, and wholesome vegetables makes it a satisfying dish for any time of the year.

Ingredients

2 large frozen chicken breasts 🍗
1 (32 oz) container of 50% less sodium chicken broth 🍲

1 packet of chicken gravy 🌾
1 family-size can of cream of chicken soup 🥣
1/2 stick of butter 🧈

1 (24 oz) pack of frozen noodles 🍝
1 (10 oz) bag of frozen mixed vegetables 🥦
1/2 teaspoon of pepper 🧂

1/2 teaspoon of onion powder 🧅
A sprinkle of dried parsley 🌿

Instructions

Prepare the Base:

In your crockpot, combine the frozen chicken breasts, chicken broth, chicken gravy packet, cream of chicken soup, butter, pepper, onion powder, and dried parsley. Stir everything together to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.

Cook the Chicken:

Set your crockpot to high heat and cook for approximately 5 hours. This slow-cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and flavorful, while the broth and seasonings infuse into the soup base.

Shred the Chicken:

After 5 hours, the chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred. Use a fork to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it into the broth and soup mixture.

Add the Noodles and Vegetables:

Once the chicken is shredded, add the frozen noodles and mixed vegetables to the crockpot. Stir everything together, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the broth.

Finish Cooking:

Continue cooking on high for an additional hour, or until the noodles are tender and cooked to your liking. The mixed vegetables will also cook through, adding texture and nutritional value to the dish.

Serve:

Serve the chicken and noodles hot, paired with warm biscuits for a complete, comforting meal.

Tips for a Perfect Chicken and Noodles Dish

Use Frozen Chicken:

Using frozen chicken breasts not only simplifies the preparation but also helps the chicken cook evenly without drying out.

Don’t Overcrowd the Noodles:

If you prefer your dish to have more broth, consider reducing the amount of noodles or adding additional chicken broth when you add the noodles.

Season to Taste:

The base recipe is mild, so feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your family’s preferences. Add more pepper, or even a pinch of garlic powder for added flavor.

Customize Your Vegetables:

While this recipe uses frozen mixed vegetables, you can customize it with your favorite frozen or fresh vegetables. Carrots, peas, green beans, and corn all work well in this dish.

Thicken the Broth:

If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can create a slurry by mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and adding it to the crockpot during the final hour of cooking.

Leftover Tip:

This dish reheats well and is even more flavorful the next day. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pair with Biscuits:

Serving this dish with biscuits adds a buttery, flaky texture that complements the creamy chicken and noodles perfectly.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh chicken breasts. If using fresh chicken, reduce the initial cooking time by 30 minutes to 1 hour, as fresh chicken cooks faster than frozen.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This meal is great for meal prep. You can cook the chicken and broth base ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then reheat it and add the noodles and vegetables just before serving.

3. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with a homemade cream sauce or use a lower-fat version of cream of chicken soup.

4. What if I don’t have a crockpot?

You can make this dish on the stovetop in a large pot. Simmer the chicken in the broth and seasonings until cooked, then proceed with the recipe, cooking the noodles and vegetables in the pot.

5. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, you can substitute the frozen noodles with egg noodles, rotini, or even a whole grain option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

6. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the butter with a plant-based butter or oil, and use a dairy-free cream soup or make a homemade version using a dairy-free milk alternative.

This hearty chicken and noodle dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you simply want a comforting, homemade meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and the satisfaction of a dish that everyone at the table will love!