My grandfather lived off this hearty dish when times were incredibly tough. Just 4 ingredients transform into the most comforting and thick savory meal that fills you right up for pennies.

This slow cooker 4-ingredient canned chicken noodles recipe is the kind of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food my grandfather leaned on when money was tight and bellies still needed filling. It uses simple pantry staples—canned chicken, broth, noodles, and a can of soup—to make a thick, cozy, golden pot of noodles that feels like a hug in a bowl. Everything comes together in one slow cooker, so it’s perfect for long days, busy evenings, or those weeks when the grocery budget has to stretch a little farther.

Serve these hearty canned chicken noodles in wide bowls with plenty of the thick broth spooned over the top. A slice of buttered white or wheat bread (or even toast) is perfect for soaking up every last bit. If you have it, a simple side of frozen peas or mixed vegetables warmed in a little butter and salt rounds out the plate without adding much cost. For bigger appetites, pair with a small side salad or some apple slices to keep things fresh and light next to the rich, savory noodles.

Servings: 4

3 (10 to 12 ounce) cans white chunk chicken in water, drained

Add the drained canned chicken to the bottom of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker and gently break up any large chunks with a fork so the meat is in small shreds.

Pour the chicken broth over the chicken, then add the condensed cream of chicken soup. Whisk or stir well right in the slow cooker until the soup is mostly dissolved into the broth and the mixture looks smooth and pale yellow.

Cover the slow cooker and cook the broth and chicken mixture on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or on HIGH for about 2 hours, until it is piping hot and lightly bubbling around the edges. This helps the flavors come together and gives the broth a richer, thicker base.

Stir the hot mixture, then add the dry egg noodles, pressing them gently down into the liquid so they are mostly submerged. The broth will look a little crowded, but the noodles will soak it up and create that thick, glossy texture.

Cover and cook on HIGH for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the noodles are tender but not mushy. If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking at 15 minutes; if it runs cooler, it may take closer to 35 minutes.

Once the noodles are tender, give everything a good stir from the bottom so the chicken shreds, noodles, and thickened golden broth are evenly mixed. The dish should look creamy and glossy, with most of the liquid clinging to the noodles.

Taste and, if desired, add a pinch of salt and black pepper to your own bowl (keeping the base recipe to just the 4 ingredients). Let the pot sit uncovered on WARM for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken a bit more before serving, then ladle into bowls and serve hot.

For picky eaters, you can keep the recipe exactly as written and let everyone season their own bowl with a little salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of grated cheese. If you want to stretch it further on a tight week, add an extra cup of water or broth and a handful more noodles; just know it may take a few extra minutes for the noodles to soften. For a creamier version, swap half a cup of the broth for milk (added with the broth and soup) if you have it on hand. To sneak in a bit of veg without changing the spirit of the original 4-ingredient idea, stir in a cup of frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the last 10 minutes of cooking so they warm through but don’t get mushy. Leftovers thicken a lot in the fridge; when reheating, stir in a splash of water or broth to loosen them back to a silky, spoonable texture. If your family likes a little extra flavor, set out simple toppings at the table—like dried parsley, garlic powder, or crushed crackers—so everyone can dress up their own bowl without complicating the base recipe.