Warm up with a bowl of homemade comfort! This crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe makes weeknight dinners incredibly simple and delicious. Say goodbye to store-bought cans and embrace the ease of your slow cooker. You get a hearty, flavorful soup that tastes just like grandma used to make, but with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Effortless One-Pot Meal: Just toss ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work.
- Nourishing and Comforting: Enjoy a wholesome, soul-satisfying meal perfect for any day.
- Customizable with Favorite Ingredients: Easily adapt this slow cooker chicken noodle soup to your family’s tastes.
- Perfect for Meal Prep or Busy Weeknights: Prepare it ahead for quick dinners or enjoy fresh after a long day.
- Full of Classic, Delicious Flavor: Enjoy the traditional taste you love, made even better at home.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create your amazing crockpot chicken noodle soup:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 large carrots peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 ribs celery sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon I use Better Than Bouillon brand, optional
- 8 to 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles wide or extra wide
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
- You can easily adjust this recipe. Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for richer flavor or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra speed.
- Chicken broth offers a lighter taste, while chicken stock provides a deeper, gelatinous texture.
- For noodles, try gluten-free pasta or other small pasta shapes like ditalini. Enhance your slow cooker chicken noodle soup with extra veggies like peas, corn, or diced potatoes.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or dill brighten the flavor significantly compared to dried options.
Equipment
You only need a few basic tools for this simple recipe. Your most important item is a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to ensure everything fits comfortably. You will also need a sharp knife, a cutting board, and a large mixing bowl for shredding the chicken. A measuring cup and spoons are helpful for accurate ingredient amounts for your easy chicken noodle soup.
Instructions For The Best Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this crockpot chicken noodle soup is incredibly easy. Just follow these steps:
- To the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, add the trimmed chicken breasts.
- Top the chicken with diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf (if using).
- Dollop chicken base over the top, then pour in chicken broth. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shredded.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker to a large mixing bowl. Shred the chicken using two forks. Discard the bay leaf (if you used one), and return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker with the comforting broth and vegetables.
- While the chicken is being shredded, cook the egg noodles separately al dente according to their package directions. This prevents them from getting mushy in your delicious crockpot chicken noodle soup.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the soup in the slow cooker and cook on LOW for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the noodles to absorb some of the flavorful broth.
- Serve your homemade chicken noodle soup warm, garnished generously with minced fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
- Do not overcook the noodles; add them separately and cook al dente for the best texture. Always adjust seasonings like salt and pepper to taste before serving for a perfectly balanced flavor.
- Sautéing your aromatics (onion, celery, carrots, garlic) briefly before adding them to the slow cooker can develop a deeper, richer flavor profile. Using fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end brightens the entire soup.
- Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after combining for the flavors to meld beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Never add noodles too early to the slow cooker; they will absorb too much liquid and become mushy. Avoid overcooking the chicken, as it can become dry and stringy; monitor cooking times. Do not forget to properly season the broth throughout the process; bland soup is a common pitfall. Always discard the bay leaf before serving, as it is meant for flavoring only and is not edible.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting crockpot chicken noodle soup alongside some crusty bread for dipping or a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Offer grated Parmesan cheese or extra fresh herbs as toppings for guests to customize their bowls. A dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Storage & Freezing
To ensure food safety and maintain quality, leftover soup (without noodles, if possible, for best texture) should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
For freezing, cool the soup completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving out the noodles. It freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding freshly cooked noodles just before serving.
Recipe Variations
Try using shredded turkey or even pork for a different protein twist. Boost the vegetable content with frozen peas, corn, or diced bell peppers added in the last 30 minutes of cooking. For a creamy version, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Nutrition Information
This homemade chicken noodle soup offers a nourishing meal option. The values provided are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used. Please consult a registered dietitian for personalized dietary advice. This recipe is a great source of protein, essential vitamins, and minerals.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 258 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
| Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 80 mg |
| Sodium | 332 mg |
| Potassium | 558 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Vitamin A | 6120 IU |
| Vitamin C | 5.3 mg |
| Calcium | 40 mg |
| Iron | 1.3 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can safely use frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Ensure they are separated before adding and add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time on LOW to ensure they cook through.
How do I prevent mushy noodles?
The best way to prevent mushy noodles in your crockpot chicken noodle soup is to cook them separately. Boil them al dente on the stovetop just before serving, then add them directly to individual bowls or to the slow cooker for the final 5 minutes. Noodles soak up too much liquid and become soft if cooked in the slow cooker for the entire duration.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your soup with your favorite vegetables. Peas, corn, spinach, or diced potatoes are excellent additions; add softer vegetables like peas or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe is a game-changer for busy households. It brings the warmth and comfort of a classic homemade meal right to your table with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich, savory flavors and tender chicken, all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Give this delicious recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite go-to meal. We’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations in the comments below!
Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place trimmed chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Top them with diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf, if using.
- Dollop chicken bouillon over the ingredients, then pour in the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, then cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker to a large mixing bowl. Shred the chicken, discard the bay leaf if used, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Cook the egg noodles al dente following the package directions.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the soup and continue to cook on LOW for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh minced parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Nutrition
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the egg noodles as they can become mushy.
- Adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
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