There’s nothing quite like the smell of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup simmering away on a chilly day. It’s the kind of comforting, homemade meal that instantly transports me back to my childhood. I can still remember the days when my mom would have that big ol’ crockpot going on the kitchen counter, filling the house with the most delectable aromas.
She’d start by chopping up the fresh veggies – carrots, celery, and onions – and tossing them into the pot along with chunks of tender chicken and a splash of broth. As the hours passed, the flavors would meld together into this incredibly nourishing and soul-soothing soup. I’d come home from school, cheeks rosy from the cold, and the first spoonful would warm me right up from the inside out.
Even now, as an adult, Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup remains one of my all-time favorite dishes. There’s just something so comforting and satisfying about it. And you know what they say – the secret to the best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is in the slow cooking. That’s why this recipe is guaranteed to become your new go-to.
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Why This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
The key to this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is in the slow and gentle cooking process. By letting the ingredients simmer away in the crockpot for hours, you end up with an incredibly flavorful broth that’s rich and velvety. The chicken becomes meltingly tender, practically falling apart as you ladle it into bowls. And the veggies – well, they practically melt into the soup, infusing every bite with their natural sweetness and nutrients.
It’s the kind of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup that warms you from the inside out and leaves you feeling nourished and satisfied. Plus, it’s so easy to make! Just a little bit of prep work upfront, then you can let the crockpot do all the heavy lifting. It’s the ultimate hands-off, comfort food recipe.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken: I like to use a combination of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs for the best flavor and texture.
– Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are the classic trio, but you can also add in things like parsnips, leeks, or even mushrooms.
– Broth: Chicken broth is the base, but you can use a combination of chicken and vegetable broth for a more complex flavor.
– Herbs and Spices: A bay leaf, some fresh thyme, and a pinch of dried sage really take this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup to the next level.
– Noodles: Wide egg noodles are my go-to, but you can use any type of pasta you like.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup couldn’t be easier to make. It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it recipe that comes together with just 15 minutes of active prep time. Once everything is in the slow cooker, you can sit back and let the magic happen over the next 6-8 hours. The result is a rich, flavorful soup that’s sure to warm your soul.
1- Start by placing the chicken, chopped carrots, celery, and onions in the bottom of your crockpot.
2- Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf, thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
3- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
4- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the pot and shred or dice it. Then add the egg noodles and continue cooking until they’re tender.
5- Once the noodles are cooked, stir the shredded chicken back into the soup.
6- Ladle the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
The great thing about Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is that it’s really hard to mess up. But here are a few tips to ensure your batch turns out absolutely perfect:
– Use a combination of chicken breasts and thighs for the best flavor and texture.
– Don’t be afraid to really pack in the veggies – the more the merrier!
– Add the noodles towards the end to prevent them from getting mushy.
– Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. A bit of extra salt, pepper, or fresh herbs can make all the difference.
Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with all kinds of classic accompaniments. A warm, crusty piece of bread or a side salad makes for the perfect light lunch or dinner. It’s also delicious with a grilled cheese sandwich or some buttery crackers on the side.
And of course, no bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is complete without a big ol’ glass of iced tea or lemonade to wash it all down. It’s the kind of meal that’s just as comforting and soul-soothing on a chilly day as it is on a warm summer evening.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is that it makes a big batch, which means you’ll have plenty of leftovers. It stores beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days, or you can freeze it for even longer-term storage.
To reheat, simply scoop out the desired amount and warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. The noodles may soak up a bit more of the broth as it sits, so you can always add a splash of broth or water to thin it out if needed.
This soup also makes a fantastic make-ahead meal. You can assemble all the ingredients in the crockpot the night before, then just plug it in and let it cook the next day. It’s the perfect hands-off, weeknight dinner solution.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While this classic Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it. Try adding in some fresh herbs like parsley or dill, or swapping the egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles.
You can also experiment with different veggies – maybe some bell peppers, spinach, or even a handful of frozen peas. And for a heartier meal, you can stir in some cooked rice or quinoa towards the end.
In the summertime, try a Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup with a lighter, brighter flavor profile. Swap the thyme for basil and the egg noodles for tortellini. Finish it off with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is already pretty darn healthy, but there are a few ways you can make it even more diet-friendly. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free pasta or skip the noodles altogether.
If you’re watching your carbs, you can omit the noodles and serve the soup over riced cauliflower or zucchini noodles instead. And for a vegan or vegetarian twist, swap the chicken for cooked chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth in place of the chicken broth.
No matter how you customize it, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is guaranteed to be a comforting and nourishing meal that the whole family will love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! In fact, using frozen chicken is a great time-saving hack. Just toss the frozen chicken breasts or thighs right into the crockpot along with the other ingredients. The long cooking time will ensure the chicken cooks through perfectly.
Q: How long does the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup take to make?
A: This recipe requires just 15 minutes of active prep time. Then the crockpot does the rest of the work, simmering the soup on low for 6-8 hours. So it’s the perfect hands-off, make-ahead meal!
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Yes, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup freezes beautifully! Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe yields 6-8 generous servings, depending on portion size. It’s the perfect meal to feed a crowd or have plenty of leftovers on hand.
Q: What if my soup turns out too thick?
A: If your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup ends up thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit more broth to thin it out to your desired consistency. Start with 1/2 cup and adjust from there.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 370
- Yield: 6
Description
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this easy, restaurant-quality Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and vibrant vegetables in a rich, flavorful broth come together for a delicious meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 1 cup diced carrots
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 oz egg noodles
Instructions
1. – Place the chicken, broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and parsley in a slow cooker.
2. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
3. – Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred or dice it.
4. – Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. – Add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
– For a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.
– Try adding different vegetables like peas or corn for extra flavor and nutrition.
– This soup freezes well, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it later.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just nothing quite like a big, steaming bowl of homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food – nourishing, satisfying, and so incredibly delicious. This recipe is guaranteed to become a new family favorite, with its tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and rich, flavorful broth.
The best part? It’s so easy to make, thanks to the magic of the crockpot. Just a little bit of prep work upfront, then let the slow cooker do its thing. Before you know it, you’ll have a hearty, soul-soothing meal that’s ready to enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? Give this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup a try – I promise it’ll warm you right up from the inside out. And don’t forget to let me know how it turns out in the comments below!
