It was a chilly Sunday afternoon, and I couldn’t wait to get home and start my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup simmering. There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about that hearty broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. It reminds me of the countless times my mom would have a big batch of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup waiting for us when we came in from playing in the snow as kids. The aroma would fill the house, and we’d all gather around the table, thawing out our frozen fingers and toes while savoring every spoonful. To this day, Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is my go-to recipe when I’m craving a cozy, soul-warming meal.
Table of Contents
Why This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
What sets this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and the incredibly tender, fall-off-the-bone chicken. The secret is in the slow cooking method, which allows the chicken to literally melt into the broth, infusing it with an unbelievable richness. Plus, the combination of aromatic veggies, herbs, and spices creates a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with a quick stovetop version. Trust me, once you try this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, it’ll become a staple in your household.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken thighs – The dark meat of chicken thighs adds so much flavor and keeps the chicken incredibly moist and tender when slow-cooked.
- Carrots – Carrots not only add beautiful color to the soup, but they also contribute a natural sweetness that balances the savory broth.
- Celery – Celery is a must-have in any Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, providing a wonderful crunch and earthy flavor.
- Onion – Onions are the foundation of the soup, adding a aromatic base that infuses the entire dish.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic takes the flavor of this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup to new heights, providing a pungent, savory note.
- Thyme – Fragrant thyme is the perfect herb to complement the chicken and vegetables in this comforting soup.
- Egg noodles – Wide, hearty egg noodles are the classic choice for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, soaking up all the delicious broth.
Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is an easy, hands-off recipe that simmers to perfection in the slow cooker over the course of 6-8 hours. All you’ll need is a slow cooker and a few simple ingredients to create a comforting, homemade meal.
1- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker, arranging them in a single layer.
2- Add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion around the chicken. Sprinkle the minced garlic and fresh thyme over the top.
3- Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the vegetables are fully submerged. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, until the chicken is fall-off-the-bone tender.
4- Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. The meat should be so soft that it practically falls apart.
5- Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6- Ladle the piping hot Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
To get the most flavor out of your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, be sure to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bones and skin add an incredible depth of flavor that really makes this soup stand out.
Another tip is to resist the urge to lift the lid too often while the soup is cooking. Each time you open the slow cooker, you release valuable steam and heat, which can affect the cooking time.
Finally, if you find that your noodles have absorbed too much of the broth by the time they’re cooked, just add a splash of extra chicken stock to thin it out before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping. A glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea also make excellent accompaniments.
This soup is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, but it also makes a wonderful meal to share with friends and family. Serve it up at your next potluck or game day gathering – it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply bring the soup back to a simmer on the stovetop or in the microwave.
For best results, store the noodles separately from the broth and chicken. That way, the noodles won’t continue to soak up the liquid and become mushy.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
Try swapping the egg noodles for wild rice or gluten-free pasta for a different texture. You could also add in diced potatoes, mushrooms, or even some kale or spinach for extra nutrition.
For a Tex-Mex twist, stir in some diced tomatoes, corn, and a dash of cumin and chili powder. Or make it Greek-inspired by garnishing with crumbled feta, olives, and a sprinkle of oregano.
Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup lighter and more diet-friendly, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. This will reduce the overall fat and calorie content without sacrificing flavor.
For a gluten-free version, simply swap out the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice. And for a low-carb take, skip the noodles altogether and serve the chicken and veggie-packed broth over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
No matter how you customize it, this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. Give it a try today, and get ready for a new family favorite!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe?
A: Yes, you can absolutely use chicken breasts instead of thighs. Chicken breasts will work just fine, though the thighs do tend to stay more moist and tender when slow-cooked. If using breasts, you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent the chicken from drying out.
Q: How long does this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup take to make?
A: The total cook time for this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is 6-8 hours on the low setting. The chicken needs that long to become super tender and fall-off-the-bone, and the noodles cook in the last 30 minutes. It’s a fairly hands-off recipe, but the slow cooking is what gives it that amazing flavor.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
A: Yes, this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How many servings does this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe make?
A: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, depending on portion size. It’s a large batch that’s perfect for feeding a family or having plenty of leftovers. The recipe can easily be scaled up or down to suit your needs.
Q: My noodles got too soft. What did I do wrong?
A: If your noodles ended up overly soft or mushy, it’s likely that they cooked for too long in the broth. Next time, try adding the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, rather than letting them simmer for the full 6-8 hours with the other ingredients. This will prevent them from becoming waterlogged.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 435
- Yield: 6
Description
This comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate winter warmer. Tender chicken, classic vegetables, and delicious noodles simmer together to create a homemade classic that’s sure to nourish the soul.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 bay leaves
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
– 8 oz egg noodles
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. – Add the chicken, broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary to a slow cooker.
2. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
3. – Remove the chicken and shred or chop it.
4. – Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles to the slow cooker.
5. – Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. – Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
– For extra flavor, use bone-in chicken thighs instead of breasts.
– Add frozen peas or corn for extra veggies.
– Substitute rice or gluten-free noodles to make it gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 420
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
There’s just something so comforting and nostalgic about a big bowl of homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. The tender chicken, hearty veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles in that rich, flavorful broth are pure heaven.
This recipe is sure to become a new family favorite – it’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and guaranteed to warm you up on even the chilliest of days. So what are you waiting for? Get that slow cooker going and treat yourself to a cozy bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup today!
