Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup has always been my go-to comfort food, especially on those days when the weather outside is frightful. I remember my mom making it on rainy Saturdays, the aroma of savory chicken, tender vegetables, and fragrant herbs filling our whole house. It’s truly the best way to make chicken noodle soup in a crockpot because it’s so hands-off and always turns out perfectly. This is an incredibly easy crockpot chicken noodle soup that will become a family favorite. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- The flavor is incredibly rich and comforting, making it the ultimate comfort food.
- Prep time is a breeze – just 15 minutes to get everything into the slow cooker.
- It’s a healthy crockpot chicken noodle soup option, packed with lean protein and vegetables.
- This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is super budget-friendly, using common pantry staples.
- It’s incredibly family-friendly, a meal even picky eaters will devour.
- The hands-off cooking means tender chicken and a flavorful broth with minimal effort.
- This chicken noodle soup slow cooker recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- You get a hearty and satisfying meal with very little cleanup.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
Gathering your crockpot chicken noodle soup ingredients is the first step to this delicious meal. You’ll need 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which cook up perfectly tender in the slow cooker. The base of our soup is 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth, providing a flavorful and healthy foundation. We’ll add 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1 cup chopped onion for that classic mirepoix flavor that makes this soup so comforting. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon dried thyme and 1 teaspoon dried rosemary for aromatic depth, plus 1/2 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt to season. Finally, 6 ounces egg noodles will be added towards the end for that perfect noodle texture, and 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this delicious soup is incredibly straightforward. Here are the simple crockpot chicken noodle soup instructions to guide you.
- Step 1: While this isn’t an oven recipe, we’ll start by preparing our slow cooker. There’s no need to preheat the oven for this dish.
- Step 2: Place the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your crockpot.
- Step 3: Pour the 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken. This liquid base is key to a flavorful soup.
- Step 4: Add the chopped vegetables: 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1 cup chopped onion. Toss in 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. The aroma of these herbs already starts to fill the kitchen!
- Step 5: Cover your crockpot and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
- Step 6: Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot. You can use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot or on a plate.
- Step 7: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. These crockpot chicken noodle soup instructions are coming together beautifully!
- Step 8: Stir in the 6 ounces egg noodles. Cover again and continue to cook for an additional 20 to 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of that delicious broth.
- Step 9: Stir in the 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley just before serving. This adds a burst of freshness and color to your homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup.
- Step 10: Serve this hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Want to elevate your slow cooker chicken noodle soup? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference in creating the ultimate comforting bowl.
- For an even richer flavor, sear the chicken breasts for a few minutes on each side before adding them to the crockpot. This adds a depth that’s hard to beat.
- Don’t overcook the noodles! They can get mushy if left in too long. I usually add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- If you want to make this a truly healthy crockpot chicken noodle soup, skip the egg noodles and use whole wheat pasta or even spiralized zucchini noodles.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Sometimes the broth needs a little extra salt or pepper to really sing.
What’s the secret to perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
The secret to a perfect chicken noodle soup slow cooker meal is building flavor from the start. Searing the chicken and using good quality broth makes a huge difference in the final taste. Don’t be afraid to add extra herbs!
Can I make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prep this crockpot chicken noodle soup ahead! You can chop all your vegetables and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can also shred the chicken and store it separately, then add it back with the noodles.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
A common pitfall is overcooking the chicken, which makes it dry. Cook it just until it’s done. Another mistake is adding the noodles too early; they can turn to mush. Add them in the last 30 minutes for perfect texture.
Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting soup is perfect on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. For a truly satisfying meal, serve this hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup with some crusty bread for dipping into that delicious broth. I love to have a side of garlic bread or some warm, fluffy dinner rolls handy. You can find more easy family dinners here.
Another favorite way to enjoy it is with a fresh, crisp green salad. The coolness of the salad and the warm, savory soup create a fantastic contrast in textures and temperatures. If you’re looking for a lighter option, a simple side salad with a vinaigrette is perfect. No matter how you serve it, this easy crockpot chicken noodle soup is sure to please!
Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This recipe makes a wonderfully nourishing meal. Here are the approximate nutritional values per serving (about 1.5 cups):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, especially the type of chicken broth and noodles. For more information on healthy eating, check out these foods to eat less of.
How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Once you’ve enjoyed a bowl of this delicious crockpot chicken noodle soup, you’ll be happy to know it stores beautifully. Let the soup cool down to room temperature for about an hour before portioning it into airtight containers. For the best results, refrigerate your soup and it should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick lunches throughout the week!
If you want to keep this comforting soup even longer, freezing is a great option. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave a little headspace in your freezer-safe containers for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, the easiest way to reheat it is to let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then, you can gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or even pop a bowl in the microwave for a quick crockpot chicken noodle soup revival. You can find more last recipes here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I use boneless, skinless thighs instead of breasts for my crockpot chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic alternative and often stay even more moist. The cooking time might be similar, but they can handle being cooked a little longer without drying out. So yes, feel free to swap them out for an even more flavorful soup.
How do I make crockpot chicken noodle soup thicker if it’s too brothy?
If your soup is a bit too thin, there are a couple of easy ways to thicken it. You can mash some of the cooked carrots and celery against the side of the crockpot with a fork or spoon. Another great option is to mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water to make a slurry, then stir that into the soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give you a lovely, rich texture.
What other vegetables can I add to this chicken noodle soup slow cooker recipe?
This recipe is super versatile! You can easily add other vegetables like peas, corn, potatoes, or even diced sweet potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Adding some spinach or kale in the last 10 minutes is also a great way to boost the nutrition and add a lovely fresh element to your chicken noodle soup slow cooker meal.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup You Can Try
This classic dish is incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt it to suit your needs or preferences. Whether you’re looking for a lighter meal or a different flavor profile, there are so many ways to enjoy this comfort food staple.
- Creamy Version: For a richer, creamier crockpot chicken noodle soup, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This makes it feel extra decadent!
- Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: If you’re aiming for a lighter option, swap out the egg noodles for whole wheat pasta, gluten-free noodles, or even spiralized zucchini noodles added in the last 10 minutes. You can also load it up with extra vegetables like spinach or peas.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce along with the other seasonings for a soup with a little bit of heat.
- Herb Garden: Feel free to experiment with different herbs! Fresh dill or a bay leaf added during the cooking process can provide a delightful twist to your homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup.
Simple Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Comfort
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
A simple and comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe perfect for a chilly evening. This slow cooker version makes tender chicken and flavorful broth with minimal effort, ideal for busy families.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken.
- Add carrots, celery, onion, thyme, rosemary, pepper, and salt to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred it.
- Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir in egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving this easy crockpot chicken noodle soup.
- Serve this hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup hot.
- Enjoy your homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables against the side of the crockpot.
- If you prefer a creamier crockpot chicken noodle soup, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Ensure you use low-sodium broth for a healthier crockpot chicken noodle soup.
- This crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe is easily adaptable to your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, Slow cooker chicken noodle soup, Easy crockpot chicken noodle soup, Homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup, Best crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe, How to make crockpot chicken noodle soup, Crock pot chicken noodle soup, Chicken noodle soup slow cooker, Healthy crockpot chicken noodle soup, Quick crockpot chicken noodle soup, Crockpot chicken noodle soup ingredients, Crockpot chicken noodle soup instructions, Simple crockpot chicken noodle soup, Creamy crockpot chicken noodle soup, Hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup, Weight watchers crockpot chicken noodle soup, Low sodium crockpot chicken noodle soup, Best way to make chicken noodle soup in crockpot, Chicken noodle soup recipe for slow cooker, Comfort food crockpot chicken noodle soup
