Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: 1 Amazing Easy Recipe

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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup has been my ultimate comfort food ever since I was a little girl. I remember coming home from school on a chilly afternoon, and the aroma of chicken and herbs already filling the house, thanks to my mom’s trusty slow cooker. That warm, savory smell instantly made everything better. This easy slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe brings back all those cozy memories for me, and I’ve discovered it’s the perfect antidote to a busy day or when you just need a hug in a bowl. It’s truly the best chicken noodle soup in a crockpot, making dinner effortless and delicious. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

I genuinely believe this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup will become a staple in your home for so many wonderful reasons. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience!

  • It’s incredibly flavorful, with tender chicken and a rich, savory broth that tastes like it simmered all day.
  • The prep time is minimal, making this an easy crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
  • It’s a wonderfully healthy and wholesome meal, packed with vegetables and lean protein.
  • This soup is budget-friendly, utilizing common ingredients you likely already have on hand.
  • It’s a fantastic family-friendly dish that even the pickiest eaters tend to love.
  • This recipe truly delivers a warm, satisfying hug in a bowl, making it the ultimate comfort food chicken noodle soup crockpot style.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. I always make sure I have these on hand for a quick, comforting meal. This simple list ensures a flavorful and hearty chicken pasta soup slow cooker style.

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – I prefer breasts for shredding, but thighs work too for richer flavor.
  • 4 cups chicken broth – I use low-sodium to control the saltiness myself.
  • 2 cups water – helps balance the broth and keeps it from being too concentrated.
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced – adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
  • 1 cup celery, sliced – essential for that classic soup base flavor.
  • 1 cup onion, diced – provides a savory depth to the broth.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme – a fragrant herb that complements chicken beautifully.
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley – another classic herb for chicken noodle soup.
  • Salt to taste – always adjust to your preference.
  • Pepper to taste – a bit of fresh cracked pepper is always best.
  • 2 cups egg noodles – added at the end, these become perfectly tender.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional) – a squeeze at the end brightens all the flavors.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) – for a pop of freshness and color.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Making this incredible Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is wonderfully straightforward, allowing the slow cooker to do most of the hard work for you. I love how simple it is to get a delicious, hearty meal on the table with minimal effort.

  1. Step 1: First, you’ll want to prepare your crockpot for this simple chicken noodle soup crockpot recipe. I always spray the inner pot with cooking spray; it makes cleanup so much easier later on!
  2. Step 2: Place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly at the bottom of the crockpot. These will become incredibly tender as they slow cook, ready to shred easily.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and water over the chicken. Then, add your prepared vegetables: the sliced carrots, sliced celery, and diced onion. Don’t forget the aromatic minced garlic, which will infuse the broth with fantastic flavor.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, and season generously with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure all the ingredients are well distributed and seasoned for your homemade soup.
  5. Step 5: Cover the crockpot securely with its lid. Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, you can cook it on high for 4 hours. The anticipation as it simmers is part of the joy! This is truly how to make chicken noodle soup in a crockpot with maximum flavor.
  6. Step 6: Once the cooking time is complete, the chicken should be fall-apart tender. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. It should come apart effortlessly. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, adding wonderful texture and protein.
  7. Step 7: Now it’s time for the noodles! Stir in the egg noodles and increase the crockpot’s setting to high. Continue to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender. I always taste one to ensure it’s just right – al dente but not mushy.
  8. Step 8: If you like, stir in the optional lemon juice. I find it adds a bright, fresh note that really elevates the flavors of the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. Taste and adjust any seasonings as needed; you might want a little more salt or pepper.
  9. Step 9: Serve your steaming hot soup immediately! Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a burst of color and herbaceous freshness. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!

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Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

I’ve made this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup more times than I can count, and I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. These tips will help you achieve the most flavorful and comforting bowl every single time, ensuring your slow cooker chicken noodle soup is absolutely perfect.

  • For the best flavor, use high-quality chicken broth or even homemade stock if you have it. It truly makes a difference.
  • Don’t overcook the noodles! Adding them in the last 15-20 minutes prevents them from becoming mushy and keeps their texture just right.
  • Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Broths can vary in sodium, so trust your palate to make it perfect.
  • A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the very end brightens all the flavors and adds a professional touch to your soup.

What’s the secret to perfect best crockpot chicken noodle soup?

The real secret to the best crockpot chicken noodle soup lies in the quality of your broth and not overcooking the noodles. Using good chicken broth allows the flavors to deepen beautifully over hours, while adding the noodles at the very end ensures they are tender, not mushy. This combination creates a truly satisfying and perfectly textured soup.

Can I make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the base of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup—chicken, vegetables, and broth—and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat on the stove or in the crockpot, then add the noodles for the last 15-20 minutes of cooking. This makes meal prep a breeze.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

To avoid common mistakes with your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, first, don’t add noodles at the beginning; they’ll turn to mush. Second, resist the urge to constantly lift the lid, as this extends cooking time. Finally, always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.

Best Ways to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Once your incredibly comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is ready, I love exploring different ways to serve it to make each meal feel special. This soup is fantastic on its own, but a few additions can elevate the experience even further.

For a classic pairing, I always recommend serving a warm, crusty bread or a side of garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that savory broth. If I’m looking to add more greens, a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette makes a lovely complement, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Sometimes, I like to enhance the vegetable content, turning it into more of a hearty chicken vegetable noodle soup slow cooker style by adding extra steamed green beans or a sprinkle of fresh spinach right before serving. A dash of grated Parmesan cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top can also add an extra layer of creaminess and flavor that my family absolutely adores.

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Nutrition Facts for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

I know many of you are curious about the nutritional breakdown of this comforting dish. Here are the estimated nutrition facts per serving for my delicious Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, based on the ingredients listed in this recipe. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a wholesome meal!

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Protein: 25g
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: N/A
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: N/A

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used and preparation methods for your homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

I always make a big batch of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup because it stores beautifully, making future meals a breeze. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy your delicious homemade slow cooker chicken noodle soup for days to come.

First, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, this soup freezes wonderfully. Just transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that the noodles might become a bit softer upon thawing and reheating.

To reheat, I usually opt for the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through. If the soup seems too thick after reheating, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, homemade soup prepared in a slow cooker, featuring tender chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, a savory broth, and egg noodles. It’s designed for ease and convenience, allowing ingredients to simmer for hours, developing deep flavors with minimal effort. This method creates a hearty meal that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather.

Why make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?

Making chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker is a fantastic choice for several reasons. It’s incredibly convenient, allowing you to “set it and forget it” for hours, freeing up your time. The long, slow cooking process tenderizes the chicken beautifully and melds all the flavors together, resulting in a rich, deeply satisfying broth that tastes like it simmered all day. Plus, it’s a wonderfully simple way to enjoy a warm, homemade meal without much fuss.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot?

While tempting for convenience, I don’t recommend placing frozen chicken breasts directly into your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. It can cause the chicken to cook unevenly and, more importantly, it might keep the chicken in a temperature danger zone for too long, which isn’t safe. For the best and safest results, always thaw your chicken completely in the refrigerator before adding it to the slow cooker.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

The key to preventing mushy noodles in your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is timing. I always add the egg noodles during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, after the chicken is shredded and returned to the pot. This ensures they cook to a perfect al dente texture without becoming overly soft or disintegrating into the broth. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in the final result of your slow cooker chicken noodle soup.

Variations of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup You Can Try

While my classic Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a favorite, I love to experiment with different variations to keep things exciting. These ideas can help you customize your soup to fit various dietary needs or simply switch up the flavor profile.

For a lighter option, you can easily create a healthy crockpot chicken noodle soup by loading it with extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This boosts nutrients without sacrificing flavor. If you’re craving something richer, try adding a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the end to make a luxurious creamy chicken noodle soup crockpot style.

For ultimate convenience, consider a dump and go chicken noodle soup crockpot version. Simply place all ingredients (except noodles) into the slow cooker, set it, and return hours later to shred the chicken and add the noodles. You can also explore different pasta shapes beyond egg noodles, like ditalini or small shells, for a fun twist.

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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: 1 Amazing Easy Recipe


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  • Author: Fenna Saul
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: None

Description

Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish with tender chicken, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. The slow-cooking process enhances flavors and tenderizes ingredients, making it ideal for chilly evenings or when you need a pick-me-up. This simple recipe allows anyone to create a delicious soup that tastes like it simmered for hours, nourishing both body and soul.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup celery, sliced
  • 1 cup onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 cups egg noodles
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Spray the inner pot of your crockpot with cooking spray for easier cleanup.
  2. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and water, then add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic.
  4. Sprinkle in the thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper, mixing gently to combine all ingredients for this slow cooker chicken noodle soup.
  5. Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
  6. Once cooking time is finished, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
  7. Stir in the egg noodles and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
  8. Add lemon juice if desired for a bright flavor, and adjust seasoning as necessary for your homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup.
  9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor of your crockpot chicken noodle soup.
  • Adjust seasonings to your taste throughout the cooking process.
  • Experiment with different broths, such as low-sodium or homemade, for a customized flavor.
  • Add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
  • Top with grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese just before serving for an elevated dish.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze the soup for up to 3 months, noting that noodles may soften upon reheating.
  • For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and add your favorite vegetables or beans.
  • Increase protein by adding beans, lentils, or tofu.
  • Thicken the soup with a cornstarch slurry or by blending a portion of the soup.
  • You can prepare ingredients the night before, refrigerate, and cook in the morning.
  • Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooker
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6 servings
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: N/A
  • Sodium: N/A
  • Fat: 8g
  • Saturated Fat: N/A
  • Unsaturated Fat: N/A
  • Trans Fat: N/A
  • Carbohydrates: N/A
  • Fiber: N/A
  • Protein: 25g
  • Cholesterol: N/A

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