Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle: 8 Hours to Comforting Bliss

February 11, 2026

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle has become a staple in my home, especially during the colder months. I recall the first time I made this comforting soup; the aroma of simmering chicken and fresh herbs filled my kitchen, wrapping me in warmth and nostalgia. This easy dish is perfect for those days when you want something nourishing without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy hug in a bowl. With a few simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you can create a delicious chicken noodle soup in slow cooker style that your family will love. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Hearty and comforting, perfect for chilly days.
Easy slow cooker chicken noodle recipe that requires minimal prep.
Full of healthy ingredients, making it a nutritious meal.
Budget-friendly, as it uses affordable ingredients.
Family-friendly, even picky eaters will enjoy it.
Deliciously rich broth thanks to slow-cooked flavors.
Can be customized with vegetables or spices.
Homemade chicken noodle in crockpot for a satisfying experience.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Here’s everything you need for this delicious soup:

3 pounds whole chicken – a small chicken works best for flavor
4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped – adds natural sweetness
4 stalks celery, chopped – gives a savory base
1 medium onion, diced – enhances the overall flavor
4 cloves fresh garlic, crushed – for aromatic depth
Salt and pepper, to taste – essential for seasoning
8 to 10 cups water – adjust based on slow cooker size
2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon – enriches the broth
2 bay leaves – infuses flavor
6 sprigs fresh thyme and rosemary – tied with twine to enhance broth
1 small bunch fresh Italian parsley – adds freshness
½ pound extra wide egg noodles – the perfect texture for soup
1 lemon, juiced – for a bright finish

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Step 1: In a large slow cooker, place the chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, crushed garlic, 3 teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper to create a flavorful vegetable base.
Step 2: Set the whole chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour in 8 to 10 cups of water, leaving about 1.5 inches from the top of the slow cooker to prevent overflow. Stir in 2 teaspoons of Better Than Bouillon to enrich the broth’s flavor.
Step 3: Add the tied sprigs of thyme, rosemary, fresh Italian parsley, and bay leaves around the chicken, gently pushing them down so they are partly submerged in the broth.
Step 4: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 5: Carefully remove the whole chicken from the slow cooker. Add the extra wide egg noodles to the broth, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 6: While the noodles cook, shred the chicken meat using two forks.
Step 7: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the noodles and broth. Stir well and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Step 8: Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve warm. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to each bowl just before eating for added brightness.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle: 8 Hours to Comforting Bliss - Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Follow these tips for a perfect soup every time:

Use a small whole chicken for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the herbs; they elevate the soup.
Feel free to add more vegetables, such as peas or spinach, for extra nutrition.

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle?

The secret lies in allowing the chicken to cook slowly, which melds all the flavors beautifully. Using fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary makes a significant difference in taste.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently when ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle?

Make sure not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy. Also, always check seasoning before serving, as flavors can intensify during cooking.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle: 8 Hours to Comforting Bliss - Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle - additional detail

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

This soup is fantastic on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it with crusty bread or a fresh side salad. It pairs wonderfully with a light green salad, making it a complete one-pot chicken noodle meal.

Nutrition Facts for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Per serving (recipe makes 6 servings):

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 800mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle

Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle?

Yes! Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Store in freezer-safe containers, and it can last up to 3 months.

What can I use instead of egg noodles?

You can substitute with whole grain noodles, rice, or even gluten-free pasta for a different texture and flavor.

Is this soup healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the vegetables, making it a healthy option for any meal.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat for those who enjoy a spicy twist.

With this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle recipe, you’re not just making a meal; you’re creating a comforting tradition that will warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle: 8 Hours to Comforting Bliss

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Author: Fenna Saul
Total Time: 8 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty recipe perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds whole chicken, thawed if frozen
4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves fresh garlic, crushed
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 to 10 cups water (as needed, depending on slow cooker size)
2 teaspoons Better Than Bouillon
2 bay leaves (fresh or dried)
6 sprigs fresh thyme and rosemary, tied with kitchen twine
1 small bunch fresh Italian parsley, tied with kitchen twine
½ pound extra wide egg noodles
Chopped Italian parsley, for garnish
1 lemon, juiced (for serving)

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Instructions

In a large slow cooker, place the chopped carrots, celery, diced onion, crushed garlic, 3 teaspoons salt, and ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper.
Set the whole chicken on top of the vegetables. Pour in 8 to 10 cups of water, leaving about 1.5 inches from the top of the slow cooker.
Add the tied sprigs of thyme, rosemary, fresh Italian parsley, and bay leaves around the chicken.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Carefully remove the whole chicken from the slow cooker. Add the extra wide egg noodles to the broth, cover, and cook for an additional 20 minutes.
While the noodles cook, shred the chicken meat using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker with the noodles and broth. Stir well and season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve warm. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to each bowl just before eating.