There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day. Whether you're feeling under the weather, craving a cozy meal, or simply looking for a low-effort dinner idea, this slow-cooked soup is perfect for all occasions. The best part? You can toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Keep reading to learn the ultimate recipe, including ingredient substitutions, tips, and step-by-step instructions to make the perfect crockpot chicken noodle soup every time!
What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a slow-cooked version of the classic chicken noodle soup, made using a crockpot or slow cooker. This method allows the ingredients to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in tender chicken, rich broth, and flavorful vegetables. The slow cooker also lets you "set it and forget it," making it an ideal meal for busy days.
This hearty soup is loaded with chunks of juicy chicken, tender egg noodles, and wholesome vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions. It’s seasoned with aromatic herbs and spices to create a soothing, satisfying bowl of homemade comfort food. Plus, the longer cooking time helps develop deeper flavors and rich, nourishing broth that will make you feel better with every bite!
Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Fresh Ingredients:
- 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs for a richer flavor)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced (about 1½ cups)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 bay leaf
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Pantry Ingredients:
- 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for a richer broth)
- 1½ cups of uncooked egg noodles (wide egg noodles are traditional, but any noodle works)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness at the end)
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup of frozen peas (added at the end for extra color and sweetness)
- 1 small potato, diced (for added heartiness)
- Crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat)
Substitutions and Variations
One of the wonderful things about Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.
Substitutions:
- Chicken: If you prefer dark meat, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. They’re fattier and provide a richer flavor. You could also use rotisserie chicken and add it during the last hour of cooking to warm through.
- Noodles: Swap egg noodles for other types of pasta like rotini, ditalini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary.
- Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth works too. You can also use bouillon cubes dissolved in water.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like green beans, zucchini, or spinach. You can even use frozen mixed veggies for convenience.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a creamy version of the soup.
- Low-Carb Version: Swap noodles with zucchini noodles or omit them entirely for a more keto-friendly meal.
- Herbed Chicken Soup: Double up on herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a more herb-forward flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Here’s how to make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup in just a few simple steps. Once the ingredients are prepped, you can leave the crockpot to do most of the work!
How to Cook Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prep the Ingredients: Begin by prepping all your vegetables: chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. This can be done the night before if you're pressed for time.
- Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the boneless chicken breasts (or thighs) at the bottom of the crockpot. Then, layer in the chopped carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Add the thyme, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and any other dried herbs or seasonings.
- Add the Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the top of the ingredients. If you want a slightly richer broth, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil as well.
- Cook on Low or High: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The soup is ready when the chicken is fully cooked and tender, and the vegetables are soft.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, use tongs to remove the chicken from the crockpot. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the crockpot. Stir to mix everything together.
- Add the Noodles: About 20-30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the crockpot. Cook them until they are tender but not mushy, usually around 20 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Stir in the lemon juice for a bright finish, and toss in any optional ingredients like frozen peas or extra herbs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Adding the noodles too early can lead to soggy, overcooked noodles. Always add them during the last 20-30 minutes.
- Undercooking the Vegetables: Make sure to chop your veggies into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Using Too Much Salt Early On: Since the broth will reduce slightly as it cooks, be cautious when adding salt. You can always adjust the seasoning before serving.
Serving and Presentation Tips
When it comes to serving Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, presentation can make the meal feel even more special and comforting.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Serve Hot: Serve the soup piping hot in deep bowls with a slice of crusty bread on the side for dipping.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a drizzle of olive oil can brighten up the dish. For a pop of freshness, you can add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving.
- Side Pairings: This soup pairs well with simple side dishes like a green salad, a slice of garlic bread, or cheese biscuits.
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Rustic Style: Serve the soup in large ceramic bowls for a farmhouse-style presentation.
- Family-Style Serving: If you’re serving a group, ladle the soup into a large serving bowl and let everyone help themselves.
- Fancy Touches: For a more upscale presentation, sprinkle the soup with freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few red pepper flakes for a dash of color.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips
- Make It Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze the soup without the noodles in airtight containers. When ready to eat, reheat and add freshly cooked noodles.
- Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie or roasted chicken, shred it and add it to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Simply add them to the crockpot without thawing. You may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I cook the noodles separately?
A: Absolutely! If you prefer firmer noodles or plan to freeze the soup, cook the noodles separately and add them when serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, any pasta can work in this soup, just keep an eye on the cooking time since different pastas cook at different rates.
Q: How can I make the broth richer?
A: For a richer broth, you can add a splash of white wine or an extra tablespoon of olive oil. Cooking the soup with bone-in chicken also enhances the flavor.
Conclusion
There you have it – the ultimate recipe for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup! This easy, delicious meal is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or whenever you need a comforting bowl of warmth. The slow cooker makes this recipe a breeze, and it’s versatile enough to adapt to your preferences. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or just getting started, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, set your crockpot, and get ready to enjoy one of the coziest and tastiest meals you can make!
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!
PrintCrockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and egg noodles. Made in the slow cooker, this easy recipe is perfect for cold days or when you want a fuss-free meal. Keywords: crockpot chicken noodle soup, slow cooker, comfort food, easy recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) + 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot / Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Pour in chicken broth.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute egg noodles with gluten-free noodles if desired.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or corn for more flavor and texture.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
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