Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic, comforting dish that’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet it delivers on flavor with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft noodles, all cooked together in a flavorful broth. Let your crockpot do the work while you go about your day, and come back to a warm and satisfying bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make: Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook. Minimal prep work required.
• Comforting and hearty: This soup is perfect for cozy evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
• Great for meal prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Family-friendly: This classic soup is sure to be a hit with everyone, including kids.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken breasts or thighs
• Carrots
• Celery
• Onion
• Garlic
• Chicken broth
• Egg noodles
• Bay leaves
• Fresh parsley
• Thyme
• Salt and pepper

Directions

1. Prep the ingredients: Start by dicing your carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Add to the crockpot: Place the chicken, vegetables (carrots, celery, onion, garlic), and herbs into the crockpot. Add in the bay leaves and pour in the chicken broth.
3. Cook: Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
4. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the crockpot.
5. Add noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook on high for another 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Season and serve: Remove the bay leaves, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes approximately 6-8 servings.
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

Variations

• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles or substitute with rice for a gluten-free version.
• Low-carb: Swap the noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables like potatoes, spinach, or peas for added nutrition.
• Use leftover chicken: If you have leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken, you can add it to the crockpot towards the end of cooking to warm it up.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. If freezing, cook the soup without the noodles and add them when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

FAQs

How long does Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup take to cook?

It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, if you’re using pre-cooked chicken, add it towards the end of the cooking process, about 15-20 minutes before serving.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken works great. Just be sure to remove the bones before shredding the chicken.

Can I use other types of noodles?

Absolutely! You can use any type of noodles you like, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I thicken my chicken noodle soup?

If you want a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water or mash some of the vegetables.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. You can also add chickpeas or tofu for extra protein.

What’s the best way to shred chicken?

The easiest way to shred chicken is by using two forks. You can also use a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for quicker results.

Can I cook the noodles separately?

Yes, if you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separately and add them to individual bowls before serving.

What herbs go best with chicken noodle soup?

Thyme, parsley, bay leaves, and rosemary are all great options for adding flavor to your chicken noodle soup.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a delicious, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or storing some for meal prep, this soup is versatile, nourishing, and sure to become a family favorite. Feel free to customize the recipe to your liking and enjoy a warm, hearty bowl of homemade goodness!

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