If thereโs one recipe that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl, itโs Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. This beloved classic combines tender chicken, bright vegetables, and comforting noodles in a golden, savory broth that simmers low and slow, making your kitchen smell absolutely heavenly. Perfect for chilly days, sick days, or just when you want to serve up pure comfort to your family, this soup is my go-to whenever I crave something nourishing, foolproof, and wonderfully soul-satisfying. With a handful of simple ingredients and almost no hands-on time, youโll have a pot of homemade goodness ready whenever you need it most.
Ingredients Youโll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup plays an important role, bringing its own texture, flavor, or pop of color to the final dish. Even with humble staples, the result is deeply flavorful and comforting. Hereโs what youโll gather and why it matters:
- Chicken breasts or thighs: Shredded after cooking, these become juicy, tender bites that turn your soup into a hearty meal.
- Carrots: Sliced rounds add delicious sweetness and a pop of color that makes each bowl inviting.
- Celery: Essential for that classic soup flavor and a gentle earthy crunch.
- Yellow onion: Provides aromatic depth and helps build a flavorful base.
- Garlic: Brings a subtle, savory warmth that infuses every spoonful.
- Chicken broth: A good-quality broth really makes the soup taste like itโs been simmering all dayโeven if it hasnโt!
- Dried thyme and parsley: These herbs layer in classic flavors reminiscent of grandmaโs best soup.
- Bay leaf: Adds background fragrance and depth. Donโt forget to remove it before serving!
- Egg noodles: Quick-cooking noodles soak up the broth and make the soup satisfying enough for dinner.
- Salt and pepper: Big flavor boosters; donโt be shy about seasoning to taste.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by washing and chopping your carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. This little burst of prep work really pays offโwith fresh, vibrant vegetables and aromatic base flavors lined up, you can just add everything straight into the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup and let it do its thing while you get on with your day.
Step 2: Layer Everything into the Crockpot
Add the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, broth, herbs, and bay leaf to the Crockpot. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then gently stir to combine. Yes, itโs really as simple as thatโno sautรฉing or babysitting needed! Set the lid on and let the magic begin.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for about 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is perfectly tender and the veggies are soft but not mushy. Enjoy the fragrance filling your kitchen as all those flavors meld together in the most mouthwatering way.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the chicken from the pot (a pair of tongs works great here) and shred it with two forks. Then, return the juicy shreds back into your bubbling Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup so every bite is infused with chickeny goodness.
Step 5: Add Noodles & Finish
Stir in the egg noodles (dry, straight into the pot) and let them cook for 10 to 15 minutes, until just tender. Donโt overcookโthe noodles will continue to soften even after the Crockpot is turned off. Taste, season one last time, and fish out the bay leaf before serving up big, cozy bowls.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens up each bowl, and a crack of black pepper never hurts. For something special, try a light drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice for a pop of freshness that makes this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup taste gourmet.
Side Dishes
I love pairing this soup with slices of buttery, toasted bread or warm, fluffy rollsโperfect for soaking up every last drop of rich broth. A crisp side salad with a simple vinaigrette can add a hint of brightness and crunch to your cozy meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If youโre serving Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup for guests or just feel like making dinner extra fun, try ladling it into big mugs for easy, casual sippingโor serve in hollowed-out bread bowls for the ultimate wow factor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If possible, store the noodles separately from the broth so they donโt get too softโjust scoop together when reheating.
Freezing
The wonderful part about this soup is how well it freezes! Simply cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers (leave a little space for expansion). For the best texture, freeze without the noodles and add fresh ones when reheatingโthe result tastes just-made.
Reheating
To reheat, pop your soup into a saucepan and warm gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have soaked up some broth, add a splash of extra broth or water to bring it back to your preferred consistency. You can also microwave individual bowls for a quick lunch.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! If youโre using rotisserie chicken, add it in toward the end just to heat throughโthis keeps it tender and saves time, making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup even more convenient.
What are the best noodles to use?
Egg noodles are classic, but you can substitute small pasta shapes like rotini, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti. Just add them uncooked at the end and adjust simmer time as needed.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free noodles or rice, and make sure your broth is gluten-free. Keep an eye on the noodles as gluten-free varieties can cook a little faster or sometimes break down with longer cooking.
How can I make this soup more flavorful?
For even deeper flavor, try adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or toss in a parmesan rind while the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup simmersโjust remember to remove the rind before serving.
Can I cook the noodles separately?
Definitely! Cooking noodles separately is a great tip if you plan to have leftovers, since it keeps them from getting over-soft or mushy. Just add the desired amount to each bowl right before serving.
Final Thoughts
If youโre craving delicious comfort with minimal effort, you absolutely have to give this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup a try. It transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something magical and memory-making, and itโs sure to become a well-loved favorite in your home as it is in mine.
PrintCrockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low) or 3-4 hours (on high)
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, classic dish made easy in your slow cooker. Tender chicken, hearty vegetables, flavorful herbs, and noodles simmer together for a cozy meal perfect for any weeknight or when you’re feeling under the weather. Enjoy a delicious, wholesome bowl without the fuss of stovetop cookingโjust set it and forget it!
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Noodles
- 2 cups egg noodles
To Finish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and mince the garlic. Trim any excess fat from the chicken.
- Layer in the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the sliced carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, rosemary, and drop in the bay leaf. Season with salt and black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth to cover all the ingredients.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and set to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf, then return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles, cover, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Finish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon, if desired.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a richer, more flavorful broth.
- Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles can be substituted for regular egg noodles.
- Leftover soup can be stored up to 4 days in the fridge; add a splash of broth when reheating.
- For extra veggies, stir in spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Freezing tip: Cooked noodles can become mushy when frozen. Store the soup base separately and add fresh noodles when reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 2 cups
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
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