There’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of homemade soup to bring warmth and comfort, especially on a busy day. This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a true kitchen hero, delivering tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and wholesome vegetables in a savory broth that tastes like it simmered for hours. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, effortlessly prepared for maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
This recipe has become a go-to for those chilly evenings or when a simple, nourishing meal is exactly what’s needed. It’s wonderfully forgiving, making it ideal for busy moms and professionals who need a reliable dish that practically cooks itself. The aroma that fills your home as it slow cooks is simply irresistible, and leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup truly simplifies even the busiest weeknights. It’s wonderfully easy to throw together. Just a few minutes of prep is all it takes. Then, your slow cooker handles the rest. The outcome is always a deeply flavorful, comforting soup. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the veggies and seasonings. It’s perfect for your family’s taste.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients
The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its simple, wholesome ingredients. They all combine for pure comfort. Each part is essential. It helps build that classic, beloved flavor. It really makes a difference.
- Chicken: This is the star. It gives you protein and a tender texture. You can shred it easily. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great.
- Carrots, Celery, and Onion: These build the flavor base. They offer sweetness and depth. They add a great texture to the broth too.
- Chicken Broth: This is the liquid base. It’s full of flavor. It unites all the ingredients beautifully.
- Herbs (Thyme & Rosemary): These classic herbs are fragrant. They lend a savory aroma. This is the taste of chicken noodle soup.
- Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): These are crucial. They boost all the other flavors. They bring everything into balance.
- Egg Noodles: These are perfect for soaking up broth. They add a satisfying chew. They make the soup extra hearty.
Substitutions and Tips:
For a richer, more succulent flavor, try chicken thighs. They are wonderfully flavorful. If you want more veggies, add peas or corn. They are excellent additions. Feel free to tweak herbs. Adjust seasonings for your taste. For a quick herb swap, use Italian seasoning. About one teaspoon works well. The recipe card has exact amounts. It’s very helpful.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Place your chicken breasts or thighs directly into the slow cooker. This is the initial step. It starts creating your delicious Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Broth
Next, add the chopped carrots, celery, and onion around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth. Make sure it covers all the ingredients.
Step 3: Season the Soup
Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt. These key seasonings develop the savory depth. They make this an easy chicken noodle soup.
Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Or use the high setting for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through. It will be tender and ready for shredding.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken. Use two forks. Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is a crucial step. It ensures perfect texture. It’s key for your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Add Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the egg noodles to the pot. Stir everything together gently. This coats the noodles.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
Cover the slow cooker again. Simmer for 20-30 minutes more. Cook until the egg noodles are tender. They should absorb some flavorful broth.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Give the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup a final stir. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Serve it immediately. Enjoy this comforting, homemade meal.
PrintCrockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 ounces egg noodles
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, black pepper, and salt.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Stir and serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- You can add other vegetables like peas or corn.
- Adjust seasonings to your preference.
- If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use 1 teaspoon of mixed Italian seasoning.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Keeping your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup tasting great is easy. Store leftovers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. Want to freeze it? Portions work well! Or freeze a larger container. It lasts 2-3 months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat and enjoy.
Tips for Success
- For a richer flavor, try using chicken thighs. They are wonderfully succulent.
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Add them near the end. This keeps their texture just right.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. You want it perfect!
- A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds brightness. Do this just before you serve it.
- If the soup seems too thick, add a bit more chicken broth or water. This adjusts as needed.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
Having the right gear makes this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup a breeze. You just need a few basic kitchen essentials to bring this comforting meal to life. Having these items handy speeds things up significantly.
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart size is ideal. It has plenty of room.
- Cutting Board: For prepping your veggies.
- Sharp Knife: To chop ingredients efficiently.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accuracy.
- Two Forks: These are perfect for shredding chicken easily.
- Ladle: Great for serving up perfect portions.
Serving Suggestions
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is delightful on its own. It pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions. Consider serving it with some warm, crusty bread. It’s perfect for soaking up all that savory broth. A light, fresh green salad also makes a lovely contrast. It keeps the meal feeling balanced. For a pop of color and freshness, garnish your soup bowls. Fresh parsley or chives work beautifully. For drinks, a light white wine or a refreshing glass of iced tea complements the soup nicely.
Can I make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time. Cook the soup without the noodles, let it cool, and then refrigerate. Add the noodles when you are ready to serve and reheat the soup.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs for my Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Dried herbs work perfectly well in this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. If you don’t have fresh thyme or rosemary, you can substitute with dried versions, using about one-third of the amount called for fresh. Mixed Italian seasoning is also a good alternative.
Can I use different types of noodles in this slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even small shells in your slow cooker chicken noodle soup. Just be sure to add them during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking, as they may cook faster or slower than egg noodles.
How can I make my Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup richer?
For a richer flavor in your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts, as they have more fat and flavor. You can also add a bay leaf during the cooking process for added depth, and remove it before serving.