Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup to make you feel cozy and comforted, especially on a cold day or when you’re under the weather. With the help of a crockpot, you can enjoy this classic soup without much effort. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to develop while the chicken becomes tender, and the vegetables soften perfectly. This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is delicious, wholesome, and perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

This recipe is incredibly simple to put together. Just toss your ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. By the time it’s done, you'll have a rich, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe.

What Is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic chicken soup made with tender chunks of chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, and egg noodles, all simmered in a savory broth. Using a crockpot allows you to cook the soup slowly, letting the flavors meld together while keeping the chicken moist and tender. This hands-off method makes it perfect for busy days when you need a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting and easy chicken noodle soup:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs): Chicken thighs tend to stay more tender, but breasts work well too.
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds sweetness and texture.
• 3 celery stalks, sliced: For flavor and crunch.
• 1 medium onion, diced: For aromatic depth in the broth.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds rich flavor.
• 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium): Forms the base of the soup. Use low sodium so you can control the salt.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds herbal flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley: For an earthy, fresh flavor.
• 2 bay leaves: For a subtle layer of flavor.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.
• 2 cups egg noodles: Use wide egg noodles or your favorite pasta.
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional): For garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

This recipe is very flexible, and you can make substitutions or changes based on your preferences:

• Chicken thighs: If you prefer juicier, more tender chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Gluten-free noodles: Swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Extra vegetables: Add more vegetables such as zucchini, green beans, or spinach to the soup for extra nutrition.
• Rotisserie chicken: If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, you can shred it and add it to the soup during the last hour of cooking.
• Spice it up: For added heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is easy—just prep the ingredients, toss them in the crockpot, and let the slow cooker do the work. Here’s how to make it:

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Prepare the vegetables: Peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic.
2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

1. Layer the ingredients: Place the seasoned chicken in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top.
2. Pour in the broth: Add the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged.
3. Add seasonings: Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, and bay leaves. Season with a little more salt and pepper.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup

1. Cook low and slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Cook the Noodles

1. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
2. Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles to the crockpot and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on high, or until the noodles are tender.

Step 5: Serve

1. Taste and adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
2. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.

How to Cook Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the veggies and chicken: Slice the carrots, celery, and onion, and mince the garlic. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
2. Layer in the crockpot: Add the chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings to the crockpot.
3. Cook low and slow: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
4. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is tender, shred it and return it to the soup.
5. Cook the noodles: Add the noodles to the crockpot and cook until tender, about 20-30 minutes.
6. Serve hot: Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with fresh parsley and bread on the side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is simple, here are a few common mistakes to avoid to ensure your soup turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking the noodles: Noodles can get mushy if they cook too long. Add them during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking so they’re just tender.
• Skipping the seasoning: Taste the broth before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Chicken broth can sometimes vary in saltiness, so you may need to add extra salt and pepper.
• Overcooking the chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out if cooked too long. If you’re using chicken breasts, be sure to check them at the lower end of the cooking time, especially if cooking on high.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is comforting and hearty on its own, but here are a few ways to enhance your meal:

• Serve with crusty bread: A warm, crusty baguette or dinner rolls pair perfectly with the soup, making it extra filling and satisfying.
• Top with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note to the soup.
• Add a side salad: Pair the soup with a simple green salad for a balanced, light meal.
• Make it a cozy meal: Serve the soup in large, cozy bowls with a spoonful of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve it with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or even a grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comforting meal. The warmth of the soup and the tender chicken with noodles make it a satisfying, feel-good meal.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

For a homey presentation, serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Place a basket of warm, crusty bread on the table to share, and enjoy a cozy, family-style meal. You can also serve the soup in mugs for a more casual, comforting feel.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the crockpot.
• Freeze for later: This soup freezes well, but freeze it without the noodles. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and add the noodles to cook.
• Add more flavor: For an extra flavor boost, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crockpot.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! If you have leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken, simply add it during the last hour of cooking so it has time to heat through but doesn’t overcook.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. Cook the noodles fresh when you reheat the soup. The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

How long will leftovers last?

Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes! To make it on the stovetop, sauté the vegetables in a large pot, then add the chicken, broth, and seasonings. Simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Shred the chicken, return it to the pot, add the noodles, and cook until tender.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and hearty. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this classic soup comes together effortlessly in the slow cooker. Just set it and forget it, and you’ll have a comforting meal waiting for you. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a cozy dinner, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is sure to hit the spot!

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