If you’re craving a bowl of hearty, comforting soup, look no further than this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup. It’s the perfect combination of tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all simmered together in a rich and savory broth. This recipe is a breeze to make, and you’ll never want to reach for a can of soup again once you’ve tasted this homemade version. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy meal after a long day, this crockpot chicken noodle soup is your go-to recipe for ultimate comfort.
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Why This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is Perfect for Any Meal
This crockpot chicken noodle soup is not only incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a healthy and satisfying meal. The best part? It’s a set-it-and-forget-it recipe! Toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker, let it simmer, and you’ll have a hot, delicious meal waiting for you when you’re ready to eat. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and reduced-sodium chicken broth, making it a nourishing option for your family.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting chicken noodle soup in your crockpot:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: A lean protein that adds a hearty texture to the soup.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Carrots: Provide a touch of sweetness and a lovely color.
- Celery: Brings a fresh, crisp flavor to balance the other ingredients.
- Garlic: A key aromatic that enhances the flavor of the broth.
- Dried thyme: Adds a hint of earthy warmth to the soup.
- Dried rosemary: Complements the thyme with a piney, fragrant note.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the soup.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat to the broth.
- Bay leaf: Optional, but it infuses the soup with an extra layer of flavor.
- Better than Bouillon chicken base: A concentrated flavor boost for the broth.
- Chicken broth: The base for the soup, making it flavorful and comforting.
- Egg noodles: These are the classic noodle choice for chicken noodle soup, adding a perfect bite and texture.
- Fresh parsley: Used as a garnish, adding freshness and color.
Alternative Ingredient Suggestions
If you have dietary restrictions or want to switch things up, here are a few substitutions for the ingredients:
- Chicken thighs: If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts. They add a richer flavor to the soup.
- Gluten-free noodles: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles.
- Vegetable broth: If you’re vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter version of the soup.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like tarragon or basil for a different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this crockpot chicken noodle soup is incredibly simple, and the slow cooker does most of the work for you. Follow these steps:
- Start by adding the chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. If you’re using a bay leaf, add it now.
- Dollop the better than bouillon chicken base over the ingredients and pour in the chicken broth.
- Stir everything gently to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Discard the bay leaf if used and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the egg noodles, stir, and cover. Let the soup cook on LOW for another 10-15 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Depending on your slow cooker, the noodles may cook faster than expected. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get too soft or mushy.
- Adjust the broth: If you find the soup too thick, feel free to add extra chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work fine, fresh thyme and rosemary can take this soup to the next level in terms of flavor and aroma.
- Stovetop method: If you’re short on time, you can make this soup on the stovetop by following the same instructions, but cooking the chicken and vegetables in a large pot.
Pairing Ideas and Variations
This crockpot chicken noodle soup is versatile and can be paired with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some great ideas:
- Side Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the soup.
- Bread: Serve with crusty bread or garlic bread for a comforting, filling meal.
- Spicy Kick: If you like a bit of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your soup.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can easily make this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding extra broth if needed. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the noodles before freezing, and cook them fresh when you reheat the soup.
The Health Benefits of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is known for its comforting qualities, but it also has some health benefits. The warm broth can help soothe a sore throat, and the steam from the soup helps clear congestion. Plus, using high-quality ingredients like lean chicken, vegetables, and reduced-sodium chicken broth makes this a nourishing and wholesome meal that’s easy to digest. It’s a great choice for when you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy meal to warm you up.
Incorporating this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup into your meal rotation is a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, hearty dish that’s both comforting and easy to make. With its rich flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Conclusion
In conclusion, this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food, offering a delightful balance of flavors and textures. With its ease of preparation and nutritious ingredients, it’s a dish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly day or looking for a simple meal to make after a busy day, this slow cooker recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the rich, homemade taste that you just can’t get from a can, and feel good about what you’re eating!
FAQ About Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe. Just make sure to cook the soup for a bit longer if you’re using frozen chicken. You may need to add an additional hour or two of cooking time on LOW to ensure the chicken reaches the right temperature and shreds easily.
Can I make this soup ahead of time and freeze it?
Absolutely! This crockpot chicken noodle soup freezes well. Just make sure to cook the noodles separately if you’re planning to freeze the soup, as they can become mushy when frozen and reheated. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the soup on the stove and add freshly cooked noodles.
Can I use another type of noodle besides egg noodles?
Yes, you can use other types of noodles in place of egg noodles. Try wide or extra-wide egg noodles, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary to ensure the noodles are cooked properly.
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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (LOW) or 3 hours 15 minutes (HIGH)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich chicken broth. It’s easy to make and perfect for cozy meals after a long day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 medium to large yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into circles
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 2 tsp better than bouillon base, chicken flavor
- 8 – 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz. egg noodles (wide or extra wide)
- Fresh parsley, minced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add the trimmed chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Top with diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using).
- Dollop the better than bouillon chicken base over the top and pour in the chicken broth.
- Stir gently to combine, cover, and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
- Discard the bay leaf, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, and add the egg noodles.
- Stir and cover the slow cooker, cooking on LOW for another 10-15 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with minced fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
- If using frozen chicken breasts, cook on LOW for a longer time (add 1-2 extra hours).
- For a gluten-free version, swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles.
- To freeze, omit the noodles and store the soup in an airtight container. Reheat and add freshly cooked noodles when serving.
- If you prefer not to cook the noodles in the slow cooker, boil them separately and add them in at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on LOW, or 3-4 hours on HIGH
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
