Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Nothing beats a warm, comforting bowl of Chicken Noodle Soup, especially when it's made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft noodles simmered to perfection. This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is incredibly easy to make, as your slow cooker does most of the work. Whether you're looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or a nourishing dish when you're feeling under the weather, this recipe delivers on flavor, comfort, and simplicity. Keep reading to learn how to make this satisfying soup, plus tips, variations, and serving ideas!

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What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic chicken soup made by simmering chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a flavorful broth. Using a slow cooker allows the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together over several hours with minimal effort. This comforting soup is perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal but don’t have time to stand over the stove. Just toss everything into the crockpot and let it work its magic!

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious, comforting chicken noodle soup in your slow cooker:

For the Soup:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Either works well, but chicken thighs tend to stay more tender.
• 8 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium broth to control the salt level.
• 1 medium onion, diced.
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds.
• 3 celery stalks, chopped.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced.
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Adds an earthy flavor to the soup.
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley: For a mild, herby note.
• 1 bay leaf: Adds subtle depth to the broth.
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
• 2 cups egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are classic, but you can use any type of pasta.

Optional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: For a bit of brightness and acidity.
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: For a hint of heat.
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish.

Substitutions and Variations

Looking to customize your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup? Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken alternatives: You can use bone-in chicken thighs for even more flavor or substitute with rotisserie chicken for an even faster option.
• Vegetables: Add other veggies like peas, spinach, or green beans in the last 30 minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
• Noodles: Use other types of noodles like orzo, ditalini, or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta used.
• Herbs: Fresh thyme or rosemary can be used instead of dried herbs. You can also experiment with adding other herbs like dill or oregano.
• Broth: For a richer flavor, you can use homemade chicken broth, or for added heartiness, swap out some of the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly easy. Just follow these steps for a delicious and comforting meal!

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

• In the base of your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts or thighs, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup

• Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, and the vegetables should be soft.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

• Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the crockpot.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

• Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender. If you're using a different type of pasta, adjust the cooking time as needed.

Step 5: Season and Serve

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness if desired. Remove the bay leaf and discard.
• Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

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

Here’s a quick breakdown of the steps to ensure your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly:

1. Layer the ingredients: Add the chicken, vegetables, seasonings, and broth to the slow cooker.
2. Slow cook until tender: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
3. Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the soup.
4. Cook the noodles: Add noodles during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
5. Season and serve: Adjust seasoning and enjoy with a sprinkle of fresh herbs!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the noodles: Add the noodles toward the end of the cooking time to avoid mushy, overcooked pasta. If you prefer a more al dente texture, check the noodles after 20 minutes.
• Not seasoning enough: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice. Slow cooking can mellow out flavors, so it’s important to taste and adjust.
• Skipping the shredding step: Shredding the chicken after it's cooked ensures even distribution throughout the soup and creates that classic chicken noodle soup texture.

Serving and Presentation Tips

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is comforting on its own, but you can serve it with a few extra touches to enhance the meal. Here’s how to serve and present it:

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• With crusty bread: Serve the soup alongside warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
• With crackers: Pair the soup with saltine or oyster crackers for a classic touch.
• With a side salad: A simple green salad or Caesar salad makes a great light accompaniment to the soup.
• Low-carb option: Skip the noodles and serve the chicken soup as a low-carb, broth-based soup. You could even add extra veggies like zucchini or cauliflower for more substance.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Garnish generously: Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley, thyme, or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness and flavor.
• Serve in rustic bowls: Use deep, wide bowls to serve the soup for a cozy, homestyle presentation.
• Add a swirl of cream: For a touch of indulgence, swirl a tablespoon of heavy cream or sour cream into each bowl for a creamy finish.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: You can prepare this soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to make it ahead, it's best to cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
• Freeze for later: This soup freezes well, but you should freeze it without the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. Freeze the soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked noodles.
• Add extra veggies: For a more nutrient-packed soup, consider adding peas, spinach, or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely! If you're using cooked chicken, add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking to heat through. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for added convenience.

Q: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. If the soup thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. Noodles can become mushy when frozen and reheated. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: Yes, dried herbs like thyme and parsley work well in this recipe. If you prefer fresh herbs, add them toward the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.

Q: What type of noodles work best in chicken noodle soup?
A: Wide egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken noodle soup, but you can use any type of pasta you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of noodle

you choose.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic comfort food that’s made even easier by using a slow cooker. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, this soup is perfect for chilly days, busy weeknights, or anytime you’re craving something warm and nourishing. Whether you serve it with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad, this chicken noodle soup is sure to become a family favorite. Try it today for an effortless meal that everyone will love!

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