Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Is it a chilly Sunday afternoon? The kind where the wind is howling, and all you want to do is curl up on the couch. What is better than a bowl of soup? I love crockpot chicken noodle soup. It’s a hug in ta bowl! While some recipes are fussy with searring chicken and making a roux, this is an easy dump-and-go. Is ordering takeout easier than ordering online? What are canned soups? The rich chicken flavor, combined with the soft noodles and tender veggies, makes it an absolute must try. Who is the winner every time?

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is crockpot chicken noodle soup?

What is a Crockpot Chicken Noodle soup? What’s a chicken noodle soup? How do you cook in a slow cooker? The beauty of this method is that the flavors have so much more time to meld together, creating a unique flavor. What are the best broths for a vegetarian? What is the best way to cook a chicken breast? Is this the kind of soup that fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma all day long, promising to warm your home? What a satisfying meal at the end of the day. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving – if you’re running late, just keeps getting better!

Why you’ll love this recipe?

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup has earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation, and I think you’ll understand why after just one bite. What I love most about this is the insane flavor you get with minimal effort. I’m talking about a deep, rich chicken flavor that tastes like you spent hours slaving over the stove, but really, you just dumped everything in a crockpot!

  • Flavor:The broth is out of this world. The slow cooking process allows the chicken and veggies to release all their goodness, creating a perfect meal. What are some of the best flavors to eat? What is the secret of lemon juice?
  • Simplicity:What is the kind of recipe you can throw together on a busy weekday morning and come home to ‘a fully stocked kitchen’? No pre-cooking required! Just toss everything in, set it, and forget it. I just don’t have the energy to cook a meal. This is an absolute lifesaver.
  • Cost-Chicken noodle soup is inherently budget-friendly, especially when you’re using whole chicken or a whole egg. What are chicken thighs What are the best root vegetables to eat? How do I stretch my grocery budget without sacrificing flavor?
  • Versatility: You can easily customize this soup to your liking. Add different veggies, use different types of noodles, or even throw in some herbs and spices to create your own signature version. It’s also great for using up leftover cooked chicken or veggies. I sometimes add a handful of spinach in the last 30 minutes for a boost of nutrients.

What are some of the best soup recipes? What is hearty vegetable soup? What is a crockpot chicken noodle soup? What is better than cooking on the stove?

How do I make crockpot chicken noodle soup?

Quick Overview

How do you make a crockpot chicken noodle soup? How do you cook noodles in a crockpot? Slow the chicken until it is fall-apart tender, shred it, and then add the noodles for the sauce. Is it a good idea to last 30 minutes? What are the advantages of slow cooking chicken? Is this a hands-off recipe that delivers amazing results every time? What is my favorite way to make chicken noodle soup?

Ingredients

For the Soup:

1 Whole Chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 2 lbs Chicken Thighs: I prefer bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for the most flavor, but a whole chicken works great too. If using a whole chicken, you might want to remove the skin before cooking to reduce the fat content.

8 cups Chicken Broth: 1 cup.How do you reduce the saltiness of chicken broth? If you have chicken broth on hand, you can make it yourself for a richer flavor.

2 cups Water: This helps to create enough liquid to cover all the ingredients.

2 Carrots, peeled and chopped: 1 pound Adds sweetness and color to the soup.

2 Celery stalks, chopped: 1 l Contributes to the classic chicken noodle soup flavor profile.

1 Yellow Onion, chopped: 1 lWhat is the best base for soup?

2 cloves Garlic, minced: Adds a pungent, aromatic flavor.

1 teaspoon dried thyme: 1 tablespoon dried Adds an earthy, herbal note.

1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary: 1 teaspoon dried Complements the thyme and adds depth of flavor.

1 Bay Leaf:Does the soup have a subtle, fragrant aroma?

Salt and pepper, to taste: Salt & pepper. Season generously to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

For the Noodles: What are

8 oz Egg Noodles:I like wide egg noodles for their hearty texture, but you can use any type of noodle you like. What are the different cooking times for different noodles? Gluten-free noodles will require even less time and tend to get mushy easier.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

How do I follow step

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Place the chicken (whole chicken or chicken thighs), chicken broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper in your crockpot.

Step 2: Cook on Low

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is fall-apart. I always err on the side of longer cooking time to ensure the chicken is super tender.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken from crockpot and shred it with two forks. Discard the skin and bones. How do I shred chicken in the crockpot?

Step 4: Add the Noodles

Stir in the egg noodles and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on them, as they can get mushy if overcooked. If you prefer firmer noodle, start checking them after 15 minutes.

Step 5: Remove Bay Leaf and Serve

Remove the bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. I usually add a little extra salt and pepper at this point to really bring out the flavors.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with fresh parsley or lemon juice, if desired. What are some good side dishes to serve with this comforting soup?

What to Serve It With

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it’s even better with a few simple sides. We love pairing it with:

A Crusty Bread: For dipping into the flavorful broth. A sourdough loaf or a baguette is perfect.

A Simple Salad: A light and refreshing salad, like a mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing, provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup.

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: For a comforting and satisfying meal. This is a classic pairing that everyone loves, especially kids.

Crackers: Saltine crackers or oyster crackers are great for adding a little crunch to the soup.

I often serve this with a side of warm cornbread on chilly evenings. It’s a match made in heaven! And if I’m feeling fancy, I’ll whip up a quick batch of homemade croutons for topping the soup.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup even better. Here are some of my top tips:

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: This is crucial! Overcooked noodles will turn to mush and ruin the texture of the soup. Add them in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, and keep an eye on them.

Use Bone-In, Skin-On Chicken: This will give you the most flavorful broth. The bones add depth of flavor, and the skin adds richness. You can always remove the skin after cooking if you prefer.

Don’t Skip the Aromatics: The carrots, celery, and onion are essential for building a flavorful base. Don’t skimp on these ingredients!

Add a Bay Leaf: This adds a subtle, fragrant aroma to the soup. Just remember to remove it before serving.

Season Generously: Salt and pepper are your friends! Don’t be afraid to season the soup generously to bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Add a Splash of Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. It’s a game-changer!

Customize with Your Favorite Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like peas, green beans, or corn to the soup. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get overcooked.

Use Leftover Cooked Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, you can use it in this soup. Just add it in the last hour of cooking so it doesn’t dry out.

I once accidentally added too much salt to this soup, and it was almost inedible! Lesson learned: always taste and adjust seasonings as you go. And another time, I forgot to add the noodles until the very end, and they were still hard when I served the soup. Oops! Now I always set a timer to remind myself to add the noodles.

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have had more time to meld together. Here’s how to store and reheat it:

Refrigerator Storage: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.

Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. If the soup is too thick, add a little chicken broth or water to thin it out.

I always make a big batch of this soup so I can have leftovers for lunch during the week. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a cold day!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can! Just use gluten-free noodles. Keep in mind that gluten-free noodles tend to get mushy faster, so add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking and keep a close eye on them. You can also use rice or quinoa instead of noodles for a gluten-free option.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs or a whole chicken?
Yes, you can, but chicken breasts tend to dry out more easily than chicken thighs or a whole chicken. If using chicken breasts, I recommend adding them in the last 2-3 hours of cooking to prevent them from becoming dry and tough.
Can I add vegetables other than carrots, celery, and onion?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other veggies like peas, green beans, corn, or spinach to the soup. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking so they don’t get overcooked.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some white beans or chickpeas for protein.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, you can! Simply combine all the ingredients (except the noodles) in a large pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. Add the noodles and cook until tender.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting tradition that I look forward to every fall and winter. It’s so easy to make, packed with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. If you’ve made it this far I hope you give this recipe a try and please share your photos in the comments or tag me on social media and let me know how it turns out. You might also like my Easy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons or my Creamy Potato Soup with Bacon. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

A hearty and comforting crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe, perfect for a chilly evening. Easy to make and packed with flavor.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 cups Chicken broth
  • 1 cup Carrots, chopped
  • 1 cup Celery, chopped
  • 1 cup Onion, chopped
  • 2 cups Egg noodles
  • 1 tsp Dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp Salt
  • 0.25 tsp Black pepper

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
  • Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  • Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until chicken is cooked through.
  • Shred chicken with two forks.
  • Stir in egg noodles and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until noodles are tender.

Notes

This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as green beans or potatoes.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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