Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Busy Days

Comfort wafts through the kitchen with this hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup that promises warmth and healing.

Slow-cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into a magical meal bursting with flavor.

Tender chicken pieces swim alongside perfectly cooked noodles, creating a symphony of textures.

Fragrant herbs dance between rich broth layers, whispering memories of grandmother’s classic recipes.

Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, making preparation effortless for busy home cooks.

Nutrients pack every spoonful, promising both nourishment and satisfaction.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked love and culinary simplicity.

You’ll want to savor this soul-warming recipe again and again.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Grab a warm, rustic sourdough or French baguette to dip into the rich, savory broth. The bread's crispy exterior and soft interior perfectly absorb the soup's delicious flavors, creating a comforting meal.
• Choose a light, refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's hearty warmth. These wines offer a bright, citrusy note that matches the lemon juice and cuts through the soup's richness.
• Toss together a light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp greens provide a delightful contrast to the soup's warm, comforting texture and add a nutritious element to the meal.
• End your meal with a soothing chamomile or mint tea. These gentle, warming beverages complement the soup's healing qualities and provide a perfect relaxing finish to your comfort food experience.

Flavorful Twists for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb alternative that accommodates celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a protein-rich meatless soup option.
• Low-Sodium Edition: Select low-sodium chicken broth, reduce added salt, and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary or additional dried thyme to maintain taste without excess sodium.
• Dairy-Free Wellness Approach: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free by checking broth labels, and add extra herbs like sage or oregano to boost the soup's nutritional profile and taste complexity.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Common Questions

• Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just add an extra 1-2 hours to the cooking time and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

• Is it okay to substitute dried herbs for fresh herbs?

Absolutely! Use 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh. For example, if the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, use 1 teaspoon dried thyme.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, simply replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Ensure your chicken broth is also gluten-free to maintain the recipe’s compatibility.

• How can I make the soup more protein-rich?

Add cooked white beans, extra shredded chicken, or stir in a beaten egg during the last few minutes of cooking for additional protein boost.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup That Warms You Up

• Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic with minimal effort, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Simply set the crockpot and walk away, allowing the slow cooking process to develop rich, deep flavors while you tackle other daily tasks or relax.
• Deliver a warm, nourishing soup that hugs your soul, packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles that remind you of home-cooked goodness.
• Easily adjust ingredients or swap noodles to suit dietary preferences, making this recipe a versatile option for families with different taste buds and nutritional needs.

What Goes into Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chicken Breasts, Chicken Thighs: Hearty protein base that provides the main flavor and substance of the soup, choose boneless and skinless for easier preparation.

• Carrots, Celery, Onion, Garlic: Classic soup vegetable blend that creates a rich, deep flavor profile, select fresh and crisp vegetables for the best taste.

• Parsley, Thyme, Bay Leaf, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and spices that enhance the soup's overall taste and aroma, fresh herbs offer more vibrant flavor compared to dried versions.

• Chicken Broth: Essential liquid that creates the soup's foundation, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt content.

• Egg Noodles: Provides comfort and texture to the soup, choose wide or medium-sized noodles for a classic chicken noodle soup experience.

• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and freshness to the soup, optional but recommended for a balanced flavor.

Steps to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare The Chicken Base

• Place chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker
• Add these ingredients
• Chopped carrots
• Diced celery
• Sliced onion
• Minced garlic
• Fresh parsley
• Dried thyme
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, making sure everything is covered

Step 2: Cook The Chicken

Cover slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes tender and fully cooked

Step 3: Shred The Chicken

Remove chicken from slow cooker and shred using two forks

Discard the bay leaf

Step 4: Add Noodles

Return shredded chicken to slow cooker

Stir in egg noodles

Cook on high temperature for 15-20 minutes until noodles become soft

Step 5: Final Touches

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Ladle soup into serving bowls

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired

Pro Tips for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Optimize Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easier shredding and cleaner eating experience in the soup.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Sauté onions, garlic, and herbs before adding to crockpot to develop richer, more complex taste profile.
• Prevent Mushy Noodles: Add egg noodles during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect texture and prevent overcooking.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free or whole wheat options to accommodate different dietary preferences without compromising taste.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Increase vegetable variety by adding zucchini, spinach, or kale for extra nutrients and vibrant color to the soup.

Best Way to Reheat Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the broth and noodles separate to prevent soggy noodles.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing noodles, as they become mushy when thawed.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add fresh noodles or extra broth if needed to restore original consistency.
• Reheat individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and prevent overheating, which can make chicken tough.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to your dinner table. Fragrant herbs and tender chicken create a soul-warming meal that wraps you in delicious nostalgia, promising warmth with each perfectly seasoned spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables:

• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 8 cups (2 L) chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 cups (120 g) egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Nestle chicken pieces into the bottom of the slow cooker, creating a single layer.
2. Scatter chopped carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic around the chicken, distributing aromatics evenly.
3. Sprinkle dried parsley, thyme, and a bay leaf over the vegetables, adding a layer of herbaceous complexity.
4. Season with a modest pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
5. Gently pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is completely submerged.
6. Secure the lid and allow the soup to simmer on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes fork-tender.
7. Carefully extract the chicken from the liquid and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
8. Remove and discard the bay leaf to prevent any bitter undertones.
9. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and introduce egg noodles into the broth.
10. Cook on HIGH for 15-20 minutes until noodles reach perfect al dente consistency.
11. Brighten the soup with a splash of lemon juice, adding a subtle tangy dimension.
12. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as desired.
13. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs for leaner protein options like turkey breast or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Enhance soup’s nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added vitamins and minerals.
• Customize texture by adjusting noodle cooking time – cook less for firmer noodles or longer for softer, more dissolved noodles depending on personal preference.
• Create a gluten-free version by using rice noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional egg noodles, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting soup.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg