Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings. With minimal effort, you can create a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will love. This recipe allows your slow cooker to do all the hard work while you enjoy your day. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend, this soup fits any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss all ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Hearty Flavors: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and herbs creates a deliciously comforting bowl of soup.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or spices.
• Healthy Option: Packed with nutrients, this soup is a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need some essential tools that make the process easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the heart of the recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that results in tender chicken and flavorful broth.
• Sharp knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe chopping of vegetables for your soup.
• Ladle: Use a ladle to serve the soup easily without spilling.

Ingredients

For this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Chicken

• 8 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) or chicken thighs
• 2 dried bay leaves

Herbs and Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Noodles and Garnish

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by dicing your onion, slicing the carrots and celery, and mincing the garlic. This step will help ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

In a large slow cooker:
1. Add all prepared vegetables along with chicken stock or broth.
2. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables.
3. Add bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Cook Your Soup

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours.
– Check occasionally to ensure everything is cooking evenly.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Add Noodles

Once cooked:
1. Remove chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
2. Shred them using two forks before adding them back into the pot.
3. Stir in egg noodles until they are submerged in liquid.

Step 5: Finish Cooking

Recover the slow cooker:
– Cook for another 5-10 minutes on low until noodles are tender.
– Alternatively, cook noodles separately according to package instructions.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley just before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is all about enhancing its comforting flavors and making it a complete meal. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your soup experience.

Pair with Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all the savory broth.
• Garlic Bread – The buttery garlic flavor of this bread complements the herbs in your soup beautifully.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with parmesan and croutons provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Mixed Greens – A light mixed green salad with vinaigrette can add brightness to your meal.

Top with Extras

• Fresh Herbs – Sprinkle additional parsley or dill on top for an extra burst of freshness.
• Parmesan Cheese – Grated parmesan adds creaminess and enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Stock – A good quality chicken stock enhances the flavor immensely. Low-sodium options allow you to control salt levels.
• Add Veggies Wisely – Include veggies that cook well over long periods, like carrots and celery. Add quick-cooking veggies toward the end.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed for maximum flavor.
• Don’t Overcook Noodles – Add noodles during the last minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Lemon Juice Enhances Flavor – Adding lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors. Don’t skip this step!
• Store Properly – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup can enhance your meal significantly. Here are some delicious options that complement this cozy dish.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing that adds a cheesy crunch; consider using sourdough for added flavor.
2. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to the savory soup; serve warm.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables bring a healthy touch and additional flavors that match well with the soup.
4. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges are fun to dip into your soup while adding texture to your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers – These can be filled with rice or quinoa and provide a hearty side option alongside your soup.
6. Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for soaking up every drop of that delicious broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning – Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
• Overcooking the chicken – Leaving the chicken in the slow cooker too long can make it dry. Follow the recommended cooking times based on your crockpot’s settings.
• Not adding noodles at the right time – Adding egg noodles too early can result in mushy noodles. Stir them in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking to keep them tender yet firm.
• Using low-quality broth – A poor broth will impact the flavor of your soup. Opt for a good-quality low-sodium chicken stock for the best results.
• Neglecting fresh herbs – Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten up the flavors in your soup. Don’t skip these ingredients; add them just before serving.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze soup in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave space for expansion.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave – Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop – Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just ensure it cooks thoroughly by extending the cooking time by an hour or so.

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

Typically, it takes about 6-8 hours on low heat, depending on your slow cooker model.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like peas or corn, or swap egg noodles for rice if preferred.

Is this recipe healthy?

Yes! This recipe is nutritious with lean protein from chicken and plenty of veggies. It’s a comforting yet healthy meal option.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a comforting dish but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Give this recipe a try; you’ll find it’s perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the quintessential comfort food, brimming with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this recipe allows you to enjoy a warm and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. With a delightful blend of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend, this dish fits any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Fresh parsley and lemon juice for garnish

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Instructions

1. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
2. In your slow cooker, combine all prepared vegetables with chicken stock.
3. Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture along with bay leaves and seasonings.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Shred the chicken and add egg noodles; cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
6. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Use quality chicken stock for better flavor. Add quick-cooking vegetables like peas towards the end if desired. Adjust seasoning according to taste before serving.