This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect dish for busy days when you want something hearty, comforting, and delicious. With minimal prep time, this recipe allows you to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings, this soup stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying textures, making it a go-to meal for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires just 20 minutes of hands-on time. Simply chop your ingredients and let the crockpot do the cooking.
• Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs creates a deliciously rich flavor that warms your heart.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup can be easily adjusted. Add your favorite vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week. It freezes well, so you can have a comforting meal ready at any time.
• Comfort Food Classic: There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup on a chilly day to lift your spirits.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, ensure you have everything ready before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker (6 quarts or larger)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is essential for creating tender chicken while infusing all the flavors into the broth without constant supervision.
• Cutting board and knife: A sturdy cutting board paired with a sharp knife ensures safe and efficient chopping of vegetables.
• Mixing bowl: Useful for shredding chicken after cooking; it keeps things organized while preparing ingredients.

Ingredients

This crockpot chicken noodle soup is hearty and comforting, yet incredibly easy to make!

For the Soup Base

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large yellow onion (diced)
• 3 large carrots (peeled and sliced into coins)
• 2 ribs celery (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced, more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (I use Better Than Bouillon brand, optional)
• 8 to 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

For the Noodles

• 8 ounces egg noodles (wide or extra wide)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Add trimmed chicken breasts to the bottom of your slow cooker. Top with diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and bay leaf if desired.

Step 2: Add Broth and Cook

Dollop chicken bouillon over the top. Pour in reduced sodium chicken broth. Gently stir to combine everything. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place it in a large mixing bowl and shred it using two forks. Discard bay leaf if you added one earlier.

Step 4: Cook Egg Noodles

Prepare egg noodles according to package directions until al dente.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add cooked egg noodles back into the slow cooker with shredded chicken. Stir gently and cook on LOW for an additional 5 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup!

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot chicken noodle soup is a delightful dish that warms the soul. It pairs well with various sides and garnishes to elevate the meal experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness.
• Dill or Thyme: A few leaves of dill or thyme can enhance the herbal notes in the soup.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread: Garlic bread complements the flavors beautifully and is perfect for sopping up broth.

Add a Side Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette provides a crisp contrast to the warm soup.
• Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing of a Caesar salad adds richness to your meal.

Make it a Sandwich Meal

• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Classic grilled cheese pairs perfectly, offering a satisfying crunch.
• Turkey Club Sandwich: A turkey club adds protein and flavor, making for a hearty lunch option.

How to Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Creating the perfect crockpot chicken noodle soup requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your dish.

• Use Quality Broth: Opt for high-quality chicken broth for richer flavor. Homemade broth is even better!
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Each palate is different!
• Shred Chicken Properly: Shred the chicken while still warm for easier handling and better texture.
• Cook Noodles Separately: Cooking noodles separately prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Add Vegetables Last: For extra crunch, add some vegetables like peas or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Let it Sit Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps meld flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your crockpot chicken noodle soup can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits topped with melted cheese provide a comforting addition.
2. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread offers a delightful contrast to savory soup flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add nutrition and vibrant color to your plate.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These hearty peppers filled with rice and meat complement the soup nicely.
5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges make for an easy, fun side that everyone loves.
6. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides a light, sweet alternative to heavier sides.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Overcooking the chicken: Leaving chicken in the slow cooker for too long can make it dry. Follow the recommended cooking times based on your slow cooker settings.
• Adding noodles too early: If you add noodles at the start, they may become mushy. Add them during the last 5 minutes of cooking for best results.
• Ignoring ingredient prep: Cutting vegetables too large can result in uneven cooking. Make sure all ingredients are diced uniformly for even tenderness.
• Using regular broth: Opt for reduced sodium chicken broth to control salt levels. Regular broth can overpower the flavors.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

What type of chicken is best for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Boneless skinless chicken breasts work well as they shred easily after cooking, but thighs can also be used for added flavor.

How do I customize my Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or green beans, or substitute egg noodles with rice or quinoa for a different texture.

Can I use homemade broth instead of store-bought?

Absolutely! Using homemade broth will enhance the flavor of your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup even more.

What if I don’t have thyme or rosemary?

You can substitute these herbs with Italian seasoning or simply omit them if preferred. The soup will still be delicious!

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting and hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm bowl of goodness that’s perfect for any occasion!