Craving a bowl of warm, comforting goodness that practically cooks itself? Then get ready to fall in love with this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup – a simple, flavorful, and incredibly easy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe makes delicious, homemade chicken noodle soup with minimal effort, letting your slow cooker do all the work!
What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Ever wonder why they call it “chicken noodle soup”? I mean, we know it’s got chicken, and we know it’s got noodles, but why chicken noodle soup and not chicken vegetable soup? Or, for that matter, why not just “comfort in a bowl”? Okay, maybe that’s a little dramatic. But think about it. It’s a cure-all for colds, a hug in a bowl during a tough day, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Could it be because ‘the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,’ and this is a surefire way to warm anyone’s soul? Who knows! What we do know is that it’s delicious, and this crockpot version is about to make your life a whole lot easier. So, ditch the canned stuff and give this “set and forget” recipe a try! You (and your tummy) will thank you.
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting classic. Remember fresh ingredients are key to a great flavour!
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs are more flavourful, but either works!)
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (low sodium is recommended so you can control the salt)
- Carrots: 2 cups, peeled and sliced or diced
- Celery: 1 cup, diced
- Onion: 1 cup, diced
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Egg Noodles: 8 oz (approximately 4 cups)
- Bay Leaf: 1
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon
- Dried Rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:
This recipe is all about ease. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Prepare for a delicious, fragrant dinner with very little effort on your part. The preparation time is only about 15 minutes, meaning you can get it going right before heading out to work or during your busy morning routine.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prep the Chicken and Veggies: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of your crockpot. Add the diced carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Be conservative with the salt at this point; you can always add more later after it has cooked.
Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded with a fork.
Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
Add Noodles: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Stir in the egg noodles. Cook on high for an additional 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Watch closely, as cooking time for noodles can vary depending on their thickness and the heat of your crockpot.
Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:
The ultimate advantage of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its hands-off approach. You get all the classic comfort food goodness without spending hours slaving over the stove. Plus, making it at home is significantly cheaper than buying canned soup at the store, and you get to control the ingredients, like dialing back on the sodium. The fresh herbs, the tender chicken, and the hearty noodles all combine to create a symphony of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Looking for another easy, delicious chicken recipe? Give our [Lemon Herb Roasted Chicken](Insert link to other recipe here) a try! But first, why not experience the ease and comfort of this crockpot chicken noodle soup? It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal!
What to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup With:
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round it out:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for dipping into the broth.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Nothing beats the classic combination of chicken noodle soup and grilled cheese.
- Simple Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Crackers: For added crunch add some crackers on top of the soup.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Adding the noodles too early can result in mushy noodles. Wait until the chicken is cooked and shredded before adding them.
- Vary the Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn.
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For an even richer flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or a whole chicken. Just be sure to remove the bones and skin before shredding the chicken.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Low Sodium Broth Is Key: Using low sodium broth lets you control the salt levels of your soup. Add salt to taste at the end after it has cooked.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Be careful not to boil the soup, as this can make the noodles mushy.
Freezing: While technically you can freeze chicken noodle soup, the noodles tend to become mushy upon thawing. If you plan to freeze the soup, it’s best to freeze it before adding the noodles. Then, when you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup and cook the noodles according to the recipe instructions.
Final Thoughts:
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a lifesaver on busy days and a comfort to the soul. Its easy preparation and delicious flavor make it a family favorite. So, give it a try and experience the joy of a home-cooked meal without the fuss!
FAQs:
Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
A: Absolutely! This is a great way to use up leftover roasted chicken. Just reduce the cooking time in the crockpot to allow the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot. Simply follow the same steps, but cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then a quick release. Add the noodles and cook on sauté mode until tender.
Q: What can I use instead of egg noodles?
A: Other pasta shapes like ditalini, macaroni, or rotini work well in this soup. Rice is also an option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Of course! Feel free to add other vegetables to your liking, such as potatoes, zucchini, or spinach.
Q: How do I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free noodles. There are many great gluten-free pasta options available now.
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest