Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup has been a go-to comfort food for me ever since I was a little kid. There’s just something so nostalgic and heartwarming about the aroma of a big batch of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup simmering away on the counter. It instantly takes me back to chilly winter days at my grandma’s house, where she’d have a pot of her famous Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup waiting for us as soon as we walked in the door.
I can still picture myself as a child, stomping the snow off my boots and peeling off my coat, only to be greeted by the most incredible smell. Grandma would ladle out big bowls of that piping hot Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, complete with tender pieces of chicken, lots of hearty veggies, and the most perfect egg noodles. It was pure magic in a bowl, and nothing has ever compared to it since.
Even as an adult, I find myself craving that comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup flavor on a regular basis. There’s just something so soothing and restorative about it, don’t you think? Luckily, I’ve perfected my own recipe over the years, and it’s become a staple in my household. It’s the one dish I can count on to make me feel right at home, no matter what.
Why This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
What sets this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe apart is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The key is letting the soup simmer low and slow in the Crockpot, which allows all the ingredients to meld together seamlessly. This gradual cooking process infuses the broth with an incredibly rich, savory depth that you just can’t achieve with a quick stovetop version.
The vegetables also have time to become perfectly tender, while the chicken stays moist and juicy. And the egg noodles? They soak up all that flavorful broth, becoming soft and delightful in every bite. It’s a symphony of comfort in a bowl, and your family is going to love it.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
– Chicken thighs – These stay nice and juicy after hours of slow cooking.
– Onion – Diced onion adds essential flavor and aroma.
– Carrots – Sliced carrots give the soup a lovely sweetness and texture.
– Celery – Celery is a must for that classic Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup flavor.
– Garlic – Minced garlic lends its unmistakable savory punch.
– Chicken broth – Use a high-quality broth as the foundation for your soup.
– Egg noodles – Wide egg noodles are the perfect pairing for this cozy dish.
– Herbs and spices – A blend of dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper ties it all together.
Step-by-Step Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is an easy, hands-off recipe that comes together in about 4 hours of cooking time. You’ll just need a large Crockpot or slow cooker and a handful of simple ingredients to make a big batch that the whole family will enjoy.
1- Place the chicken thighs in the bottom of your Crockpot. Scatter the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery all around the chicken.
2- In a separate bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour this flavorful broth mixture over the top of the vegetables and chicken.
3- Cover the Crockpot and cook the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup on low for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and very tender.
4- Remove the chicken from the Crockpot and shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Then, add the egg noodles to the broth and vegetables, cover, and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
5- Once the noodles are tender, return the shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir to combine.
6- Ladle the steaming hot Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra parsley if desired.
Pro Tips for Success
For the best results with this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, be sure to use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bones and fat will infuse the broth with tons of rich, savory flavor as it cooks. You can also brown the chicken briefly in a skillet before adding it to the Crockpot for an extra layer of caramelized flavor.
Another pro tip is to resist the urge to lift the lid too often while the soup is simmering. Each time you open the Crockpot, you’ll lose valuable heat and steam, which can affect the cooking time and texture of the noodles. So try to be patient and let the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup do its thing!
Serving and Storing Your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a meal all on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. For a complete dinner, serve it alongside a fresh green salad, some crusty bread for dipping, or even a batch of flaky biscuits.
It also makes a wonderful starter course, especially when entertaining. And don’t forget the beverages – a glass of crisp white wine or a mug of hot tea are both excellent choices to sip alongside a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is that it stores and reheats incredibly well. Simply let any leftovers cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy the soup again, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave or gently warm a larger batch on the stovetop. The noodles may soak up some of the broth as it sits, so you can always thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup also freezes beautifully for longer-term storage. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While this classic Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and put your own spin on it. Try swapping the egg noodles for whole wheat pasta or gluten-free alternatives. You can also experiment with different veggie combinations, like adding mushrooms, parsnips, or potatoes.
For a heartier meal, stir in some cooked wild rice or quinoa towards the end. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the herbs and spices, too – a dash of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of fresh dill can really elevate the flavors.
Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
Looking to make your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup a bit more diet-friendly? There are plenty of easy substitutions you can try. For a low-carb version, skip the egg noodles and serve the soup over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead.
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or skip the noodles altogether. And for a vegan or vegetarian spin, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You can even add in some extra veggies, like spinach or kale, to boost the nutritional value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe?
A: Absolutely! Chicken breasts will work just fine in this recipe. Just keep in mind that they may not stay quite as moist and tender after the long cooking time. You may want to check on them a bit earlier to prevent them from drying out.
Q: How long does this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup need to cook?
A: This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe cooks for a total of 3-4 hours on the low setting. The chicken needs 3-4 hours to become perfectly tender, and then the noodles only require an additional 30 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I make this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, this soup is a great make-ahead option! You can prepare the entire recipe up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. The flavors will only continue to develop the longer it sits.
Q: How do I store and reheat leftover Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
A: Leftover Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual portions in the microwave or transfer the entire batch to a saucepan and heat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin out the soup if the noodles have absorbed too much liquid.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 6
Description
Warm and nourishing, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate in cozy, homemade comfort. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmer together in a rich, flavorful broth for a classic dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 2 cups water
– 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 garlic cloves, minced
– 8 oz egg noodles
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp dried parsley
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. – Place the chicken, broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in a crockpot.
2. – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through.
3. – Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred or chop it.
4. – Add the shredded chicken, egg noodles, thyme, and parsley to the crockpot.
5. – Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
6. – Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. – Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is truly a comfort food classic that’s hard to beat. With its tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and comforting broth-soaked noodles, it’s a dish that’s sure to warm you from the inside out.
I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the same joy and nostalgia that I feel every time I ladle out a big bowl. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a chilly evening or enjoying it as a soothing solo lunch, I know this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is going to become a new go-to in your household. Be sure to let me know what you think in the comments below!