Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

Introduction

There’s nothing quite like the warmth and comfort of a bowl of homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, especially when it’s made in a Crockpot. This slow-cooked, hearty dish is perfect for chilly evenings, busy days, or when you’re craving a nourishing meal without spending much time in the kitchen. The magic of a Crockpot lies in its ability to meld flavors together while you go about your day, resulting in a rich, savory soup with tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and the satisfying bite of noodles.

Chicken noodle soup has long been a staple in many households, often regarded as a go-to remedy for colds, comfort food, or a simple weeknight dinner. The beauty of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is that it combines all the classic elements of the traditional recipe with the ease and convenience of slow-cooking. By the time you’re ready to eat, your home will be filled with the delicious aroma of simmering broth, seasoned chicken, and fresh vegetables—making it almost impossible to resist.

In this article, we’ll delve into why Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup should be your new go-to recipe, how to make it from start to finish, tips for variations, and ideas for serving it. Whether you’re an experienced slow-cooker user or a newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and guaranteed to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: Simply toss the ingredients into your Crockpot in the morning, and let the slow-cooker do the work while you go about your day.
• Comforting and Hearty: With tender chicken, vegetables, and hearty noodles, this soup is the ultimate comfort food.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences, such as using gluten-free noodles or adding different vegetables.
• Minimal Prep: You won’t spend much time chopping or prepping ingredients, yet the soup tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and can even be frozen for later, making it ideal for meal prep.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 6-7 hours (15 minutes for prep, 6-7 hours on low in the Crockpot)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 250, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 20g, Fat: 8g.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Chicken breasts are the most common choice, but thighs offer a richer flavor. You can use either, depending on your preference.
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: A rich broth is the base of this soup and provides all the depth of flavor.
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Carrots add sweetness and texture to the soup.
• 3 celery stalks, sliced: Celery provides a nice crunch and mild flavor.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: The onion gives the soup a savory, aromatic base.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic brings warmth and flavor depth to the soup.
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme: This herb adds a subtle earthiness to the broth.
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Rosemary complements the thyme and enhances the chicken flavor.
• 1 bay leaf: Bay leaves provide a slightly floral, herbal note.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings for enhancing the flavor of the soup.

For the Noodles:

• 2 cups egg noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional choice for chicken noodle soup. You can use whole wheat, gluten-free, or your favorite type of pasta.

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color and freshness to the finished soup.
• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the flavor of the soup just before serving.

First Step: PREPARE THE SOUP BASE

1. Place the Chicken in the Crockpot: Start by adding the chicken breasts or thighs to the bottom of your Crockpot. No need to pre-cook the chicken—simply add it raw. It will cook perfectly in the broth as it simmers.
2. Add the Vegetables: Layer the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken. These vegetables add a hearty texture and rich flavor to the soup.
3. Season the Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is submerged in the broth.
4. Set the Crockpot: Cover the Crockpot with its lid, set it to cook on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more flavorful the soup will become, as the ingredients have time to meld together.

Second Step: SHRED THE CHICKEN AND ADD THE NOODLES

1. Shred the Chicken: About 30 minutes before the soup is finished cooking, carefully remove the chicken from the Crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you prefer, you can cut the chicken into chunks instead of shredding it, but shredding it allows it to blend better with the broth and vegetables.
2. Return the Chicken to the Crockpot: Once shredded, return the chicken to the Crockpot, stirring it into the broth.
3. Add the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles, making sure they are submerged in the broth. Continue to cook on low for an additional 30 minutes to an hour, or until the noodles are tender. Avoid adding the noodles too early, as they can become too soft if cooked too long in the broth.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. If it needs more salt or pepper, add a pinch at a time, tasting after each addition.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Remove the Bay Leaf: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving, as it’s not edible.
2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If desired, serve with lemon wedges on the side, allowing guests to squeeze a little fresh lemon juice into their bowls for an extra burst of brightness.
3. Serve: Serve the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different occasions. Here are a few ideas:

1. As a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

After a long day, there’s nothing better than a warm, comforting bowl of soup to unwind with. Pair it with a simple salad or some buttered toast, and you have a complete meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make.

2. For Lunch or Meal Prep

This soup is perfect for lunch the next day or as part of your meal prep routine. It keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days, and the flavors only get better as it sits. You can also freeze it for later—just make sure to store it in an airtight container or freezer bag.

3. For a Family Gathering or Potluck

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is an excellent choice. It’s easy to make in large batches and can feed a hungry crowd. It also pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as garlic bread, cornbread, or a simple green salad.

4. As a Remedy for the Flu or a Cold

There’s a reason why chicken soup has long been associated with healing—it’s a soothing, nourishing dish that can help clear your sinuses and provide comfort when you’re feeling under the weather. The warm broth, tender chicken, and nutrient-packed vegetables make it a perfect choice when you’re not feeling your best.

Recipe Variations

While the base recipe is simple and delicious, there are plenty of ways to tweak it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken

For an even quicker option, use shredded rotisserie chicken. Add it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking, along with the noodles. This saves time and adds an extra layer of flavor.

2. Try Different Vegetables

Feel free to experiment with other vegetables based on what you have on hand or what you enjoy. Mushrooms, peas, parsnips, or potatoes can all be great additions to the soup.

3. Make it Gluten-Free

If you need a gluten-free version of the soup, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of egg noodles. There are many excellent gluten-free noodle options available at the store, such as rice noodles or gluten-free egg noodles.

4. Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

For a spicy kick, add some chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce. This variation can be perfect for those who like a bit of heat in their food.

5. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

If you prefer a creamier version of chicken noodle soup, add some heavy cream or half-and-half to the Crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the broth a rich, velvety texture.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless chicken breasts or thighs are most commonly used, using bone-in chicken can add even more depth to the broth. Simply remove the bones after cooking and shred the chicken.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Noodles can become mushy if they’re cooked for too long. Add them near the end of the cooking time to ensure they stay tender but not overcooked.
3. Use Low-Sodium Broth: For a healthier option, always opt for low-sodium chicken broth. You can always adjust the salt at the end of cooking to suit your taste.
4. Customize the Vegetables: Add vegetables that you love, like zucchini, spinach, or kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for any faster-cooking vegetables.

Print

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the epitome of comfort food. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and nourishing vegetables, it’s a meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or as a cozy meal on a cold night, this easy, customizable recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and experience the comfort and joy that comes with a homemade bowl of soup.