Description
This Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and wholesome noodles in a rich broth. Made with simple, fresh ingredients and slow-cooked to perfection, it’s a nourishing and soothing meal that’s perfect for any time of year. The slow-cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender, and the broth to develop deep, savory flavors. This soup is not only comforting, but it’s also an easy, hands-off recipe that’s perfect for busy days. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving a warm, wholesome meal, this Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup delivers all the comfort you need in one bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
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.
Instructions
First Step: PREPARE THE SOUP BASE
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- Return the Chicken to the Crockpot: Once shredded, return the chicken to the Crockpot, stirring it into the broth.
- 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.
- 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
- Remove the Bay Leaf: Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving, as it’s not edible.
- 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.
- Serve: Serve the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup hot, with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 30g