Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup – This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a one-pot wonder, perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Chicken noodle soup has been a staple comfort food for generations, known for its soothing flavors and health benefits. Using a crockpot, or slow cooker, brings a unique depth to the flavors as the ingredients meld together over hours. With minimal prep and cleanup, crockpot cooking allows you to focus on other things while your soup gently simmers to perfection.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use Bone-In Chicken: For a richer flavor, cook with bone-in, skinless chicken. You can remove the bones before serving.
- Add Noodles Later: To avoid mushy noodles, add them in the last 20-30 minutes.
- Seasoning Adjustments: Taste your soup once it’s fully cooked, as flavors can intensify over time. Add extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley right before serving enhances flavor and adds freshness.
- Brighten with Lemon: A splash of lemon juice at the end adds a pleasant brightness, balancing the rich flavors.
Variations on Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Switch up the flavors and ingredients to suit your preferences:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a creamier texture.
- Low-Carb Option: Substitute egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or even sage for a fragrant herbal twist.
- Vegetable-Packed: Include extra veggies like spinach, kale, or mushrooms to increase the soup’s nutritional value.
- Spicy Kick: For a little heat, add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or diced jalapeños.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can elevate it with a few side dishes:
- With Fresh Bread: Crusty baguette or dinner rolls for dipping.
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad adds a fresh contrast.
- Topped with Crackers: Classic oyster crackers or saltines are a perfect soup topping.
- Garnished with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of parsley, chives, or dill adds a burst of color and flavor.
Storing and Reheating Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is ideal for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. If planning to freeze, avoid adding noodles, as they can become mushy when reheated.
Reheating Tips
- Stovetop: Heat on medium until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe container and reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works well. Add it in during the last 30 minutes to heat through.
What noodles work best for chicken noodle soup?
Egg noodles are the traditional choice, but rotini, farfalle, or even spaghetti (broken into pieces) can be substituted. Whole-wheat or gluten-free noodles also work well.
Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead?
Absolutely! Sauté the vegetables in a large pot, add the rest of the ingredients (except noodles), and simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add noodles for the last 10 minutes of cooking.
Why do my noodles turn mushy?
Adding the noodles too early or cooking for too long can make them mushy. Always add them in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
How can I thicken the soup?
For a thicker consistency, stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 tablespoon each) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Is it okay to add frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables are a convenient option. Add them during the last hour of cooking for the best texture.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup - This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a one-pot wonder, perfect for busy days when you want a homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried rosemary
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (add more if you love garlic!)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp chicken bouillon (I love using Better Than Bouillon)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 8-9 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf (if using).
- Dollop the chicken bouillon on top, then pour in the chicken broth. Gently stir to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it in a large bowl. Discard the bay leaf, and add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Cook the egg noodles separately according to the package instructions, just until al dente.
- Add the cooked noodles to the soup and let it cook on LOW for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a little black pepper for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 466Total Fat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 7029mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 2gSugar: 9gProtein: 77g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making crockpot chicken noodle soup is a simple and rewarding way to bring comfort to your table. With minimal prep, a few fresh ingredients, and the ease of a slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy nights, meal prepping, or just a cozy weekend in. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure a flavorful, satisfying soup every time—and don’t be afraid to customize it to suit your tastes!
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