If you’ve ever longed for a warm, comforting bowl of homemade soup that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, then this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked egg noodles, this slow cooker delight is not only easy to make but also delivers a rich, savory broth that will leave you craving more. It’s the ultimate go-to for busy days when you want wholesome, nourishing food without fuss, and once you try it, you’ll understand why it has earned a special spot in my heart and kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a vital role in bringing depth, freshness, and texture to your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. From savory herbs to tender veggies, every element you add will elevate the final bowl.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for more moisture or breasts for a leaner protein option.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The soul of the soup, providing rich flavor while keeping sodium in check.
- 3 medium carrots (sliced): Adds a natural sweetness and lovely color to your broth.
- 3 celery stalks (sliced): Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness.
- 1 small onion (chopped): The foundation of flavor depth in your soup.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Packs a punch of warmth and aroma.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses an earthy, slightly floral note.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: A mild herb that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 bay leaf: Enhances all the underlying flavors over slow cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing.
- 6 ounces egg noodles: The comforting, tender pasta for that classic soup experience.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional): Adds a gentle zing to lighten and brighten the soup.
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional): For a fresh, vibrant finish when serving.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by gathering your chicken, broth, chopped vegetables, herbs, and seasonings into your slow cooker. This combination is the magic base that will slowly transform into a rich, flavorful broth while the chicken cooks to tender perfection. Cover everything and set your cooker to low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours depending on how much time you have.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Using two forks, shred the meat—this is where your protein turns wonderfully tender and easy to enjoy in every bite. Then, return the shredded chicken to the broth so it can soak up even more flavor.
Step 3: Add the Egg Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles and increase the heat to high. Let the noodles cook for 15 to 20 minutes until perfectly tender but not mushy—this timing is key for achieving that ideal noodle texture that holds up well in the soup.
Step 4: Finish with Lemon Juice and Garnish
For a subtle brightness, stir in lemon juice if you like a touch of citrusy freshness. Remove the bay leaf, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving to add a pop of color and a delightful herbal note.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh parsley or a small squeeze of lemon juice elevates this simple soup to something special. A dash of cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also add exciting flavor layers and a little personal touch to your serving bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup makes a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with crusty bread, a fresh green salad, or garlic toast takes it to the next level. These side dishes not only complement the soup’s warmth but also provide variety in texture and flavor for a truly satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl or pair it with mini grilled cheese sandwiches for dipping. You could also jazz it up by adding a swirl of pesto or a dollop of sour cream to create layers of flavor that surprise and delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your soup, store any leftovers in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making your next bowl even tastier.
Freezing
Freeze your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in portions before adding the noodles, as pasta tends to get mushy after freezing and reheating. When ready to eat, just thaw and add fresh noodles, then heat until warm and the noodles are cooked.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or use a microwave-safe bowl in short intervals to avoid overcooking the noodles or drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of broth or water can help keep it nice and soupy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken can cut down your cooking time significantly. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken towards the end of cooking just to warm it through, and you’ll still get that comforting homemade flavor.
What if I want to make this soup gluten-free?
No problem! Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. Add them at the same stage as you would the traditional noodles to ensure they cook properly without becoming mushy.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to include peas, corn, or green beans for extra texture and nutrition. Just add these towards the end of cooking so they stay tender and vibrant.
Is it possible to make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make a version of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in an Instant Pot using the sauté and pressure cook functions. Just sear the chicken and sauté the veggies first, then pressure cook with broth and herbs before adding noodles last.
Why does adding lemon juice make a difference?
Lemon juice brightens the rich broth and balances the flavors by adding a subtle acidity that cuts through the savory chicken and herbs. It’s a small addition that makes a big impact in enhancing freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe truly embodies the soul-soothing power of homemade comfort food, perfect for busy days or whenever you crave a bowl of warmth and love. It’s simple, adaptable, and so satisfying that once you make it, you’ll want to keep it in your meal rotation all year round. So grab your slow cooker and dive into this deliciously hearty soup—you won’t regret it!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free
Description
This comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any day when you crave a warm, homemade meal. Tender chicken breasts or thighs simmer slowly with fresh vegetables, herbs, and egg noodles in a savory low-sodium chicken broth, resulting in a classic and nourishing soup made effortlessly in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Noodles and Garnishes
- 6 ounces egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Place the chicken, low-sodium chicken broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the crockpot and use two forks to shred it finely.
- Return Chicken and Add Noodles: Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, then add the egg noodles. Cook on high for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Finish and Garnish: Stir in the lemon juice if using. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For more intense flavor, use bone-in chicken and remove the bones after cooking.
- To save time, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken and reduce the initial cook time by half.
- Egg noodles can be replaced with gluten-free or whole wheat noodles to suit dietary preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
