If there’s one cozy, soul-soothing dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, it’s this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Imagine tender chicken, delicate egg noodles, and a chorus of fresh vegetables all mingling in a savory, herb-infused broth that slowly cooks to perfection while you go about your day. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, simple enough for busy weeknights yet hearty enough to satisfy your deepest cravings. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this homemade delight, you’ll want it on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe plays a crucial part in layering flavors and textures that come together beautifully. From the fresh vegetables to the carefully chosen herbs, these essentials create the perfect base for a rich and nourishing soup.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up all the savory broth flavors.
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought): The flavorful liquid foundation that keeps everything juicy and comforting.
- 3 carrots, sliced: Adds a subtle sweetness and a lovely orange pop of color.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: Provides a fresh, crisp bite that balances the richness.
- 1 onion, diced: Brings depth and a hint of natural sweetness to the broth.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with warm, aromatic notes that energize every spoonful.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers earthy undertones that enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley: Lends a mild, fresh herbal touch.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Provides a piney, fragrant lift to the soup.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential to balance and highlight all the ingredients.
- 2 cups egg noodles: Soft, chewy noodles that make each bite wonderfully satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish to elevate the soup’s appearance and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds a refreshing zing that brightens the entire bowl.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Start by layering the building blocks of flavor. Place the chicken breasts right into your crockpot, then pour in the chicken broth to immerse everything. Add the sliced carrots and celery along with the diced onion and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, parsley, rosemary, and season generously with salt and pepper. This mix forms the hearty, fragrant base that will develop over time.
Step 2: Slow Cook for Deep Flavor
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. This slow, gentle cooking method allows the chicken to become melt-in-your-mouth tender while inviting every herb and vegetable to release their maximum flavor.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, carefully remove the breasts using tongs or a slotted spoon. Use two forks to shred the meat finely—this helps it blend seamlessly back into the broth and distribute flavor evenly through the soup.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, then stir in the egg noodles. Increase the heat to HIGH and cook for another 15 to 20 minutes, just long enough for the noodles to soften and soak up the delicious broth. This step is key to turning the soup into a filling meal.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
To finish, stir in fresh chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice. These simple touches add a burst of herbal brightness and a refreshing hint that perfectly balances the warm, savory soup.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe with fresh herbs like parsley or chives instantly elevates its flavor and appearance. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a drizzle of olive oil can also add an extra layer of deliciousness. Don’t be afraid to jazz it up with a little grated Parmesan cheese for a cozy, cheesy touch.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty but also pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think crusty bread or warm dinner rolls to sop up the broth, or a crisp green salad to contrast the soup’s richness. Roasted vegetables or a simple grilled cheese sandwich can make the meal even more satisfying without overwhelming the clean flavors of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve this soup in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic, inviting presentation. Mason jars or small cast iron pots also add a cozy, personal touch, especially for casual family dinners or entertaining friends. Adding colorful garnishes like a lemon wedge or a sprig of thyme can make the soup look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To help the noodles retain their texture, you might want to store them separately if you plan to keep the soup longer or reheat it later.
Freezing
Freezing homemade soup can sometimes cause noodles to become mushy. For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. Keep the broth, chicken, and vegetables in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw and add fresh noodles before reheating to enjoy perfectly textured soup.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add the egg noodles during the warming process if they were stored separately or cooked fresh. Stir occasionally to heat evenly and enjoy that comforting, homemade taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a richer flavor and tend to stay juicy during the long cooking process. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if needed, as thighs can take a bit longer to become tender compared to breasts.
Do I have to use egg noodles?
Egg noodles are classic for chicken noodle soup because they cook quickly and have a great texture, but you can substitute other pasta shapes like rotini or even thin spaghetti depending on your preference. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?
Yes, though it would no longer be the classic Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. Swap out the chicken and broth for vegetable broth and add hearty veggies or plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas. Use noodles that don’t contain eggs for a vegan-friendly option.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
The key is to add the noodles towards the end of cooking so they don’t overcook. If you plan to store leftovers, cook the noodles separately and combine them when serving to maintain perfect texture.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes! This soup is perfect for prepping ahead. Combine all ingredients except the noodles and fresh herbs in the crockpot, refrigerate overnight, then cook as directed. Add the noodles and finishing touches right before serving for the freshest taste.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting experience that brings joy with every spoonful. Easy to prepare and endlessly satisfying, it’s sure to become one of your go-to favorites whether you’re feeding family or entertaining friends. Don’t wait—give it a try and let the cozy flavors brighten your day!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty recipe made with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and classic egg noodles slow-cooked to perfection. It’s an easy, make-ahead meal ideal for chilly days or whenever you crave a warm, nourishing soup that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Noodles and Garnishes
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in crockpot: Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, sliced carrots, sliced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, dried rosemary, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. This mixture forms the flavorful base for your soup.
- Cook the soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6 to 7 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot, shred them finely using two forks, then return the shredded chicken back into the soup to mix thoroughly with the broth and vegetables.
- Add and cook noodles: Stir in the egg noodles, then cook the soup on HIGH for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until the noodles are soft and tender, absorbing the delicious broth.
- Finish with garnishes and serve: Stir in fresh parsley and lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best flavor, use homemade or high-quality chicken broth.
- You can substitute egg noodles with gluten-free noodles if desired.
- Adding lemon juice at the end enhances the freshness and balances the flavors.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
