Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

There’s nothing more comforting on a chilly day than a warm, hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup. And when you can set it up in a crockpot and let it cook slowly all day, it’s even better! This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is perfect for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who craves a delicious homemade soup without spending hours in the kitchen. Keep reading for everything you need to know about making this classic dish, including ingredient lists, step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a slow-cooked version of the beloved chicken noodle soup recipe. Instead of simmering it on the stovetop, you use a slow cooker (crockpot) to gently cook the chicken, vegetables, and broth to perfection over several hours. This method allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a rich, comforting soup with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. Plus, the set-it-and-forget-it approach is incredibly convenient!

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

To make a delicious Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They get tender and juicy after slow cooking and shred easily.
• Carrots: Fresh, peeled, and sliced into rounds.
• Celery: A few stalks, chopped finely, add a nice crunch and flavor balance to the soup.
• Onion: Yellow or white onion, diced, adds depth of flavor.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves, minced, give the soup a delicious savory aroma.
• Chicken broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for better control over the saltiness.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are the classic choice, but you can also use other pasta types like rotini or penne.
• Bay leaves: These add subtle earthy flavors and are removed before serving.
• Fresh herbs: Parsley, thyme, or rosemary are excellent additions to boost flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing vegetables before adding them to the crockpot (optional but recommended).

Additional Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Lemon juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the soup's flavors and add a touch of acidity.
• Potatoes: For an even heartier soup, consider adding diced potatoes.
• Frozen peas or corn: These can be stirred in towards the end of cooking to add sweetness and texture.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkling some Parmesan on top before serving adds a salty, nutty flavor.
• Heavy cream: For a creamier version, you can stir in a small amount of heavy cream towards the end of cooking.

Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: If you don’t have chicken breasts or thighs, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. Just add it in the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap them for gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Other noodle options include ditalini or orzo pasta.
• Vegetables: You can get creative with the vegetables. Add spinach, kale, or even zucchini for extra nutrients. Frozen vegetables work too, just add them towards the end to avoid overcooking.
• Broth: If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth can be a good substitute, especially for a lighter flavor.
• Herbs: Feel free to experiment with other herbs like dill, tarragon, or cilantro depending on your preference.
• Low-carb variation: If you want to cut the carbs, skip the noodles and replace them with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is super easy to make and requires minimal prep work. Follow these steps to get a delicious meal on the table:

1. Prep the ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Mince the garlic cloves.
2. Add ingredients to the crockpot: In your slow cooker, add the chicken breasts or thighs, chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are fully submerged.
3. Cook on low or high: Set the crockpot to low and cook for 6–8 hours, or set it to high and cook for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender, and the vegetables soft.
4. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
5. Add the noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the crockpot. If you’re using a different type of pasta, adjust the cooking time accordingly. Cook until the noodles are tender.
6. Final touches: Stir in fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

How to Cook Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

To ensure the perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup every time, follow these detailed steps:

1. Sauté vegetables (optional): For an added layer of flavor, you can sauté the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil or butter before adding them to the crockpot. This helps to bring out their natural sweetness and deepen the flavor of your soup.
2. Layer ingredients properly: When adding ingredients to the crockpot, start with the chicken at the bottom, followed by the vegetables. Pour the broth over everything to make sure all ingredients are submerged. This ensures even cooking.
3. Cook slowly for tender results: Cooking on low for 6–8 hours is ideal because it allows the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender and easy to shred. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high, but low and slow is best for maximum flavor.
4. Add noodles later: To prevent soggy noodles, wait until the last 30 minutes to add them to the crockpot. They’ll cook perfectly in the hot broth without becoming mushy.
5. Stir in fresh herbs last: Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme at the very end to keep their vibrant flavors intact.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding noodles too early: If you add the noodles at the beginning, they will overcook and become mushy. Always add them towards the end.
• Overcooking the chicken: While the crockpot is forgiving, cooking the chicken for too long can lead to dryness. Be sure to check it and remove it to shred as soon as it’s done.
• Forgetting to taste and adjust seasoning: Always taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Slow cooking can sometimes mellow out flavors, so this step is crucial.

Serving and Presentation Tips

When serving your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, presentation can make all the difference! Here are a few tips:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds color and flavor to each bowl.
• Serve with bread: Pair the soup with a warm, crusty bread or homemade dinner rolls for the ultimate comfort food experience.
• Add a slice of lemon: A thin lemon slice on the side of the bowl not only looks pretty but also lets diners add a bit of extra brightness to their soup.
• Use shallow bowls: Shallow, wide bowls help cool the soup faster and make for a more elegant presentation.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is best served warm with a side of bread or crackers. It’s a complete meal on its own but can also be paired with a light salad for a well-rounded lunch or dinner. For added richness, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil on top or add freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

For a beautiful presentation, consider the following ideas:

• Herb sprigs: Place a sprig of thyme or parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant garnish.
• Cracked pepper and sea salt: Lightly sprinkle cracked pepper and sea salt on the soup right before serving for a gourmet touch.
• Swirl of cream: For a creamier version, swirl a tablespoon of heavy cream into each bowl before serving.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips

• Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well, but keep in mind that the noodles can become mushy. If you’re planning to freeze the soup, cook and store the noodles separately.
• Adjust the broth: Depending on how much liquid the noodles absorb, you may need to add extra broth before serving. Keep an extra carton of chicken broth on hand for this reason.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time slightly. Ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Can I cook the noodles separately?
Yes! If you’re worried about soggy noodles, you can cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving.

How long will leftovers last?
Stored in an airtight container, Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup will last in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit any dairy ingredients like Parmesan or cream, and the soup will be naturally dairy-free.

Conclusion

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, healthy, and full of flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm, hearty meal that the whole family will love. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy dinner at home or meal prepping for the week, this slow-cooked version of chicken noodle soup is sure to satisfy. Try this recipe today and enjoy the perfect balance of tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and soft noodles in every spoonful!

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