Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort recipe. This hearty dish is perfect for cold weather and gatherings with family and friends. Simply let your crockpot do the hard work by adding all the ingredients and allowing them to simmer together, creating a warm and flavorful meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless Cooking: Just toss everything in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs creates a deliciously savory broth that’s rich in flavor.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, this soup can be customized with your favorite vegetables or additional herbs as desired.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. It’s easy to store and reheat!
- Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults, this soup is a comforting option that everyone will love.
Tools and Preparation
To make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking that results in tender chicken and flavorful broth.
- Knife: A good knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving up warm bowls of soup without mess.
Ingredients
For this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
- 4 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium preferred
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5lbs (or chicken thighs)
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
In a large slow cooker, add all ingredients except for the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and egg noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cook on Low Heat
Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the veggies should be tender. Keep in mind that cook time will vary based on your crockpot and the size of your chicken/diced veggies.
Step 3: Shred Chicken & Add Noodles
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Chop or shred them using two forks. Then return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Add in egg noodles and stir together, ensuring the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for another 5-10 minutes on low until the noodles are just tender. Alternatively, cook noodles separately in boiling water on the stove if preferred.
Step 4: Final Touches
Once the egg noodles are cooked, stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve it. Whether you’re looking for a simple meal or a more elaborate dining experience, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this comforting dish.
Pair with Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Add a touch of flavor with garlic butter on toasted bread.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
- Thyme Sprigs: A few sprigs of thyme can enhance the aromatic qualities of the soup.
Serve with a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and a bit of tang to balance the soup’s warmth.
- Mixed Green Salad: Tossed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a refreshing contrast.
Make It a Complete Meal
- Add Cheese: Grate some cheese on top right before serving for extra creaminess.
- Serve with Crackers: Assorted crackers add texture and are great for scooping up the soup.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Quality Stock: The base of your soup matters. Opt for low-sodium chicken stock for better control over salt levels.
- Cut Veggies Evenly: Chop your vegetables into similar sizes to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking Time: Allowing the soup to simmer for 6-8 hours will deepen the flavors and make the chicken tender.
- Adjust Seasoning at the End: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice after cooking for optimal flavor.
- Cook Noodles Separately If Needed: If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separately instead of in the slow cooker.
- Store Leftovers Correctly: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Complement your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup with delightful side dishes that round out your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a hearty side.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach topped with nuts and cheese offers a refreshing crunch.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up the broth.
- Pasta Salad: A light pasta salad can be served cold, adding variety to your meal.
- Coleslaw: Crisp coleslaw provides a tangy crunch that contrasts nicely with the soup’s warmth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a simple and delicious recipe, but mistakes can happen. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Bold Ingredient Choices: Using the wrong type of chicken can affect the soup’s flavor. Always opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for the best results.
- Bold Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Stick to the recipe measurements to ensure even cooking.
- Bold Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high instead of low can lead to overcooked chicken and mushy vegetables. Follow the recommended low cooking time for optimal texture.
- Bold Not Seasoning Enough: Insufficient seasoning can result in bland soup. Taste before serving and adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
- Bold Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs like parsley add vibrant flavor. Don’t skip this step; add them just before serving for the best taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
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- Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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- Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
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- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
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- Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for best results.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
- Bold Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
- Bold Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely. Stir halfway through heating.
- Bold Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, you’re not alone! Here are some answers.
How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
It takes about 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, depending on your slow cooker settings.
Can I use frozen chicken in Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, you can add frozen chicken directly into the slow cooker; just extend the cooking time by an hour or so.
What should I do if my noodles get mushy?
To avoid mushy noodles, add them during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking or cook them separately and add them just before serving.
Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or corn, or swap out herbs based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for cozy nights and easy meal prep. Its comforting flavors and versatility allow you to customize with different veggies or spices. Try it out today!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Warm up this season with a bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, the ultimate comfort food that’s both hearty and flavorful. This easy recipe allows you to simply toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The savory broth, enriched with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, creates a meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with family and friends. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or herbs! Enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 medium carrots, sliced
- 4 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/2 lemon, juiced
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a large slow cooker, combine all ingredients except egg noodles, parsley, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Remove chicken from the pot; shred it using two forks then return it to the slow cooker.
- Add egg noodles; stir to ensure they are submerged in the broth. Cover and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
