There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of crock pot chicken noodle soup to make you feel at home. This easy recipe is packed with healthy ingredients like chicken, carrots, and celery, making it a comforting meal for the whole family. With just a few simple steps and the help of your slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious, hearty soup ready to enjoy.
Key Benefits of Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
This crock pot chicken noodle soup isn’t just a meal—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. It’s the kind of recipe that makes your life easier while still delivering on flavor. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll love this comforting dish:
- Effortless Prep: With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can simply set it and forget it. There’s no need to hover over the stove; just add the ingredients and let the magic happen.
- Healthy Comfort: Packed with lean chicken, fresh carrots, celery, and noodles, this soup is a nutritious choice that’s light yet hearty enough to satisfy. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a wholesome, low-calorie option without sacrificing taste.
- Family-Friendly: This recipe is a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or prepping for a cozy weekend dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile and Customizable: Want to add a little extra flavor or make it your own? You can easily swap in other vegetables and herbs or even use gluten-free noodles to make it fit your dietary needs.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers for days. It stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, so you always have a quick meal on hand for busy days.
Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this crock pot chicken noodle soup is easy, and it starts with simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s everything you’ll need for a delicious, hearty soup:
Chicken Breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook tender and shred easily.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Provides a flavorful, low-salt base.
Carrots – Fresh and sliced for sweetness and color.
Celery – Adds freshness and crunch.
Onion – Diced for savory flavor.
Garlic – Minced for extra flavor depth.
Egg Noodles – Soft noodles that absorb the broth.
Salt & Pepper – Season to taste.
Dried Thyme – Adds herbal flavor.
Dried Parsley – Freshens the flavor and adds color.
Instructions for Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this crock pot chicken noodle soup couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps, and in no time, you’ll have a warm, comforting meal ready to enjoy.
Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Place chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the crock pot.
Pour in chicken broth: Add chicken broth and season with salt and pepper.
Season with herbs: Add thyme and parsley for extra flavor.
Set and cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Shred the chicken: Once cooked, shred the chicken and return it to the pot.
Add noodles: Stir in egg noodles and cook for another 30 minutes until tender.
Taste and adjust: Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
To make sure your crock pot chicken noodle soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips to keep in mind:
Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: If you have the time, try using bone-in chicken breasts or chicken thighs instead of boneless. The bones will infuse the broth with even more flavor, making it richer and heartier. Just remove the bones before shredding the chicken!
Don’t overcook the noodles: Noodles can quickly turn mushy if cooked too long in the slow cooker. For the best texture, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will ensure they’re tender but not overcooked.
Shred the chicken for better texture: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it rather than leaving it in large chunks. This allows the chicken to better absorb the flavors of the broth and makes the soup easier to eat.
Adjust seasoning to taste: As with any soup, seasoning is key. Don’t be afraid to taste the broth at different stages and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs. If you like a little extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some fresh garlic towards the end.
Add fresh herbs at the end: If you want to brighten up the soup just before serving, stir in some fresh parsley or dill. The fresh herbs add a vibrant, aromatic touch that pairs beautifully with the rich, savory broth.
Make it a complete meal: To make your soup even more filling, consider adding some diced potatoes or spinach. These ingredients will cook down nicely and add extra nutrients without overpowering the dish.
Variations of Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
One of the best things about crock pot chicken noodle soup is how easily it can be customized. Whether you want to switch up the flavor, add extra nutrients, or cater to specific dietary needs, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are some fun and easy variations to try:
Add different veggies: While carrots and celery are classic, feel free to experiment with other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or parsnips. These additions will boost the nutritional value and add fresh flavor to your soup.
Try a different protein: For a change of pace, swap out the chicken for turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a shortcut. If you’re in the mood for something heartier, beef stew meat can also work well in this soup, though it might require a longer cooking time.
Go gluten-free: If you’re avoiding gluten, it’s simple to make this soup gluten-free. Just substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Be sure to add the noodles near the end of the cooking process to prevent them from becoming too soft.
Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy kick. You can also stir in a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to create a bolder flavor.
Make it creamy: For a richer, creamier version, stir in a cup of heavy cream, half-and-half, or coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will give the soup a velvety texture and a smooth, indulgent taste.
Serving Suggestion: Crusty Bread
For a simple yet perfect pairing, serve your crock pot chicken noodle soup with a warm, crusty bread. The bread’s crispy exterior and soft interior are ideal for dipping into the savory broth, soaking up all the delicious flavors. You can go with sourdough, baguette, or any hearty artisan bread. For an extra touch, consider spreading some butter or garlic butter on the bread for a flavorful, comforting experience. It’s a timeless combo that’s sure to satisfy!
More soup recipes you will love!
FAQs for Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about crock pot chicken noodle soup, helping you to perfect the recipe and troubleshoot along the way:
Can I use frozen chicken in my crockpot chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook the soup for a bit longer if you’re starting with frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Frozen chicken will release more moisture, so it might slightly change the consistency of the broth, but it will still be delicious. Always ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
To avoid mushy noodles, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will allow them to cook to the perfect texture without absorbing too much liquid. If you’re using gluten-free noodles, be especially careful, as they tend to absorb more broth than regular noodles.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Crock pot chicken noodle soup is great for meal prep. You can make it a day or two ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, and the soup will taste even better. Just add the noodles when you reheat it, as they may become too soft if stored in the broth.
crock pot chicken noodle soup
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2 cups celery chopped
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
Add the ingredients to the slow cooker
- Start by placing the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into your crock pot. These vegetables create a solid base and infuse the broth with tons of flavor.
Pour in the chicken broth
- Add the chicken broth over the ingredients. This will be the flavorful base of your soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The broth will simmer all day, soaking up the flavors from the veggies and chicken.
Season with herbs
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme and dried parsley. These herbs add an extra layer of depth to the soup, creating that homey, comforting taste we all love.
Set and forget
- Cover the crock pot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. There’s no need to stir during cooking—let the slow cooker work its magic, turning these simple ingredients into a delicious, flavorful soup.
Shred the chicken
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart easily, which means it’s perfectly cooked. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and give everything a good stir.
Add the noodles
- Add the egg noodles to the crock pot. Stir them into the soup, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Cover and let the soup cook for an additional 30 minutes or until the noodles are tender. You’ll notice the soup thickening up as the noodles cook, making it even more comforting!
Taste and adjust seasoning
- Once everything is cooked, give the soup a taste. If it needs a little more seasoning, feel free to add more salt, pepper, or extra herbs to suit your taste.