Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This classic recipe brings together tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty egg noodles, simmering for hours to create a delicious flavor that fills your kitchen with an enticing aroma. It’s the perfect meal for chilly days or when you need a little TLC, allowing you to enjoy homemade goodness without spending long hours in the kitchen.
Why We Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
There’s something special about Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup that makes it a favorite in many households. Perhaps it’s the combination of easy preparation and delightful flavors that appeal to you. The slow cooker does the hard work while you can go about your day, and when you return home, a warm, hearty meal awaits you. This recipe is not only comforting but also a great way to use leftover chicken, making it budget-friendly. The fresh veggies add nutrition, and this soup is perfect for the entire family, keeping everyone satisfied and happy.
Ingredients about Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
To create this hearty meal, you will need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully in your slow cooker. Here’s what you’ll require:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Directions
Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is an easy process that doesn’t demand much effort. Begin by gathering all your ingredients to streamline the cooking process.
- First, take your slow cooker and add the shredded chicken. If you have leftovers from a previous meal, they work perfectly here.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all the chicken is well-covered. This will be the flavorful base of your soup.
- Now, chop your vegetables. Slice the carrots and celery into thin pieces and chop the onion. Mince the garlic so it will infuse the broth with its wonderful flavor.
- Add the sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker with the chicken and broth. You’re building layers of flavor that will meld beautifully during the slow cooking process.
- For seasoning, sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and black pepper. These spices enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients, giving you a rich and soothing soup.
- Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. The longer you cook, the more developed the flavors will become.
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the egg noodles. Stir gently to combine, and allow them to cook until they’re tender.
- Once the noodles are done, it’s time to enjoy your creation! Scoop the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is as simple as dishing out the beautifully crafted meal into bowls. You can serve it alongside crusty bread or crackers for a delightful combination. As you ladle the warm soup, watch as the steam rises, and the tantalizing aromas waft around you. Encourage your family to add their own twist, such as a sprinkle of extra pepper, a squeeze of lemon, or a dollop of sour cream, making it a personal experience. This soup also goes brilliantly with a light salad, making for a complete and fulfilling meal.
Expert Tips: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
A few tips can help you master this recipe and impress everyone at the dinner table:
- Chicken Type: Any type of cooked chicken works well here. You can use rotisserie chicken, poach your chicken, or use leftover baked chicken. Just ensure the meat is shredded.
- Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh vegetables. They not only enhance the taste but also add vibrant colors to your soup.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mash some of the potatoes into the broth before adding the noodles or add a cornstarch slurry during the last 30 minutes.
- Noodles: Since egg noodles can get mushy if cooked too long, make sure to add them only about 30 minutes before you plan to serve.
- Seasoning: Adjust salt and spices according to your taste preference, especially if you use low-sodium broth.
How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
If you happen to have leftovers of your comforting chicken noodle soup, storing it is easy. Allow the soup to cool down slightly before transferring it into airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to leave some room in the container for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, defrost it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove until it’s warmed through.
Variation of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
There are many ways to mix up this classic chicken noodle soup recipe. Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand:
- Add More Veggies: You can include other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or corn for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use Different Broth: Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth or even homemade broth for a unique twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or oregano for a different flavor. Adding a bay leaf during cooking can also enhance the aroma.
- Noodle Options: While egg noodles are delicious, you may choose whole grain pasta or gluten-free noodles to cater to dietary needs.
- Creamy Version: To make a creamy version of this soup, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
FAQ
Can I prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients the night before, place them in the slow cooker, and refrigerate. In the morning, just set it to cook.
How long can I keep the soup in the refrigerator?
The soup can be kept in the refrigerator for 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option.
Can I cook this soup on the stovetop instead?
Yes! If you prefer, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Just cook on medium heat for about 30-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
What can I use instead of chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or homemade stock for a lighter flavor.
Is this recipe easily adaptable for dietary restrictions?
Yes! You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles, or replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Any type of cooked chicken works
- 6 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth can be used
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, sliced Fresh slices for best flavor
- 1 cup celery, sliced Fresh slices enhance the taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Infuses the broth with flavor
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt Adjust according to broth used
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste
Pasta
- 2 cups egg noodles Add about 30 minutes before serving
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all your ingredients.
- Add the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all chicken is well-covered.
- Slice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Cooking
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles and stir gently.
- Once noodles are tender, serve the soup in bowls garnished with fresh parsley.
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