This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and veggies, it’s comforting and tasty.
All you do is toss in the ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic. I love coming home to this delicious smell. It’s perfect for cozy nights! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but thighs add more flavor. If you’re in a pinch, leftover cooked chicken can work too; just add it in when you add the noodles.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth helps control salt levels. If you want a richer taste, homemade broth is a fantastic option, but store-bought works well too!
Carrots and Celery: These add sweetness and crunch. If you’re out, try using frozen mixed vegetables or peas for a quick substitute.
Egg Noodles: Traditional choice, but you can swap them for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just factor in the cooking time according to the noodle type.
Herbs:** Feel free to add fresh thyme or parsley if you have them – they really boost flavor! If you don’t have dried basil, you can leave it out or use Italian seasoning.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Chicken Noodle Soup?
One key to delicious soup is how you layer flavors. Start with the chicken, then add your veggies and broth. Sautéing the onion, garlic, and other veggies in olive oil or butter before adding them can deepen the flavor, but it’s optional.
- Layer ingredients neatly in your slow cooker to allow even cooking.
- When shredding chicken, let it cool a few minutes for easier handling.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice just before serving – it brightens everything up!
Enjoy this easy recipe and remember, you can always adjust ingredients according to what you have on hand! Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 ounces egg noodles or wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting Chicken Noodle Soup will take about 15 minutes for prep and 6-7 hours of cooking time on low (or 3-4 hours on high). Just prep your ingredients and let the slow cooker work its magic while you’re busy with other things!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the base of your soup!
2. Add Your Vegetables:
On top of the chicken, layer in the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. These veggies add great flavor and texture to your soup.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
4. Cook the Soup:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender!
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred it, then return the shredded chicken back to the soup.
6. Add the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles into the slow cooker, stirring gently. Cover again and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust any seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely finish. Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of slow cooker chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour on low or 30 minutes on high. The chicken will cook perfectly and be tender once done.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to leave out the noodles if freezing, as they can become mushy when reheated.
Can I Use Other Noodles or Add Extra Veggies?
Definitely! Feel free to use different types of noodles, such as whole wheat or gluten-free options. You can also add more veggies like peas, corn, or spinach for added nutrition. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for any new veggies added!
