This cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for chilly days! With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty noodles, it warms you right up.
I love letting it simmer all day while I tackle my to-do list. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and the smell? Total comfort magic! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless thighs because they stay tender and juicy. However, you can switch to chicken breasts if that’s what you have. You can even use rotisserie chicken; just add it at the end for an easier option.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is best to control the saltiness. If you prefer vegetarian options, vegetable broth works well too! Homemade broth can also elevate the flavor if you’re up for it.
Carrots and Celery: These add sweetness and flavor. If you’re out of celery, bell peppers or green beans make good replacements. You can also toss in whatever vegetables you like—peas, corn, or even spinach!
Egg Noodles: I recommend wide egg noodles for their comforting chewiness. You can substitute with whole wheat noodles or even gluten-free pasta if you’re avoiding gluten.
How Do I Get the Chicken Just Right?
To make sure your chicken is tender and flavorful, here’s what to do:
- Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot. This keeps it moist as the other ingredients cook.
- Use a fork to shred the chicken after it’s cooked, allowing it to soak up all the delicious broth and seasonings.
- For extra flavor, consider browning the chicken in a skillet with a little olive oil before adding it to the crockpot!
Remember, the longer you cook it on LOW, the more the flavors meld together, making your soup even more comforting!
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces egg noodles or wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare, then you can set it and forget it! Cooking time is roughly 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crockpot. After that, you have an additional 20-30 minutes for the noodles. All in all, you’re looking at a time investment of about 7-8 hours, but the effort is totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs right at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps lock in moisture!
2. Add Your Veggies:
Next, layer in the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic over the chicken. This adds loads of flavor and nutrients to your soup.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all your ingredients are submerged. The broth is the heart of this soup!
4. Season to Perfection:
Sprinkle in the dried parsley, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
5. Set to Cook:
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. This adds tenderness and flavor to the soup!
7. Combine and Cook Noodles:
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot. Add the egg noodles and stir everything together. Cover and cook on HIGH for another 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
8. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it to be bursting with flavor!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s ready, ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra chopped parsley if you like, and enjoy the warm, comforting goodness!
There you have it—your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is ready to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by about an hour on LOW or 30 minutes on HIGH, as it takes longer to cook from frozen. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup without the noodles and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat in the crockpot and add the noodles to cook them fresh!
What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, you can substitute them with any pasta! Just be sure to cook the pasta separately and add it to the soup before serving to avoid mushiness.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it has thickened too much.
