Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

When it comes to comfort food, nothing quite compares to a bowl of warm chicken noodle soup. And when you’re juggling a busy schedule, the last thing you want is a complicated recipe. That’s where this easy crockpot chicken noodle soup comes to the rescue! Let me take you on a little journey about why this dish is so close to my heart and why I think you’re going to adore it.

I first came up with this recipe during a chaotic week filled with work deadlines, soccer practice runs, and a household teetering on the brink of a cold. You know the kind — tissues everywhere and that faint smell of menthol in the air. I wanted something nourishing and warm, but I didn’t have the energy for anything labor-intensive.

Enter my trusty crockpot. I threw together a few simple ingredients I had on hand, set it, and went about my day. By dinnertime, the house smelled like heaven, and my family had a bowl of homemade comfort that melted all the stress away. Ever since, this homemade chicken noodle soup crockpot recipe has been my go-to on chilly days or whenever someone in the family needs a little extra TLC.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup; it’s your go-to recipe for those days when you need something effortless yet satisfying. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this dish:

1. Set It and Forget It: The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, so you can focus on your day while the soup simmers to perfection.
2. Comfort in a Bowl: There’s nothing like the soothing combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles to warm you up.
3. Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will devour this soup. It’s simple, wholesome, and packed with familiar flavors.
4. Customizable: Whether you’re looking for a low-calorie option or want to use up veggies in your fridge, this recipe is incredibly versatile.
5. Great for Leftovers: It tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeks.

Ingredients for the Recipe

What You’ll Need for crockpot chicken noodle soup:

• Chicken Breasts (2 large, about 1 lb): Boneless and skinless.
• Carrots (3 medium): Peeled and sliced into thin rounds.
• Celery (3 stalks): Chopped.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium): Finely diced.
• Garlic (3 cloves): Minced.
• Chicken Broth (6 cups): Low-sodium is best for controlling salt levels.
• Egg Noodles (2 cups): Wide or extra-wide for that classic chicken noodle soup vibe.
• Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon): Adds an earthy note.
• Dried Parsley (1 teaspoon): Brings a touch of freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste.
• Olive Oil (optional, 1 tablespoon): For sautéing vegetables beforehand (optional but adds depth).

How To Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by chopping your veggies. Slice the carrots, dice the onions, and mince the garlic. Set everything aside.
   
2. Optional Sauté: For extra flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil until slightly softened. This step is optional but worth it.
   
3. Load the Crockpot: Add the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and chicken broth to the slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir.
   
4. Set It and Forget It: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and cooked through.
   
5. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
   
6. Add the Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles, cover, and cook on high for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
   
7. Taste and Adjust: Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
   
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

• Make It Low-Carb: Swap the egg noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a healthier twist.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
• Boost the Flavor: Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving for an extra kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Bonus Tips

1. Sear the Chicken First: For even more flavor, sear the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the crockpot.
2. Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work great, fresh parsley or thyme added at the end can elevate the dish.
3. Use High-Quality Broth: Since broth forms the base of the soup, choose a rich, flavorful one for the best results.
4. Time-Saving Tip: Use pre-chopped vegetables or a frozen mirepoix mix to save prep time.
5. Prevent Mushy Noodles: Cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving if you plan to store leftovers.

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Simmering Questions

What to Serve with This Recipe?

• Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the broth.
• Simple Side Salad: A crisp green salad adds balance.
• Grilled Cheese: Because who doesn’t love dipping grilled cheese into soup?

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?

• Absolutely! Thighs add more flavor and a slightly richer texture.

How Can I Make This Recipe Even Easier?

• Use pre-chopped vegetables and rotisserie chicken for a true dump-and-go meal.

Can I Make This Soup Spicier?

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

What Other Noodles Work for This Recipe?

• If egg noodles aren’t your favorite, try bowtie pasta, ditalini, or even rice noodles.

How Do I Reheat Leftovers?

• Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

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This slow cooker chicken noodle soup has become a staple in my house, and I hope it finds a cozy spot in yours too. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing meal on a busy day or the perfect remedy for a cold, this recipe is sure to hit the spot. Let me know in the comments if you give it a try — I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!