This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is warm and comforting, filled with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh veggies. Perfect for a chilly day or anyone feeling under the weather!
Making this soup is super easy! I just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. You can enjoy it with some crusty bread, and trust me, it hits the spot every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their flavor and tenderness. If you’re looking for a leaner option, boneless chicken breasts work just fine. You could also substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, just add it in later in the cooking process.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is always best, but store-bought works great too. If you want a lower-sodium option, look for low-sodium chicken broth. For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead!
Veggies: Carrots and celery are classic, but feel free to add or replace with others like bell peppers or peas. Frozen veggies can also save time; just add them toward the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can swap in any type you like, such as whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Adjust cooking times according to the type of noodles used.
How Do You Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Cooked and Tender?
Cooking chicken to the right tenderness is key in this recipe. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker; it cooks more evenly that way.
- Set your slow cooker to LOW for best results. Cooking for 6-7 hours allows the chicken to become very tender.
- If you’re short on time, use the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours, but keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
After cooking, shredding the chicken will allow it to soak up more broth flavor for that comforting touch. Enjoy your soup, packed with all the flavors and love!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried rosemary (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles or wide pasta noodles
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup requires about 15 minutes of prep time and then it cooks in your slow cooker for 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH. You’ll spend a few minutes shredding the chicken and adding the noodles, making it a super simple meal that’ll warm you right up!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Getting Started:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. This allows them to cook evenly and makes shredding easier later.
2. Adding the Vegetables:
Next, add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. These will add lots of flavor and nutrition to your soup!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour in the chicken broth. Then, sprinkle the dried thyme, parsley, rosemary (if you’re using it), and add the bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 6-7 hours, or on HIGH for about 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the vegetables nicely cooked by then.
5. Shredding the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, which will blend beautifully back into the soup.
6. Finishing Touches:
Don’t forget to discard the bay leaf! Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and now it’s time to add the egg noodles. Cover again and cook on HIGH for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
7. Taste and Serve:
Finally, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. Ladle it into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Enjoy each warm, comforting spoonful!
This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for cozy days. It’s full of delicious flavors and is simple to make, making it a family favorite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before adding it to the slow cooker. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water to ensure even cooking.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies as desired for a nutritious meal!
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you prefer, you can use other types of noodles such as whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so check the package instructions and adjust accordingly when adding to the slow cooker.
