Ultimate Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, especially on those chilly days when all you want to do is curl up on the couch. There’s something so comforting about the aroma that fills your home as it gently simmers throughout the day. This recipe has become a family favorite because it’s not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or as a remedy for a cold, this soup is guaranteed to bring smiles around the table.
Plus, letting your slow cooker do all the work means you can focus on other things while it creates deliciousness! With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll have a hearty soup ready to enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Effortless preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do its magic!
– Hearty and filling: Packed with chicken and veggies, this soup will keep you satisfied.
– Perfect for leftovers: This recipe makes enough to feed a crowd or provide comforting meals throughout the week.
– Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or noodles for a personal touch.
– Family-approved: A dish that everyone loves, making mealtime easy and enjoyable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering fresh ingredients is one of the joys of cooking. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup:
For the Soup Base
– 1 medium yellow onion, diced
– 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
– 4 stalks celery, sliced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium preferred
– 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs) or chicken thighs
– 2 dried bay leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
For Finishing Touches
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– 1/2 lemon, juiced
– 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Variations
One of the best things about soup is its flexibility! You can easily adapt this recipe based on what’s available or your personal preferences. Here are some ideas:
– Swap the protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or substitute with turkey for a lighter version.
– Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach, peas, or green beans for extra nutrition and color.
– Change up the noodles: Try using whole grain noodles or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
– Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick of flavor!
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
In a large slow cooker, add all ingredients except for the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and egg noodles. This step is crucial as it allows all flavors to meld together beautifully during cooking. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to enhance every bite!
Step 2: Let It Cook!
Cook on low for 6–8 hours. The goal here is to achieve perfectly tender chicken and vegetables that meld together into a comforting broth. Keep in mind that cook time may vary depending on your crockpot’s settings and how you’ve diced your veggies.
Step 3: Shred The Chicken
Once cooked through, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Chop or shred them using two forks—this helps infuse even more flavor back into the soup when you return them to the pot. Next, add in your egg noodles and stir everything together to ensure they’re submerged in that delicious broth.
Step 4: Finish It Off
Recover your slow cooker and cook for another 5–10 minutes on low until the noodles are just tender. Alternatively, if you prefer separate cooking methods, you could boil your egg noodles in water on the stovetop instead. Finally, stir in that bright splash of lemon juice and fresh parsley right before serving—this adds freshness that elevates each bowl!
Serve hot and enjoy every soothing spoonful of this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly easy, but a few tips can elevate your dish to the next level. With some simple tricks, you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
– Use fresh herbs for enhanced flavor: While dried herbs work well, substituting with fresh thyme and rosemary can add a vibrant taste to your soup. Fresh herbs release essential oils that invigorate the broth.
– Don’t skip the lemon juice: Adding lemon juice at the end brightens up the flavors and adds a refreshing twist. It balances the richness of the chicken and broth beautifully.
– Adjust cooking time based on your chicken: If using chicken thighs or larger breasts, check doneness around the 7-hour mark. Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
– Consider adding other veggies: Feel free to throw in additional vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans during the last hour of cooking. This not only enhances nutrition but also adds more texture to your soup.
– Cook noodles separately if preferred: If you like your noodles less mushy, cook them in boiling water separately and add them to each serving. This way, they’ll maintain their texture throughout the week.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is just as enjoyable as making it. The warm aroma will have everyone gathering at the table, ready for a delicious meal. Here are some ideas on how to present your comforting dish.
Garnishes
– Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
– Cracked black pepper: A light dusting adds an extra layer of flavor without overwhelming the dish.
– Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges alongside allows everyone to customize their soup with a splash of tangy goodness.
Side Dishes
– Crusty bread: Pair your soup with slices of fresh, crusty bread for dipping into that flavorful broth.
– Simple green salad: A mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup nicely.
– Grilled cheese sandwiches: For a classic combination that kids adore, serve alongside gooey grilled cheese sandwiches.
– Rice crackers: A crunchy alternative that provides texture and is light enough not to overshadow the soup.
Make Ahead and Storage
Meal prep with this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a breeze! You can easily make it ahead of time and store leftovers for busy days ahead.
Storing Leftovers
– Allow soup to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the fridge.
– Consume within 3–4 days for best freshness.
Freezing
– Portion out servings into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy reheating later.
– Label containers with date and contents; it helps keep track of what you have on hand.
– Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste.
Reheating
– Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
– If reheating from frozen, consider adding extra broth or water as noodles may absorb liquid during storage.
FAQs
If you’re new to making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup or just have some questions about it, don’t worry! Here are some common queries answered.
Can I use other types of meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or even turkey if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on size.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Add extra herbs for flavor!
How do I prevent my noodles from getting mushy?
To keep noodles from becoming overly soft, consider cooking them separately on the stove according to package instructions and adding them just before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly day. It’s not just food; it’s comfort in a bowl! So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy this delightful recipe that warms both heart and soul. Happy cooking!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large slow cooker, add all ingredients except for the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and egg noodles. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6–8 hours until chicken and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken, chop or shred it, then return it to the pot. Add egg noodles and stir.
- Cook for another 5–10 minutes on low until noodles are tender. Stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving.
