Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort recipe. This hearty dish warms you from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly days and family gatherings. With minimal effort required, your crockpot does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxing weekend, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the magic.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh vegetables and herbs creates a delightful taste that comforts and satisfies.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep; this soup adapts to any occasion.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome choice for your family.
• Easily Customizable: Feel free to add more veggies or switch up the herbs to match your taste preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to gather your tools. Having everything on hand will make the process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for achieving tender chicken and flavorful broth without constant monitoring.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.
• Knife: A good knife ensures clean cuts, making prep time quicker and easier.
• Ladle: Perfect for serving up portions of soup without spills.

Ingredients

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort recipe. Hearty, comforting, and perfect for cold weather. Let your crockpot do the work. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook all day.

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

For Cooking

• 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 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 1 tbsp 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

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. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook on Low

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and the veggies tender. Note that cook time may vary based on your crockpot model and size of chicken/diced veggies.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces before adding them back into the pot.

Step 4: Add Egg Noodles

Add in egg noodles and stir together, ensuring they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker again and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes on low until noodles are just tender. Alternatively, you can cook noodles separately in boiling water on the stove.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once noodles are cooked, stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is an enjoyable experience that can be tailored to your taste. It’s a versatile dish that pairs well with various accompaniments and garnishes.

Add Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley enhances the flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Thyme Leaves: A few fresh thyme leaves can elevate the aromatic nature of your soup.

Include Crackers or Bread

• Saltine Crackers: These add a satisfying crunch and are perfect for dipping.
• Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread is ideal for soaking up the hearty broth.

Top with Cheese

• Shredded Parmesan: Adding a sprinkle of Parmesan creates a rich, savory layer on top.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melted cheddar brings a creamy texture and enhances the comfort factor.

Serve with a Side Salad

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad: The bold flavors of Caesar salad provide a nice contrast to the mild soup.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup involves a few simple techniques that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Quality Broth: A good quality chicken stock or broth makes all the difference in flavor.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste before serving; adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed.
• Cook on Low for Best Results: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Add Noodles Last: To prevent overcooking, add noodles near the end of cooking time.
• Incorporate Fresh Ingredients: Adding fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving brightens the dish.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup can make for a complete meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Bread: A warm loaf brushed with garlic butter complements the soup perfectly.
2. Coleslaw: This crunchy side provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with rice, beans, and spices, they add heartiness to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies bring extra nutrients and flavor alongside your soup.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are great for dipping into the broth.
6. Quinoa Salad: A protein-packed quinoa salad can be served cold for a refreshing balance.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly, avoid these common mistakes.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
• Not using enough liquid: If you don’t add sufficient broth, your soup may become too thick. Make sure to use at least 8 cups of chicken stock for optimal consistency.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Monitor your cooking time and remove it once it’s fully cooked, then shred or chop it.
• Adding noodles too early: Adding egg noodles at the beginning can make them mushy. Instead, add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
• Ignoring fresh herbs: Fresh herbs like parsley should be added at the end for maximum flavor. Don’t skip this step; it brings brightness to your soup.
• Not adjusting for crockpot variations: Different slow cookers have varying heat levels. Always check for doneness a little earlier than suggested.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as soup expands when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Reheat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil at 350°F until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Warm on low heat in a saucepan, stirring until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making this delicious dish, read on!

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey is a great substitute! Use boneless turkey breasts or thighs for a similar flavor profile.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or noodles available in stores.

How can I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can add vegetables like peas or corn or switch up the herbs according to your taste preferences.

What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a comforting dish but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various veggies and herbs to suit your taste. Whether it’s a chilly evening or simply a day that calls for comfort food, this recipe is sure to please everyone around the table. Give it a try, and enjoy its warm goodness!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Enjoy this easy and hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe that’s perfect for chilly days. Warm up your family with every comforting spoonful!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock or broth
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary or 1 tbsp fresh rosemary (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large slow cooker, combine onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken stock, chicken breasts, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender.
3. Remove the chicken; shred it using two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
4. Stir in egg noodles and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes until they are tender.
5. Before serving, mix in lemon juice and freshly chopped parsley.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg