Cooking comforting meals is one of my favorite pastimes, especially when it comes to classic recipes like Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. This dish is a staple in many homes, known for its rich flavor and heartwarming quality. I just love how effortlessly it comes together in a slow cooker, turning simple ingredients into a bowl of scrumptious goodness. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this recipe has a way of bringing everyone together.
Why you’ll love this dish
There are countless reasons to fall in love with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make—just throw everything into the slow cooker, set it, and let it do all the work! It’s a budget-friendly meal that can feed a crowd, making it ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or any weeknight when you need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, kids adore it—there’s something about the cozy warmth and the slurp-worthy noodles that’s universally appealing.
“This chicken noodle soup is a lifesaver! It’s quick to prepare and tastes even better the next day. My family can’t get enough!” – Grateful Mom
The cooking process explained
This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is as uncomplicated as it gets. With only a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table without much hassle. Here’s a rapid-fire overview:
- Start by cooking your chicken and broth together.
- Add in your vegetables and spices.
- Let it simmer low and slow, then shred the chicken and stir in the egg noodles before serving.
And voila! In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup.
What you’ll need
To bring this heartwarming recipe to life, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey or use vegetable broth if you’re looking for a lighter option!
Step-by-step instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth until the chicken is fully submerged.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Thirty minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in the egg noodles and continue cooking until they’re tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Best ways to enjoy it
When it comes to serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, simplicity is key. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley for a burst of color. If you’re in the mood for extra comfort, serve it with warm, crusty bread for dipping. A light salad or roasted vegetables can make for a balanced meal, but feel free to keep it cozy with just the soup!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers? No problem! Store any uneaten soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; just make sure to leave out the noodles before freezing, as they can become mushy upon reheating. Always remember to practice safe food handling to ensure your leftovers stay fresh.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are a few tips to make your chicken noodle soup even better:
- For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, add a splash of heavy cream just before serving.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or rosemary for an aromatic twist.
Creative twists
Don’t hesitate to play around with the flavors! You can mix it up by adding in different vegetables like peas or corn. If you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a unique taste. For a healthier version, you could replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or even quinoa.
Your questions answered
How long does it take to prepare Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
Prep time is quick—about 15 minutes. Then, let your slow cooker work its magic for 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Just add an additional hour to your cooking time. The slow cooker will do a great job of thawing and cooking the chicken.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, but make sure to add a little water or broth if it thickens too much.
By following these tips and instructions, you’ll have a delightful and comforting dish that’s sure to please everyone around the dinner table!
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting and easy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth until the chicken is fully submerged.
- Add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Thirty minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker.
- Stir in the egg noodles and continue cooking until they’re tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
Feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or use vegetable broth for a lighter option. For extra flavor, sauté the vegetables in olive oil before adding them to the slow cooker.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
