Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. This hearty dish is perfect for cold weather and brings warmth to any occasion. With minimal effort required, just let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup will surely delight everyone with its rich flavors and satisfying ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply add all the ingredients to your slow cooker and let it simmer all day without constant supervision.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and herbs creates a rich and comforting broth that warms the soul.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean chicken, this soup is a wholesome option for any meal.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a main dish or serve it alongside a salad or bread for a complete dinner.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the fridge, making it great for meal prep or quick lunches throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Cooking Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup requires a few essential tools to make your experience seamless and enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for easy cooking while blending all flavors beautifully over several hours.
• Cutting board: A stable surface for chopping vegetables ensures safety while prepping your ingredients.
• Knife: A good-quality knife helps you efficiently dice and slice veggies, making prep time quicker.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Chicken and Broth

• 8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium preferred
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 lbs (or chicken thighs)

Herbs and Seasoning

• 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

Noodles and 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 the 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 the Soup

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the veggies should be tender. Keep in mind that cook times may vary based on your slow cooker model and the size of your chicken or diced veggies.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooking is complete, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Chop or shred them using two forks before adding them back into the pot.

Step 4: Add Noodles

Add in egg noodles to the slow cooker. Stir everything together, ensuring that the noodles are submerged in liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook for another 5-10 minutes on low until noodles are just tender. Alternatively, you can cook noodles separately in boiling water on the stove.

Step 5: Finish Your Soup

After cooking, stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this warm bowl of goodness!

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours
Total Time: 7 hours
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup, Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup

This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is about enhancing its comforting flavors while providing a perfect dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that elevate this hearty dish.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs: Add a few sprigs of thyme for an aromatic touch.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the broth.
• Garlic Bread: Offer garlic bread for a flavorful side that complements the soup well.

Add Extra Ingredients

• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for guests to squeeze fresh juice into their bowls.
• Croutons: Provide homemade or store-bought croutons for added crunch in each bite.

Side Salads

• Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad can add a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad with vinaigrette pairs nicely and balances the meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

To ensure your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup turns out delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Stock: Choose high-quality chicken stock or broth for the best flavor. Low-sodium options allow you to control salt levels.
• Don’t Overcook Vegetables: Add vegetables like carrots and celery at the beginning, but remember that they should be tender, not mushy.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed. Freshly cracked pepper enhances flavor beautifully.
• Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees it’s safe and perfectly cooked.
• Add Noodles Last: To prevent overcooking, add egg noodles towards the end of cooking time. This keeps them from becoming too soft.
• Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to try different herbs like dill or basil for unique flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup can enhance the overall meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A light mix of greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers dressed in vinaigrette adds freshness.
2. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread topped with garlic butter provides a delicious accompaniment perfect for dipping.
3. Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits with cheese create a comforting pairing with the soup’s flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add depth and nutrition to your meal.
5. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with veggies is nutritious and filling, complementing the soup well.
7. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies provide a hearty option alongside the soup.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after enjoying your comforting soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how you can avoid them:

• Bold ingredient measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always use measuring cups and spoons for precision.
• Bold skipping the sauté step: Some recipes may suggest sautéing vegetables first for added flavor. Skipping this step can result in a less rich taste. Try briefly cooking onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Bold overcooking the chicken: Leaving the chicken in too long can make it dry. Monitor cooking times closely and check that the chicken is cooked through but still moist.
• Bold adding noodles too early: If noodles are added at the start, they may become mushy. Add them in the last 10 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
• Bold ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tastes vary, so don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper according to your preference. Taste before serving and adjust as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in airtight containers.
• The soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup special?

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is special because it combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and flavorful broth, all simmered together for hours, creating a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug.

Can I use different types of noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles depending on your dietary needs.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can customize this soup by adding different vegetables like peas or corn, or by using herbs such as dill or basil for varied flavors.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it.

What type of broth should I use?

Using low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for better control over saltiness. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for family meals or cozy nights in!