This cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food! With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and tasty veggies, it’s a warm hug in a bowl.
I love how easy it is to throw everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. Perfect for busy days when you want something yummy without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this soup as they stay tender. If you need a substitute, cooked rotisserie chicken works great. Just add it later in the cooking process!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option. If you’re out, water works too; just add extra seasonings to enhance flavor. Vegetable broth is a great veggie-friendly alternative!
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add wonderful flavor and texture. You can keep things simple or add peas or corn for more variety. Don’t forget to chop them evenly for consistent cooking!
Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but you can swap them for whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust cooking times as different noodles may need varying cooking durations.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken is Perfectly Tender?
Getting tender chicken is crucial, and the crockpot makes it easy! Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours to let the flavors meld. If you’re in a hurry, high heat for 3-4 hours works too. When it’s done, shred the chicken using two forks, being careful not to overwork it. This way, you keep the meat juicy!
- Place chicken in crockpot first to allow it to absorb flavors from the other ingredients.
- Don’t open the lid too often during cooking, as this releases heat and can extend cooking time.
With these tips, you’ll have a warm, inviting bowl of soup ready to enjoy anytime! It’s perfect for sharing or as leftovers. Enjoy cooking!
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles or wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and will cook for roughly 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. After that, you’ll just need an additional 20-30 minutes for the noodles to cook. So, total cooking time varies from about 6 hours to just under 8 hours, depending on your choice of cooking heat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Assemble Your Ingredients:
Gather all the ingredients needed for the soup. This makes it easier to toss everything in the crockpot without missing anything!
2. Layer the Ingredients:
Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. This allows the chicken to cook evenly and absorb all those tasty flavors. Next, add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
3. Season the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth over the layered ingredients. Then, sprinkle the thyme, parsley, dill (if using), salt, and pepper across the top. This will ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the soup.
4. Add Oil or Butter:
Drizzle olive oil or add butter on top of everything. This will help give the soup a rich and delicious taste. Give it a gentle stir to combine the ingredients a little.
5. Start Cooking:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will cook the chicken thoroughly and make the vegetables tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot using tongs or a slotted spoon. Shred the chicken using two forks, being careful to keep it tender, and then return it back to the pot.
7. Cook the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the crockpot and stir them into the broth. Cook on high for another 20-30 minutes until the noodles are cooked through and tender.
8. Final Touches:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Remember, every broth is different!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy this warm and comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup!
This soup is perfect for chilly days, making it a go-to recipe for comfort food. Enjoy all the cozy vibes!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on low or an extra 30-45 minutes on high to ensure that the chicken is fully cooked through.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you’re looking to swap out egg noodles, you can use whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as different types of noodles may require more or less time to cook!
How Long Will Leftovers Last in the Fridge?
Any leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies like zucchini or spinach for a hearty, plant-based version!