This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s filled with tender chicken, soft noodles, and tasty veggies, all simmered to perfection while you relax.
Honestly, there’s nothing better than the smell of soup cooking all day. It makes you feel cozy and ready to dive into a bowl of goodness! 🥣 I love serving it with some crusty bread on the side.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, rotisserie chicken is an excellent substitute — just shred it and add it later in the cooking process!
Chicken broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is my go-to; it allows me to control the salt levels better. If you’re in a pinch, vegetable broth or homemade broth can also be used, giving a slightly different flavor.
Veggies: Carrots and celery are classic, but feel free to add more veggies like peas, green beans, or spinach. They make the soup even heartier. You could use frozen versions of these too!
Noodles: I prefer egg noodles for their chewy texture. However, any pasta like fusilli or farfalle works too. Just adjust the cooking times to make sure they’re al dente!
How Do I Get the Best Flavors in My Slow Cooker Soup?
Creating layers of flavor is key in slow cooker soups! Start by sautéing the onions, garlic, and any other aromatics in a pan with oil or butter before adding them to the slow cooker. This simple step really boosts the soup’s overall taste.
- Caramelizing onions adds depth; if you have an extra ten minutes, do this!
- Mix in seasonings like thyme and rosemary early on so they have time to infuse their flavors.
- Adjusting seasoning at the end is crucial. Taste before serving and tweak it to your liking; you might want more pepper or herbs!
Feel free to customize this recipe — it’s all about making it your own and enjoying a bowl of comforting soup!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 ounces egg noodles or wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and then simmers for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for a cozy day at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base:
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. This is the hearty base of your soup!
2. Add the Vegetables:
On top of the chicken, layer the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Each veggie adds great flavor and texture.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth over the chicken and veggies in the slow cooker. This will bring everything together beautifully.
4. Season It Up:
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried parsley, rosemary (if you’re using it), and season with salt and black pepper. Give it a gentle stir to mix the ingredients.
5. Slow Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
When the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. This is where all the delicious flavors mingle!
7. Cook the Noodles:
In a separate pot, cook the egg noodles in boiling water according to package instructions until they are al dente. Drain them well since they’ll finish cooking in the soup.
8. Combine and Serve:
Stir the cooked noodles into the slow cooker just before serving to keep them from getting mushy. For an extra richness, add the olive oil or butter and mix well. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Garnish:
Ladle the warm soup into individual bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. It’s time to enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness!
Now you’re all set to relish your hearty, comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup! Enjoy! 🥣
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to cook it for a little longer—about 7-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. There’s no need to thaw beforehand!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving. If you’re making it ahead of time, wait to add the noodles until right before serving to avoid them becoming mushy.
How Should I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the noodles if freezing; add them back when reheating!
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, feel free to use other pasta like rotini, bow-tie, or even whole wheat pasta. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions to ensure they cook perfectly!
