Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot

Imagine the comforting aroma of chicken noodle soup wafting through your kitchen, bringing warmth and coziness to your home.

This crock pot recipe offers simplicity and ease, perfect for those days when you crave a hearty, yet hassle-free dish.

As the ingredients meld together over hours, the flavors deepen, transforming simple components into a soul-soothing meal.

Let’s bring this delightful soup to life and embrace its comforting embrace.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Crock pot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Knife
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Measuring spoon

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Chicken Noodle Soup in a crock pot, follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
   • Spend a few minutes reading the recipe thoroughly and gathering all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Prep Work (15 minutes):
   • 0-5 minutes: Peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery, and chop the onion.
   • 5-10 minutes: Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley (if using).
   • 10-15 minutes: Measure out and prepare all the other ingredients (chicken, chicken broth, water, thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and egg noodles).
3. Initial Cooking (6 hours):
   • Place all the prepped ingredients (except egg noodles and parsley) into the crock pot.
   • Cover and set the crock pot to cook on low for 6 hours.
4. Shredding Chicken and Cooking Noodles (30 minutes):
   • 6 hours mark: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot, shred them with two forks, and return them to the pot.
   • 6 hours 5 minutes: Add the egg noodles to the pot and stir.
   • 6 hours 5-30 minutes: Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
5. Final Steps (5 minutes):
   • Remove the bay leaf from the soup.
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
6. Resting and Serving (5 minutes):
   • Allow the soup to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

Recipe Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.

Pour the chicken broth and water over the chicken.

Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot.

Stir in thyme, basil, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the crock pot.

Add egg noodles to the pot and stir.

Cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on high until noodles are tender.

Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad for a light, balanced meal.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Enjoy with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for a comforting combo.
• Crackers: Offer with a side of crackers for added crunch and texture.
• Steamed Vegetables: Complement the soup with a side of steamed vegetables for extra nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Chicken Noodle Soup, cool completely.

Store in airtight containers, and leave space for expansion.

Freeze without noodles for best texture.

Add freshly cooked ones when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat chicken noodle soup, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely.

Heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Final Thoughts

Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that warms the soul.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a hearty meal, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Making chicken noodle soup in a crock pot is incredibly convenient.

It allows the flavors to meld together over several hours, resulting in a rich and satisfying broth.

The recipe is versatile, allowing for adjustments based on personal preferences.

For instance, you can add more vegetables or use different herbs to suit your taste.

Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.

This guarantees a smooth and enjoyable eating experience.

Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of soup with some crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?

Absolutely, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Thighs add a richer flavor and tender texture. I tried it once, and the soup turned out heartier. Just adjust cooking time as thighs cook slightly faster.

How Can I Make the Soup Gluten-Free?

To make the soup gluten-free, swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. I once used rice noodles, and they worked like a charm! Remember to check the broth label, as some may contain hidden gluten. Enjoy!

What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?

You can substitute egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini noodles. I once used spiralized zucchini, and it soaked up the flavors beautifully. Cook them separately, then add just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Is It Possible to Cook the Soup on High for Less Time?

Yes, you can cook the soup on high for less time, around 3-4 hours. I’ve tried it once when short on time, and it worked well. Just guarantee the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Soup?

Absolutely, you can toss in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. I once added corn for sweetness—it was a hit! Just guarantee everything’s chopped uniformly to cook evenly. Adjust seasoning as needed for the best flavor.