Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Picture a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup, the aroma of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and comforting herbs wafting through your kitchen.

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is all about simplicity and warmth, providing a cozy escape with minimal effort.

As the ingredients slowly meld together over hours, they transform into a nourishing and flavorful classic.

Let’s bring this heartwarming dish to life.

Kitchen Tools Required

• 1 Crockpot
• 1 Cutting board
• 1 Chef’s knife
• 1 Measuring cup
• 1 Measuring spoons
• 1 Wooden spoon

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups chicken broth
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups egg noodles
• Salt to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook & Prep Time

To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, you can follow this timeline:

1. Reading and Gathering Ingredients (5 minutes):
   • Spend a few minutes reading through the recipe to understand the steps involved.
   • Gather all the necessary ingredients and equipment.
2. Preparation (10 minutes):
   • Use the cutting board and chef’s knife to slice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
   • Measure out the dried thyme, dried parsley, and black pepper using measuring spoons.
3. Assembling in the Crockpot (5 minutes):
   • Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
   • Add the sliced vegetables, minced garlic, spices, and chicken broth to the crockpot.
4. Cooking Time (6 hours):
   • Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6 hours.
   • During this time, you can attend to other tasks or activities.
5. Shredding Chicken and Cooking Noodles (25 minutes):
   • After 6 hours, remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks (5 minutes).
   • Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
   • Add the egg noodles to the crockpot, stir well, and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
6. Final Touches and Resting Time (5 minutes):
   • Season the soup with salt to taste.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Recipe Instructions

Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.

Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, and black pepper to the crockpot.

Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.

Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.

Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Add egg noodles to the crockpot, stir well, and cook for an additional 20 minutes or until noodles are tender.

Season with salt to taste.

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Serving Tips

• Crusty Bread: Pair with warm, crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
• Crackers: Add some crunchy texture with a side of your favorite crackers.
• Fruit Salad: Complement the savory soup with a light and invigorating fruit salad.
• Cheese Platter: Offer a variety of cheeses to add a rich, creamy contrast to the soup.

Storage

Store leftover Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months.

Freezing

To freeze Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, let it cool completely.

Then transfer to airtight containers, leaving space for expansion.

Freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

To reheat Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Stir occasionally.

Alternatively, microwave in short intervals.

Add extra broth if needed to maintain soup consistency.

Final Thoughts

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

With minimal prep work and the convenience of a slow cooker, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty vegetables makes this soup a family favorite.

Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a warm bowl of goodness, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

Adjust the seasoning to suit your taste and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch of flavor.

Enjoy the simplicity and comfort of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup in every spoonful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Guarantee even cooking by increasing the time slightly and confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F. For ideal flavor infusion, consider thawing beforehand. This adjustment maintains the recipe’s culinary integrity and safety.

What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?

You can substitute egg noodles with alternatives like rotini, whole wheat pasta, orzo, or rice. Consider zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Adjust cooking time accordingly to guarantee each substitution reaches desired tenderness without overcooking.

How Can I Make This Soup Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, replace egg noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta. Confirm all ingredients, like chicken broth, are certified gluten-free. Adjust cooking time for noodles until they reach the desired al dente texture.

Is It Possible to Add Other Vegetables?

You’re absolutely encouraged to innovate by incorporating other vegetables. Consider adding diced potatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini for enhanced texture and flavor complexity. Guarantee uniform cuts for even cooking and maintain the soup’s consistency and balance.

Can I Cook This on High for a Shorter Time?

Yes, you can expedite cooking by setting the crockpot to high for about 3-4 hours. Monitor the chicken’s internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F. Adjust noodle cooking time accordingly to maintain al dente texture.