This comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for chilly days. Tender chicken, hearty noodles, and fresh veggies come together in a warm, flavorful broth that hugs you like a cozy blanket.
Honestly, this soup smells amazing as it cooks all day, and who doesn’t love a dish that basically makes itself? I can’t resist a big bowl after a long day. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well here. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts are great too. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a quick substitute, just add it towards the end of cooking.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is best so you can control the saltiness. You can swap it for vegetable broth if you want a lighter version. Homemade broth adds fantastic flavor, if you have it on hand!
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are staples, but feel free to add or swap with peas, corn, or even green beans based on what you have. Zucchini or spinach can be added in the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but you could use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. Just keep in mind, cooking times may vary for different pasta types.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Chicken Noodle Soup?
The trick to a flavorful soup lies in cooking time and layering of ingredients. Start with a solid base of broth and add the chicken and veggies early on. This allows them to infuse their flavors into the broth gradually.
- Using fresh garlic and herbs makes a noticeable difference. Fresh tastes brighter than dried.
- After shredding the chicken, return it to the slow cooker to ensure it absorbs more of that delicious broth flavor.
- Season the soup towards the end for the best taste. Adjust based on your preference so that it’s just right.
Plus, if you let it sit for a minute after cooking, the flavors meld even more—so be patient!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 1/2 lbs (about 3) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles or wide egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious slow cooker chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes to prep, plus cook time of 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After a day of cooking in your slow cooker, you’ll have a cozy meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by adding the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the slow cooker. Then, toss in the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, parsley, rosemary (if using), salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to mix it up nicely.
2. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken and veggies are fully submerged. This helps everything cook evenly and stay moist.
3. Slow Cook the Soup:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once everything is cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Combine Everything:
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. If you’re using egg noodles, you can prepare them in a separate pan.
6. Cook the Noodles:
In a small pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the egg noodles and cook them for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re slightly softened (this step is optional but helps avoid overcooking them in the soup).
7. Final Touches:
Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker and let the soup cook for another 20-30 minutes on high, or until the noodles are tender.
8. Adjust the Seasoning:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed to make it just right.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely touch!
10. Enjoy:
Dig into your comforting slow cooker chicken noodle soup and savor every delicious sip!
This recipe creates a delightful soup filled with tender chicken, perfectly cooked veggies, and hearty noodles in a flavorful broth. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! You can definitely use frozen chicken. Just be sure to cook it a little longer—about 1-2 hours on low or 30-60 minutes on high. There’s no need to thaw it first, as slow cooking will safely cook it through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, green beans, or even spinach for extra nutrition. Just remember to add quick-cooking veggies like spinach towards the end to avoid overcooking them. They’ll only need a few minutes to wilt in the hot broth!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just make sure to leave the noodles out and add them fresh when you’re ready to eat; they tend to get mushy when frozen.
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta, like whole wheat or gluten-free varieties. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles may require adjustments. Just add them when the chicken is shredded and the soup is nearly done cooking!
