If you're a fan of soul-warming, comforting meals that bring back memories of childhood, you're in for a treat! Dive into the world of homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. This classic recipe is all about tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.
Why You'll Love This Soup
- Effortless. Throw everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it. Your slow cooker does the work.
- Flavorful. This soup is packed with aromatic herbs and wholesome ingredients.
- Customizable. Adjust the veggies and seasoning to suit your taste.
- Freezer-Friendly. Make a big batch and freeze some for later – your future self will thank you!
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a beloved classic that never goes out of style. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, it's perfect for busy weeknights, sick days, or any time you crave a bowl of pure comfort. So, gather your ingredients, let your crockpot work its magic, and savor the warmth and nostalgia of this homemade favorite.
What Are The Best Noodles To Use For Chicken Noodle Soup?
The best noodles to use for chicken noodle soup are those that hold their shape and texture well while absorbing the delicious flavors of the broth. While this recipe calls for egg noodles, here are some popular choices you can also use:
- Egg Noodles- Classic egg noodles are a traditional and favorite choice for chicken noodle soup. They have a mild, neutral flavor and a slightly chewy texture that complements the soup's richness.
- Wide Egg Noodles- These noodles are similar to standard egg noodles but wider, providing a heartier bite and more surface area to capture the broth.
- Homemade Noodles- If you have the time, consider making your own homemade noodles. They can be thicker or thinner depending on your preference and add a special touch to your soup.
- Orzo- Orzo is a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and adds a pleasant texture to the soup. It's a great option if you want something different from traditional noodles.
- Fusill- Spiral-shaped pasta like fusilli can hold onto the broth and ingredients well, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Why Did My Egg Noodles Turn To Mush In The Crockpot?
Egg noodles are delicate and cook relatively quickly compared to other pasta varieties. If you add them to the crockpot too early or cook them for an extended period, they can become overcooked and turn mushy.
To avoid this, add the noodles during the last 15-30 minutes of cooking.
Can You Put Raw Chicken In Soup And Cook It?
Yes, you can put raw chicken in soup and cook it. In fact, many soup recipes, including chicken noodle soup, start with raw chicken pieces that are simmered in the broth to cook them thoroughly.
The key is to ensure that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F to kill any harmful bacteria before serving.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts- These are the main protein source in the soup.
- Chicken Broth- It serves as the flavorful liquid base for the soup, providing a rich chicken flavor. It's used to cook the chicken and vegetables and forms the broth of the soup.
- Carrots- Carrots add natural sweetness and vibrant color to the soup.
- Celery- Chopped celery contributes a subtle earthy flavor and a pleasant crunch to the soup.
- Onion- Diced onion adds a savory and aromatic quality to the soup. It enhances the overall flavor profile and provides a savory base note.
- Garlic- Minced garlic infuses the soup with a mild garlic flavor. It's a classic aromatic ingredient that complements the other seasonings.
- Bay Leaves- Bay leaves are used to season the soup as they release their subtle herbal aroma during the slow cooking process.
- Dried Thyme- Thyme is an herb that adds a warm, earthy flavor to the soup. Dried thyme is used to season the broth and give it a savory note.
- Dried Rosemary- Dried rosemary contributes a slightly piney and herbal flavor to the soup. It pairs well with the other herbs and complements the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper- These seasonings are essential for enhancing the overall taste of the soup. They provide a balanced and savory flavor profile.
- Egg Noodles- Egg noodles are the pasta element of the soup. They are added towards the end of the cooking process and cook directly in the broth. They provide heartiness and texture to the soup.
- Parsley- Chopped fresh parsley is used as a garnish for the finished soup. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the dish.
How To Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep the Chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Season them with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Add Veggies and Aromatics. Layer the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and bay leaves on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the Broth. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Make sure everything is submerged in the broth.
- Set and Forget. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken. Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Noodles. About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. Cover and let them cook until tender.
- Season and Serve. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
Tips And Tricks
- Extra Flavor. If you have extra time, sauté the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the crockpot for a deeper flavor.
- Customize Veggies. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans.
- Herb Variations. Experiment with your favorite herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill.
- Make It Creamy. Stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamy version.
Variations
Crockpot chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish, and there are many ways to add variations and unique flavors to suit your taste. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup- Add some heat to your soup by incorporating diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup- Make it creamy by stirring in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup- Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor. You can also add a few slices of fresh lemon when serving.
What To Serve With Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a comforting and wholesome dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some options for what to serve with slow cooker soup:
- Crackers or Bread- Serve your soup with saltine crackers, oyster crackers, or a warm slice of crusty bread. These options provide a satisfying crunch and help bulk up the meal.
- Salad- A simple side salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the warm and hearty soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich- A classic combination, a grilled cheese sandwich pairs perfectly with chicken noodle soup. The crispy, cheesy goodness complements the soup's flavors.
How Long Does It Last?
Store your leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave for a quick, comforting meal.
Can You Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze crockpot chicken noodle soup for later consumption. Freezing soup is a convenient way to have homemade meals on hand for busy days or when you're not feeling well.
Chicken noodle soup can be stored in the freezer for about 2-3 months without a significant loss of quality. While it may still be safe to eat beyond this time, the texture and flavor may begin to degrade.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen soup, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave until it's warmed through.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
- Chicken Stroganoff
- Slow Cooker Chicken Saag
- Slow Cooker Chipotle Chicken
- Rotel Dip
- Slow Cooker Butter Chicken
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Ingredients
- 4 Chicken Breasts
- 8 cups Chicken Broth
- 4 carrots
- 4 celery stocks
- 1 onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 Bay Leaves
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tsp Dried Rosemary
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 cups Egg Noodles
- Parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Chicken. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Season them with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried rosemary.
- Add Veggies and Aromatics. Layer the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, minced garlic, and bay leaves on top of the chicken.
- Pour in the Broth. Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. Make sure everything is submerged in the broth.
- Set and Forget. Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken. Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Noodles. About 20-30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. Cover and let them cook until tender.
- Season and Serve. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Remove the bay leaves. Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.
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