This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vibrant veggies, it’s perfect for chilly days.
I love how simple it is—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. Plus, it fills the house with an amazing smell that makes everyone come running! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness. However, chicken breasts are great too! If you want a quicker option, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used; just add it at the end to warm it through.
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is best since it lets you control salt levels. You can swap it out for homemade broth if you have it, or vegetable broth for a lighter option. This can cater to dietary preferences!
Vegetables: Carrots and celery are classic for flavor. If you’re missing one, feel free to add others like bell peppers or peas. Leafy greens like spinach can also be tossed in at the end for extra nutrition.
Noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta can work! For gluten-free options, rice noodles or gluten-free pasta can be used. Just prepare them according to package instructions before adding to avoid mushiness.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken Stays Juicy?
Keeping chicken juicy in soup is all about timing. Use the slow cooker to allow the chicken to cook slowly and tenderly. Here’s how:
- Start with placing the chicken at the bottom to soak in all the broth flavors.
- Cook on low heat for most of the time to avoid drying it out—6-7 hours is ideal.
- When shredded, return it to the soup and heat it briefly to maintain moisture when adding noodles.
This method keeps the chicken tender and flavorful, perfect for your soup!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1.5 to 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For Seasoning and Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra chopped fresh parsley for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
For the Noodles:
- 2 cups wide egg noodles or your preferred egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for richness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires 6-7 hours of cook time on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker. After that, you’ll need an additional 20-30 minutes to cook the noodles until they’re tender. It’s a great option for a busy day, as you can set it and forget it until mealtime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Base Ingredients:
Start by placing the boneless chicken (breasts or thighs) at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will allow the chicken to soak up all the delicious flavors from the broth and veggies.
2. Add the Veggies:
Next, layer the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic right on top of the chicken. These will add wonderful flavor and texture to your soup.
3. Pour in the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth, making sure to cover all the ingredients well. This will create a flavorful base for your soup.
4. Season the Soup:
Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried parsley, optional rosemary, salt, and pepper over everything in the slow cooker. This is where the soup gets its delicious depth of flavor!
5. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You want the chicken to be thoroughly cooked and the veggies to be tender.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. It should be tender and easy to pull apart!
7. Combine and Add Noodles:
Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Now, add your egg noodles and stir everything together to combine.
8. Cook the Noodles:
Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender. This is the perfect moment for all the flavors to meld together!
9. Final Adjustments:
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed. You can add a little more salt or pepper depending on your preference.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Just before serving, stir in the chopped fresh parsley for a burst of freshness. Ladle the warm, comforting soup into bowls and enjoy your homemade slow cooker chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour to the cook time on low or 30 minutes on high. Ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to make it hearty!
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it thickens.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like green beans, peas, or corn to the soup. Just toss them in along with the other vegetables for a nutritious boost!
