Effortless Comfort: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather. This slow cooker version is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and delivering maximum flavor. Imagine coming home after a long day to a house filled with the aroma of savory chicken broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. This recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, and it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
## Why Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
The slow cooker, or Crock-Pot, is a kitchen essential for a reason. It allows you to prepare a delicious and nutritious meal with minimal hands-on time. Here’s why slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a winner:
* **Ease of Preparation:** Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. No constant monitoring or stirring required.
* **Deep Flavor:** Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying broth.
* **Tender Chicken:** The chicken becomes incredibly tender and falls apart easily, adding a delightful texture to the soup.
* **Convenience:** It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
* **Make-Ahead Meal:** You can prepare the ingredients in the morning before work and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Leftovers are delicious and can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for future meals.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:
* **Chicken:** 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5-2 pounds). You can also use a whole chicken, but you’ll need to shred the meat after cooking. Bone-in chicken adds more flavor to the broth, but boneless is more convenient.
* **Chicken Broth:** 8 cups (64 ounces) of low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup.
* **Vegetables:**
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Noodles:** 8 ounces of egg noodles (wide or medium). You can also use other types of pasta, such as ditalini, rotini, or gluten-free noodles.
* **Seasonings:**
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1 bay leaf
* **Optional Add-ins:**
* Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
* Lemon juice, for brightness
* Hot sauce, for a kick
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting slow cooker chicken noodle soup:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Having all the vegetables prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process smoother.
**Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker**
* Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the slow cooker.
* Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery on top of the chicken.
* Sprinkle the minced garlic over the vegetables.
* Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are submerged.
* Add the dried thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
**Step 3: Cook the Soup**
* Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
**Step 4: Shred the Chicken**
* 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.
* Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
* Remove the bay leaf.
**Step 5: Cook the Noodles**
* Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop.
* Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
* Drain the noodles well.
**Alternative Noodle Cooking Method (for Softer Noodles):** Add the dry noodles directly to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Keep in mind that the noodles will absorb more liquid, so you may need to add more broth.
**Step 6: Combine Noodles and Soup**
* Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
* Heat through for a few minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb some of the broth’s flavor.
**Step 7: Season and Serve**
* Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
* Stir in a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness (optional).
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional).
* Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy and unappetizing. Cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving, or add them directly to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. If adding directly, monitor carefully and add more broth if needed.
* **Use Low-Sodium Broth:** Using low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the soup. You can always add more salt to taste, but it’s difficult to remove salt once it’s been added.
* **Don’t Skip the Aromatics:** The onion, carrots, celery, and garlic are essential for building a flavorful broth. Don’t skip these ingredients!
* **Add Herbs:** Dried thyme, rosemary, and sage add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup. Feel free to experiment with other herbs, such as oregano or marjoram.
* **Use Bone-In Chicken:** Using bone-in chicken will add more flavor to the broth. If using bone-in chicken, be sure to remove the bones and shred the meat after cooking.
* **Add Vegetables:** For extra nutrients, consider adding other vegetables, such as peas, corn, green beans, or spinach.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables to thicken the soup.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Leftovers:** Leftover chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. However, be aware that the noodles may become softer after freezing and thawing.
* **Noodle Alternative**: Instead of egg noodles, consider using gluten free pasta, rice, quinoa or even potatoes for a different twist. Cooking times may need to be adjusted, particularly with rice and quinoa which may require additional liquid.
## Variations to Try
* **Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup:** Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add the juice and zest of one lemon at the end of cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Chicken and Dumpling Soup:** Instead of noodles, add homemade or store-bought dumplings to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking.
* **Turkey Noodle Soup:** Substitute shredded turkey for chicken to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
* **Vegetarian Noodle Soup:** Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
* **Mexican Chicken Noodle Soup:** Add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilies, along with cumin, chili powder, and oregano, for a Mexican-inspired twist. Top with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.
## Serving Suggestions
* Serve the soup with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
* Pair it with a simple salad for a light and healthy meal.
* Offer a variety of toppings, such as chopped parsley, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream.
* Serve it in a bread bowl for a fun and festive presentation.
## Recipe Summary
**Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup**
**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
**Yield:** 6-8 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5-2 pounds)
* 8 cups (64 ounces) low-sodium chicken broth
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
* 2 celery stalks, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 8 ounces egg noodles
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
* 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1 bay leaf
* Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish, lemon juice, hot sauce
**Instructions:**
1. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic.
2. Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the onion, carrots, celery, and garlic on top.
3. Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker. Add the thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Remove the bay leaf.
6. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain well.
7. Add the cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and heat through.
8. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir in lemon juice and garnish with parsley, if desired.
9. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Conclusion
This slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe is a testament to the fact that delicious and comforting meals don’t have to be complicated. With minimal effort, you can create a soup that’s packed with flavor, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a soothing remedy for a cold, this recipe is sure to satisfy. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!
Enjoy your delicious and easy-to-make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!