Discover the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this incredible crock pot chicken soup recipe. It’s an effortless homemade soup that practically makes itself using your slow cooker. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal, or for cozy evenings when you crave something warm and familiar. We use simple ingredients to create a flavorful, deeply satisfying dish the whole family will adore.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
You’re going to fall in love with this slow cooker chicken noodle soup for so many reasons.
- Minimal Effort: It’s truly a “set it and forget it” meal. Just a little prep, and your slow cooker does the rest!
- Hearty & Wholesome: This soup is packed with lean protein and fresh, nutritious vegetables.
- Deep Flavor: Long, slow simmering allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a rich, complex taste.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this versatile chicken noodle soup recipe to your family’s specific preferences.
- Comforting Classic: It’s a nostalgic, soul-warming dish that brings back happy memories and makes new ones.
Ingredients
Making a delicious crock pot chicken soup recipe starts with fresh, simple ingredients. Gather these items, and you’re well on your way to a comforting meal.
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (more to taste if you love garlic!)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional, but adds lovely depth)
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (I use Better Than Bouillon brand, optional)
- 8 to 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles (wide or extra wide)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your ingredients!
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully, or shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken for even faster prep.
- Vegetables: Enhance your soup with parsnips, small potatoes, corn, or peas added in the last hour of cooking.
- Broth: Use regular chicken broth or your favorite homemade stock. Just remember to adjust the salt to taste.
- Herbs: Experiment with fresh oregano, dill, or sage for different flavor profiles.
- Noodles: Orzo, ditalini, or even rice are excellent alternatives to egg noodles.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this wonderful slow cooker chicken soup.
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
Creating this comforting crock pot chicken soup recipe is incredibly straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time.
Step 1: Prep Ingredients. Begin by trimming any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Dice the yellow onion, slice the carrots into coins, and slice the celery ribs. Finally, mince the garlic cloves.
Step 2: Layer Slow Cooker. To the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker, add the trimmed chicken breasts. Top them evenly with the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and the bay leaf (if you’re using it).
Step 3: Add Liquids. If using, dollop the chicken bouillon base over the ingredients in the slow cooker. Carefully pour in 8 to 9 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth. Gently stir all the ingredients together to combine them well.
Step 4: Slow Cook. Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the soup on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. Alternatively, if you’re shorter on time, you can cook it on the HIGH setting for 3-4 hours.
Step 5: Shred Chicken. Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken until it’s in bite-sized pieces. If you used a bay leaf, be sure to discard it before returning the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.
Step 6: Cook Noodles Separately. While the chicken is shredding, prepare the egg noodles. Cook them al dente according to the package directions on the stove. This ensures they don’t get mushy. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly.
Step 7: Finish Soup. Add the cooked and drained egg noodles directly into the slow cooker with the soup. Stir everything gently to combine all the delicious ingredients. Cook the soup on LOW for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to fully meld with the noodles.
Step 8: Serve. Ladle generous portions of the hot, comforting soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a dash of black pepper for extra flavor and presentation. Enjoy your homemade crock pot chicken noodle soup!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making the best slow cooker chicken noodle soup is easy with these helpful hints.
- Prevent Mushy Noodles: Always cook noodles separately on the stovetop and add them to the slow cooker only at the very end. This keeps them perfectly al dente.
- Flavor Boost: For an even deeper flavor, briefly sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil before adding them to the crock pot.
- Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, always taste your soup. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed to achieve your desired flavor balance.
- Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t Overfill: Make sure to leave about an inch or two of space from the top of your slow cooker. This allows for proper simmering and prevents spills.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common pitfalls for the best results with your crock pot chicken soup recipe.
- Cooking Noodles Too Long: This is the most common mistake, leading to mushy, disintegrated pasta.
- Adding Raw Noodles Too Early: They will absorb too much liquid from the soup and swell excessively, affecting consistency.
- Forgetting to Taste: Seasoning is personal. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving to ensure it’s balanced.
- Not Shredding Chicken: Large pieces of chicken can be difficult to eat in soup; shredding makes it perfect for spoonfuls.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile chicken noodle soup recipe pairs wonderfully with many sides.
- Enjoy a warm, crusty loaf of bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping.
- Serve it alongside a light, fresh green salad or a simple Caesar salad.
- Pair it with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic meal.
- For extra richness, top your bowl with a dollop of sour cream or a swirl of pesto.
Storage & Meal Prep
Making a big batch of this slow cooker chicken soup is perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup (without the noodles) in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of extra broth if needed. If freezing, cook fresh noodles when reheating.
Variations
Customize your crock pot chicken soup recipe to suit your taste!
- Creamy Chicken Soup: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a richer texture.
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last 15 minutes, allowing them to wilt.
- Spicy Kick: Include a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings for a subtle heat.
- Herbal Blend: For even more aromatic depth, use fresh thyme sprigs and rosemary sprigs in place of dried herbs. Just remember to remove them before serving.
Nutrition Information
This slow cooker chicken soup is a nutritious and satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 258 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 332mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 6120IU |
| Vitamin C | 5.3mg |
| Calcium | 40mg |
| Iron | 1.3mg |
Nutrition is an estimate per serving and may vary based on ingredients and preparation methods.
FAQ
Got questions about this crock pot chicken soup recipe? We have answers!
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts? Yes, absolutely! You can add frozen chicken breasts directly to the slow cooker; just be aware that the cooking time may increase slightly.
- Why cook the noodles separately? Cooking noodles directly in the slow cooker can lead to them becoming mushy or absorbing too much broth, affecting both texture and the soup’s overall consistency.
- Is this crock pot chicken noodle soup healthy? Yes, it truly is! This soup is packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful broth, making it a wholesome and nourishing meal option.
- What’s the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock? Broth is typically made from meat and vegetables, resulting in a lighter flavor. Stock is made from bones, yielding a richer, more gelatinous liquid. Both work, but broth keeps this soup lighter.
- Can I make this soup without noodles? Absolutely! You can easily enjoy it as a delicious chicken vegetable soup. Feel free to add other grains like rice or farro if desired, cooking them separately as well.
Conclusion
Embrace the incredible ease and deliciousness of homemade crock pot chicken soup recipe. It offers the ultimate comfort, delivering a warm and nutritious meal perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to comforting sick days. This simple preparation method ensures big on flavor results with minimal fuss. We invite you to try this recipe soon and share your experience in the comments below!
