This Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is warm, hearty, and filled with tender chicken and veggies. Just toss everything in the pot, and let it work its magic all day!
The best part? It makes your whole house smell delicious! I love serving it with crusty bread, so you can soak up every last drop of that yummy broth.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this soup. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken can be used. You can also substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt level. Homemade broth is great if you have the time. Vegetable broth can be a fantastic vegetarian option if you’re skipping meat.
Vegetables: Carrots and celery add sweetness and crunch. If you’re out of these, frozen mixed veggies will work just fine. You can also use bell peppers or peas for variety.
Garlic and Onion: Fresh garlic and onion bring depth to the soup. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder and onion powder can substitute, but adjust the amounts since they’re more potent.
Herbs: Thyme and parsley contribute a lovely flavor. You can use fresh herbs if available; just double the amount since fresh herbs have a milder taste than dried. Alternatively, Italian seasoning combines well in this recipe.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Perfectly in the Crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is simple, but timing is essential to keep it tender and juicy. Here’s how to get it right:
- Always place chicken breasts at the bottom. They need more heat and moisture.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. Test for doneness; chicken should reach 165°F.
- Shred the chicken gently with two forks after cooking. This keeps the meat tender and easy to mix with the soup.
Remember, the slow cooking process makes it wonderfully easy to shred and stir back into your soup!
How to Make Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks in the crockpot for either 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. After that, you’ll need an additional 30 minutes for the noodles to cook. So, total time is around 7-8 hours depending on your cooking method.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add Chicken and Broth:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Next, pour the chicken broth over the chicken to ensure it’s well submerged. This forms the flavorful base for your soup.
2. Mix in the Veggies:
Now, add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic into the crockpot. These veggies will give your soup a lovely texture and taste!
3. Season the Soup:
Sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley, then season with salt and pepper according to your taste. If you want a little extra flavor, you can drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on top. Cover the crockpot with its lid.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. You’re looking for the chicken to be fully cooked and very tender, perfect for shredding.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup in the crockpot.
6. Cook the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the soup, cover the crockpot, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This will allow the noodles to become tender and soak up all the delicious flavors.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
After the noodles are cooked, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, and if you like, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken breasts, but keep in mind that they will take a little longer to cook. Just add an extra hour to your cooking time if using frozen chicken. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
How Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can prep this soup a day in advance! Simply combine all ingredients except for the noodles in the crockpot and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just add the chicken broth and follow the same cooking instructions.
What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No problem! You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta you have on hand, like rotini or farfalle. Just monitor the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may have varying cooking times. Make sure to check for doneness before serving!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Noodle Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and then add fresh noodles when you reheat it!
