Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food with tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft egg noodles come together in a savory broth that simmers to perfection in the slow cooker.
Why Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
The beauty of crockpot chicken noodle soup is that it’s a true set-it-and-forget-it dish. You can toss in all your ingredients in the morning, let the crockpot work its magic throughout the day, and come home to a hot, satisfying meal. The low-and-slow cooking method ensures tender chicken, rich broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. It’s comfort food that practically makes itself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the best crockpot chicken noodle soup, you’ll need a few basic pantry staples and fresh ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for a richer flavor)
- Carrots, peeled and sliced
- Celery, chopped
- Yellow onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- Dried thyme, oregano, and bay leaves
- Egg noodles (or your favorite type of noodle)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for sautéing (optional)
Tips & Tricks for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor: If you prefer a richer taste, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The bones add a depth of flavor to the broth that you won’t get from boneless chicken.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: If you plan to store leftovers, undercook the noodles slightly to prevent them from becoming mushy. Noodles continue to absorb liquid as they sit, and you don’t want them to turn into a mushy mess.
- Add fresh herbs at the end: To preserve the vibrant flavor of fresh herbs, add them towards the end of the cooking time. Basil, parsley, or dill are great options to brighten up the soup.
- Use homemade broth: If you have the time, homemade chicken broth is always the best option for flavor. You can make it ahead of time and use it in this recipe for an even richer, heartier soup.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
While this recipe is a classic, you can always play around with ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the soup near the end of the cooking time to create a creamy, comforting version. You can also use coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Low-Carb Chicken Noodle Soup: For a keto-friendly version, replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. This keeps the soup low in carbs without sacrificing flavor.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: If you like a little heat, add some diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the soup base. You can also use a spicy hot sauce to taste.
- Vegetable Chicken Noodle Soup: Add extra veggies like potatoes, parsnips, or green beans for a heartier, more vegetable-packed version of the soup.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to pair it with something, here are some great options:
- Crusty bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up all the delicious broth.
- Side salads: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette works perfectly alongside the rich and comforting soup.
- Cheese toast: Add a bit of extra indulgence with cheesy garlic toast.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Since noodles tend to absorb the broth over time, you may want to store the noodles separately if possible. This will help prevent them from getting too soft.
For longer storage, you can freeze the soup. Just be sure to let it cool before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop. You may need to add a little extra broth or water to loosen it up.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! This crockpot chicken noodle soup is perfect for meal prepping. You can make it the day before and store it in the fridge. The flavors will continue to develop overnight, making it even tastier the next day.
2. Can I use frozen chicken? Absolutely! If you’re using frozen chicken, there’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it to the crockpot along with the other ingredients and cook as directed. The chicken will cook perfectly by the end of the cooking time.
3. Can I add other vegetables? Yes, you can add almost any vegetable you like! Peas, corn, or even spinach are great additions to the soup. Just make sure to chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten-free? To make this chicken noodle soup gluten-free, simply swap out the regular noodles for gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the ingredients of the broth to ensure it’s also gluten-free.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food with tender chunks of chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft egg noodles come together in a savory broth that simmers to perfection in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups carrots, peeled and sliced (¼” thick)
- 1 ½ cups yellow onion, diced (½”)
- 1 cup celery, chopped (¼” pieces)
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp fresh thyme (or ¾ tsp dried)
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary (or ½ tsp dried)
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups unsalted chicken stock or broth
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Add Everything to the Crockpot: Toss the chicken breasts, carrots, onions, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and chicken stock into your slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Slow Cook: Cover and cook on high for 3 ½ hours or low for 5 ½ hours until the chicken reaches 160°F. Add more time if needed.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Keep it warm under plastic wrap.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and cook on high for 25-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Finish the Soup: Add the shredded chicken back into the soup, cover, and cook on high for 5 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy the ultimate comfort in a bowl!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 212Total Fat 4gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 2gCholesterol 71mgSodium 351mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 3gSugar 5gProtein 26g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Crockpot chicken noodle soup is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. With its simple ingredients, easy prep, and full flavors, it’s the perfect comfort food for any time of year. I hope this recipe brings warmth and comfort to your table!
Try my other crockpot chicken recipes:
