Crock Pot Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When the cold weather rolls in or you’re feeling under the weather, there’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s like a hug in a bowl, right? What if I told you that you could make this timeless classic in the most convenient way possible-using a Crock Pot? A slow cooker makes everything easier. It allows you to set it and forget it while still getting the same rich, hearty flavors of a homemade soup that’s been simmering for hours. Plus, it frees up your time for other things, like reading a book, watching a show, or just relaxing at home.

In this guide, we’re diving deep into how to make the ultimate Crock Pot chicken noodle soup, from selecting the best ingredients to some expert tips that will take your soup game to the next level. If you’re ready for that cozy, homemade feeling, let’s jump in!

Crock Pot Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This Crock Pot chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for those chilly days when all you want is something warm, filling, and wholesome. With tender chicken, vegetables, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles, you’ll have a meal that satisfies on multiple levels.

Here’s everything you need to know about making this dish from scratch:

Ingredients Needed

The ingredients for this soup are straightforward, but each one adds its own magic to the overall dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Skinless, boneless chicken works best for this recipe. You can use thighs for a richer flavor or breasts for a leaner option.
• Carrots: Fresh carrots provide sweetness and a pleasant crunch. You can use pre-sliced carrots or chop them yourself.
• Celery: Adds a subtle earthiness and texture to the soup. Celery is an essential base flavor for many soups and stews.
• Onion: A medium onion, chopped, will add depth and umami to the broth.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are crucial for that aromatic kick. Don’t substitute with garlic powder-fresh is the way to go.
• Chicken Broth: This is your soup’s base, so choose a high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor.
• Bay Leaves: These herbs infuse the soup with a light, aromatic fragrance as it simmers.
• Thyme: Fresh thyme adds a lovely, herby flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
• Egg Noodles: These classic noodles are the go-to choice for chicken noodle soup. They cook beautifully in the broth and absorb the flavors.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning is key. Salt and pepper to taste, but remember-you can always add more later.
• Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped, is used for garnish at the end. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, clean flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s break down how to make the soup step-by-step. It’s so easy, even beginner cooks will feel like pros in no time.

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Chop your vegetables (carrots, celery, and onion).
   • Mince your garlic.
   • If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, trim any excess fat.

2. Layer In The Crock Pot

   • Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the bottom of your Crock Pot.
   • Add in your carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
   • Pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is submerged.
   • Drop in the bay leaves and thyme sprigs.

3. Cook The Soup

   • Cover the Crock Pot and set it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This is the beauty of slow cooking-you can let it simmer away while you go about your day.

4. Shred The Chicken

   • Once the chicken is cooked and tender, take it out and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir everything together.

5. Add The Noodles

   • About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the Crock Pot. Stir them in and let them cook until tender.

6. Final Touches

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a stronger herb flavor, you can remove the thyme sprigs or bay leaves at this point.
   • Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for color and a burst of freshness.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   • Ladle the soup into bowls, making sure each serving has a generous helping of noodles, chicken, and vegetables. Serve hot, and if you like, pair it with some crusty bread or a light salad.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s dive a bit deeper into the ingredients to understand how each one contributes to the final dish:

• Chicken: The chicken is the star of this dish. Cooking it in the Crock Pot ensures that it becomes tender and easy to shred. The slow cooking process also allows the chicken to release its juices into the broth, making it flavorful and rich.
• Carrots and Celery: These are part of the classic mirepoix, which is the base of many soups. They add both flavor and texture to the soup, balancing out the richness of the chicken and broth.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are what provide that deep, savory base flavor. Cooking them slowly helps release their natural sweetness, giving the soup a comforting taste.
• Noodles: The noodles soak up the broth and flavor, and the egg noodles in particular give that soft, comforting texture that everyone loves in chicken noodle soup.

Expert Tips

To make this soup even better, here are some expert tips to ensure your Crock Pot chicken noodle soup turns out perfect every time:

• Sear the Chicken First: If you want extra flavor, you can sear the chicken breasts or thighs in a hot pan before adding them to the Crock Pot. This step locks in the juices and adds a bit of a roasted flavor to the meat.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you can, use fresh thyme and bay leaves instead of dried. Fresh herbs pack more flavor and make a big difference in the overall taste of your soup.
• Adjust the Noodles: If you like your soup thicker with fewer noodles, reduce the amount of noodles you add. If you want it more like a noodle-heavy soup, feel free to add more.
• Freezing the Soup: If you want to make a big batch, this soup freezes really well. Just be sure to leave out the noodles before freezing, as they can get mushy when reheated. Add fresh noodles when you reheat the soup.

Recipe Variations

This recipe is super versatile, and you can easily change it up based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Add More Veggies: Feel free to throw in extra vegetables like peas, corn, or even spinach for some added nutrients and color.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice to make this soup suitable for those avoiding gluten.
• Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a creamy version, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half toward the end of cooking.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick of heat.
• Herb Variations: Swap out thyme for rosemary or sage, or even use a mix of fresh herbs like parsley, dill, and tarragon for a unique twist.

Final Words

Homemade chicken noodle soup is a dish that brings so much warmth and comfort, and using a Crock Pot makes it incredibly easy to prepare. The beauty of slow cooking is that you get all the flavors to meld together in the most perfect, effortless way. Whether you’re making it to nourish your body on a cold day or to comfort someone who’s feeling sick, this soup never disappoints.