Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when it’s made with tender chicken, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles. If you’re looking for a no-fuss way to create a delicious and cozy meal, a crock pot (or slow cooker) is your best friend. Imagine this: you throw in all the ingredients, set it, forget it, and come back to a hearty, homemade soup ready to be devoured.

Whether you’re craving a nourishing meal after a long day or need a dish that will make your house smell amazing all afternoon, this Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe will hit all the right notes. It’s simple, flavorful, and packed with nutrients. Plus, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or even meal prepping for the week ahead!

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe

This recipe will quickly become your go-to for chicken noodle soup. It combines tender chicken, wholesome veggies, and egg noodles in a flavorful broth, all simmered to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Not only does it save you time, but it also allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and comforting bowl of soup that will make you feel all warm inside.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious chicken noodle soup in the crock pot:

• Chicken Breasts (or Thighs) – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly for this recipe. They become wonderfully tender and shred easily.
• Carrots – Fresh, peeled and sliced into rounds or half moons. Carrots add a natural sweetness to the soup.
• Celery – Chopped into bite-sized pieces, celery provides a nice crunch and flavor that complements the other veggies.
• Onion – A small yellow onion, diced. Onions form the base of the broth and give the soup its aromatic foundation.
• Garlic – Minced garlic brings in depth and an earthy kick that pairs wonderfully with the other ingredients.
• Chicken Broth – A good quality chicken broth is the key to a flavorful soup. You can use low-sodium if you prefer to control the salt levels.
• Bay Leaves – Just a couple of bay leaves help infuse the broth with a subtle herbal note.
• Thyme – Fresh or dried thyme adds a warm, earthy flavor that works beautifully with chicken soup.
• Egg Noodles – Classic for chicken noodle soup, they cook up soft and absorb the broth without becoming mushy.
• Salt and Pepper – Season to taste with salt and pepper. This will bring out all the flavors of the ingredients.
• Fresh Parsley (optional) – For garnish, fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a light, fresh finish to the soup.

Cooking Instructions

Making this crock pot chicken noodle soup is as simple as it gets! Here’s the step-by-step process:

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   • Chop the vegetables: Slice the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.
   • Season the chicken breasts (or thighs) with a bit of salt and pepper.

2. Layer The Ingredients In The Crock Pot

   • Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.
   • Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
   • Pour in the chicken broth.
   • Add the bay leaves, thyme, and more salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook

   • Set the crock pot to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your time constraints. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable by the end of the cooking time.

4. Shred The Chicken

   • Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken from the crock pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine.

5. Add The Noodles

   • Add the egg noodles to the soup and stir. Cover and cook on high for 30-45 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.

6. Finish And Serve

   • Once the noodles are done, taste the soup for seasoning. Add additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in contributing to the flavor and texture of the soup. Let’s break down some of these ingredients:

• Chicken: Chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook up tender and easy to shred, but you can also use thighs for a richer flavor. The slow cooker ensures the chicken becomes super juicy and soft, perfect for shredding.
• Carrots and Celery: These classic soup vegetables add natural sweetness and a slight crunch, balancing out the savory broth. Plus, they help give the soup a comforting, earthy base.
• Garlic: A little garlic goes a long way in this recipe. It brings an aromatic and savory depth that complements the chicken and veggies perfectly.
• Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the perfect choice for this soup because they hold up well in the slow cooker and absorb the broth, soaking in the flavors without becoming mushy. They’re also quick to cook, which makes them ideal for the final stage of the recipe.
• Thyme and Bay Leaves: These herbs are key in infusing the broth with a subtle, fragrant flavor. They’ll make your kitchen smell like a warm, homey haven as they cook.

Expert Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd the Crock Pot: Make sure you don’t pack the crock pot too tightly with ingredients. This can prevent the chicken from cooking evenly, and the soup may end up a little too thick.
• Shred the Chicken While Hot: For the best texture, shred the chicken immediately after removing it from the crock pot. If it cools too much, it might be harder to shred.
• Add Noodles Last: Egg noodles cook quickly and will get mushy if they’re added too early. Always add them at the very end to preserve their perfect texture.
• Make it Creamy: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can stir in a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half just before serving.
• Enhance the Broth: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up the soup.

Recipe Variations

This chicken noodle soup recipe is incredibly versatile! You can easily tweak it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Low-Carb Option: Substitute the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can replace the chicken with extra veggies like potatoes, peas, or mushrooms.
• Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the soup to give it a bit of heat.
• Herb Variations: You can swap thyme and bay leaves for rosemary, sage, or even oregano for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Frozen Veggies: If you’re short on fresh vegetables, feel free to use frozen carrots, peas, or corn. Just add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Final Words

This Easy Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe is the kind of meal that can feed the soul and the stomach. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve been cared for, even if you made it yourself. The best part? You don’t have to be a culinary expert to whip it up-just toss everything into the crock pot, set it, and let the magic happen.

Whether you’re looking for a comfort food classic or a meal prep option for the week, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s nourishing, hearty, and can easily be customized to fit your preferences or dietary needs. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and can feed a crowd!