If you’re craving a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: An Incredible Comforting Classic Recipe. This soup is everything you want on a cozy day—tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and vibrant veggies swimming in a rich, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of dish that feels like home every single time you take a spoonful. Whether you’re battling a cold, need a simple family dinner, or just love classic comfort food, this recipe delivers deep, soothing flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this simple yet soul-soothing soup. Each element plays an essential role, from the juicy chicken breasts providing hearty protein to the fresh vegetables adding texture and natural sweetness.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The star protein that will become tender and shreddable after slow cooking.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Creates the rich, savory base that binds all flavors together without being too salty.
- 2 cups water: Balances the broth and helps perfect the soup’s consistency.
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Adds a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced: Gives a subtle crunch and aromatic depth.
- 1 small yellow onion, diced: Lends a mellow sweetness when cooked slowly.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: Offers that irresistible warm and pungent kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Infuses the broth with gentle herbal notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Adds an earthy complexity that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 bay leaf: Builds deep savory layers during cooking.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings mild heat and earthiness.
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked): Softens perfectly in the crockpot for that ultimate comforting bite.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the soup just before serving, balancing richness.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Freshens the dish with a burst of color and herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: An Incredible Comforting Classic Recipe
Step 1: Load Up the Crockpot
Begin by adding the chicken, chicken broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper into your crockpot. This combination of ingredients is the foundation of the incredible broth and tender chicken. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as the chicken becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the meat into bite-sized pieces—it’s almost therapeutic! Return the shredded chicken back into the soup to absorb even more of that rich broth.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
Next, stir in the uncooked egg noodles. Set your crockpot to high and cook for another 20 to 25 minutes, or until the noodles reach the perfect tender texture. This step is crucial because it ensures the noodles don’t get mushy but just right to provide comforting chewiness.
Step 4: Finish with Freshness
Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley just before serving to brighten all those deep flavors and add a gorgeous pop of color. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before ladling into your bowls—the soup is ready to savor!
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: An Incredible Comforting Classic Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few torn basil leaves can elevate the soup’s appearance and freshness. A swirl of a good-quality olive oil or a dash of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds another layer of flavor and visual appeal that makes your serving experience extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs perfectly with crusty artisan bread or warm dinner rolls, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that luscious broth. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also balance the meal beautifully, adding crunchy freshness alongside the smooth, hearty soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming twist, serve your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup in individual bread bowls or rustic ceramic mugs. You can even top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream for a creamy touch. These small touches make this classic soup feel like a true culinary treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover soup tastes even better the next day once all the flavors have had more time to mingle. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Remember to store the noodles separately if you want to keep them from getting too soft.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze the broth and chicken separately from the noodles. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If reheating frozen portions, thaw first. Add extra broth or water if needed to loosen the soup, and stir in fresh noodles at the end if you want to avoid sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but cooking times may need to be extended slightly. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety before shredding.
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or use spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles to keep it gluten-free and just as delicious.
Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in peas, corn, or diced potatoes to make the soup even heartier and add your own personal twist.
Should I sauté the vegetables before adding them?
While optional, sautéing the onions, carrots, and celery before adding them to the crockpot enhances their sweetness and adds a deeper flavor to your soup.
How thick should the soup be?
The broth should be rich but still relatively clear and not too thick. If it feels heavy, add a little water or broth to thin it out. The perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup balances brothiness with hearty ingredients.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sitting down with a steaming bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: An Incredible Comforting Classic Recipe. It’s simple, soulful, and bursting with flavors that wrap around you like a warm blanket. Whether you’re making it for yourself, serving up a family favorite, or sharing with friends, it never fails to comfort and delight. Give this recipe a go—you might just find your new go-to comfort meal!
Print
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: An Incredible Comforting Classic Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting classic, perfect for cozy family dinners. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, it simmers slowly in a crockpot to develop rich, hearty flavors. The addition of egg noodles and a splash of lemon juice brightens the soup, making it a satisfying and nourishing meal that’s both easy to prepare and impossible to resist.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients including chicken, vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery, dice the onion, and mince the garlic cloves to ensure everything is ready to add to the crockpot.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and water. Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. This creates a flavorful base for your soup.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours. Cook until the chicken is tender and fully cooked through, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over the slow simmer.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot to combine with the broth and vegetables.
- Add Noodles and Finish Cooking: Stir in the uncooked egg noodles into the soup. Increase the crockpot heat to high and cook for an additional 20 to 25 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
- Final Touches: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the lemon juice to add brightness and, if desired, sprinkle in the fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Mix well and taste for seasoning adjustments.
- Serve: Ladle the hot chicken noodle soup into bowls and serve immediately, enjoying the comforting warmth and classic flavors of this homemade favorite.
Notes
- For added depth of flavor, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil before adding them to the crockpot.
- Use wide egg noodles for the best texture, or substitute with gluten-free pasta if needed to suit dietary restrictions.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator and often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
