Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or as a cozy meal any day of the week, this dish features tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful spices. With minimal effort required, let your slow cooker do the magic while you go about your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
• Versatile Meal: Ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or serving guests on special occasions.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean protein, it’s a wholesome option for any diet.
• Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors of chicken noodle soup make it a hit with children and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup seamlessly, having the right tools at hand is essential. Here are some kitchen tools that can help you prepare this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, ensuring tender chicken and flavorful broth.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, helping maintain uniform sizes for even cooking.

Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Vegetables

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Broth and Chicken

• 8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium preferred
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 lbs (or chicken thighs)
• 2 dried bay leaves

Herbs & Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Final Touches

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

In a large slow cooker, add all ingredients except for the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and egg noodles. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook on Low

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Check that the chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender. Note that cook time may vary based on your specific slow cooker model.

Step 3: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred them using two forks before adding them back into the pot. Add in egg noodles and stir well to ensure they are submerged in the broth.

Step 4: Cook Noodles

Cover the slow cooker again and cook for another 5-10 minutes on low until the noodles are just tender. Alternatively, cook noodles separately in boiling water if preferred.

Step 5: Finish Off

Once your egg noodles are cooked through, stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is an opportunity to enhance its comfort and flavor. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Pair your soup with a warm, crusty baguette for dipping.
• Garlic Bread – Enjoy the rich flavors of garlic bread alongside your hearty soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Thyme Sprigs – A few thyme sprigs can add an aromatic touch to each bowl.

Accompanied by Salad

• Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad complements the soup’s richness perfectly.
• Garden Salad – A light garden salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.

As a Meal Prep Option

• In Meal Prep Containers – Portion out servings into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
• Freeze Leftovers – Freeze portions for quick meals on busy days.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup takes just a few extra steps. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Chicken Stock – The base of your soup sets the flavor; opt for low-sodium stock for better control over saltiness.
• Sauté Vegetables First – Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them can deepen the flavors.
• Adjust Seasonings Mid-Cook – Taste and adjust seasoning halfway through cooking for a balanced flavor profile.
• Add Noodles at the End – To avoid overcooking, add egg noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking time.
• Finish with Lemon Juice – Adding lemon juice just before serving brightens up all the flavors in the soup.
• Store Properly – Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options that complement this comforting meal.

1. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A classic pairing that adds crunch and gooeyness to each spoonful of soup.
2. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful contrast to savory flavors.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted vegetables add another layer of nutrition and taste.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers make for a filling side that works well with soup.
5. Potato Wedges – Crispy potato wedges offer a satisfying crunch when dipped in soup.
6. Simple Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad balances out the hearty nature of chicken noodle soup beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough salt and pepper can leave your soup bland. Always taste as you go and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Overcooking the noodles: Adding egg noodles too early can result in mushy pasta. Stir them in during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
• Ignoring the size of ingredients: Cutting veggies or chicken into uneven sizes can lead to inconsistent cooking. Aim for uniform pieces for even tenderness.
• Using low-quality stock: A poor-quality broth will impact the overall flavor of your soup. Opt for a good quality, low-sodium chicken stock for a richer taste.
• Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh parsley and lemon juice added at the end brighten up the dish. Don’t skip these key finishing touches.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months; just be sure to leave space for expansion.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer a portion to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in short intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Just be aware it may increase cooking time.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to customize by adding vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I cook this soup on high?

Yes, you can cook it on high for about 4 hours instead of low for 6-8 hours if you’re short on time.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try today!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Warm up with this comforting and flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a nourishing meal. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory spices, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a wholesome dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike. Serve it with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal that warms your heart.

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Ingredients

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• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Fresh parsley and lemon juice for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a large slow cooker, add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, chicken stock, chicken breasts, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
3. Remove the chicken; shred it using two forks before returning to the pot.
4. Stir in egg noodles and cook on low for an additional 5-10 minutes until noodles are tender.
5. Finish by stirring in lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg