Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort recipe, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. This dish is not only hearty and satisfying but also allows you to set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic. With a blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, this soup is sure to become a family favorite for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful: The combination of herbs and spices creates a rich and delicious broth that enhances every bite.
• Comforting: This soup provides warmth and nourishment, making it ideal for cold days or when you need a little pick-me-up.
• Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies or noodles to make it your own.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, it’s a wholesome meal choice that keeps you feeling full.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup requires minimal tools, making it easy for anyone to whip up this delightful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: A must-have for this recipe, allowing you to cook ingredients slowly for maximum flavor infusion.
• Cutting board: Essential for safely prepping vegetables while keeping your counters clean.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and precise cutting of ingredients, saving you time in preparation.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium preferred

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5lbs (or chicken thighs)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, or 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary (chopped)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Finishing 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 with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook on Low Heat

Cook on low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked, and the veggies should be tender. Cooking times may vary based on your crockpot’s performance.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the cooker. Use two forks to chop or shred them. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Egg Noodles

Add in the egg noodles, stirring well to ensure they are submerged in the liquid. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for another 5-10 minutes until the noodles are just tender. Alternatively, cook noodles separately in boiling water if preferred.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once the noodles are cooked, stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Serve alongside a warm, crusty baguette for dipping into the soup.
• Garlic Bread – The buttery flavor of garlic bread pairs well with the hearty soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley – Adding fresh parsley on top enhances flavor and adds a pop of color.
• Thyme Leaves – A sprinkle of fresh thyme can bring out the herbal notes in the soup.

With a Side Salad

• Garden Salad – A light garden salad can balance the richness of the soup.
• Caesar Salad – For a creamier option, pair it with a classic Caesar salad.

With Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese – Grated Parmesan sprinkled on top adds a savory kick.
• Cheddar Cheese – Melting cheddar over the hot soup creates a deliciously creamy texture.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

To make your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup even better, consider these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables provide better flavor and texture than frozen ones.
• Adjust Seasoning Midway – Taste at the halfway mark and adjust salt and pepper as necessary.
• Cook on Low Heat – Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Add Noodles Last – To prevent them from becoming mushy, add noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Store Properly – Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Pairing your soup with side dishes enhances your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Crusty Bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
2. Simple Green Salad – A refreshing mix of greens balances the warmth of the soup.
3. Cheese Toasts – Melty cheese on toast makes for a comforting complement.
4. Oven-Roasted Vegetables – Adds extra nutrition and flavor; try carrots and Brussels sprouts.
5. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad provides a sweet contrast to the savory soup.
6. Stuffed Peppers – Flavorful stuffed peppers can serve as a hearty side option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Boldly ignoring prep time: Many forget that chopping vegetables and prepping chicken can take time. Spend a few minutes to prepare all ingredients before starting the slow cooker.
• Boldly overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can lead to dryness. Ensure you cook it just until tender, as it will continue cooking with the noodles.
• Boldly forgetting seasoning: Some cooks skip on salt and pepper until the end. Season during cooking for layers of flavor, adjusting as needed before serving.
• Boldly not using enough liquid: Insufficient broth can result in a dry soup. Always ensure there is enough liquid to cover all ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Boldly rushing noodle addition: Adding noodles too early can cause them to become mushy. Wait until the chicken is cooked, then add noodles for optimal texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months; label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.

Can I use leftovers for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

You can definitely use leftover chicken! Just add it during the last stages of cooking to warm through without overcooking.

How do I make my soup thicker?

To thicken your soup, you may add a slurry of cornstarch and water or blend some of the cooked vegetables before returning them to the pot.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are preferred, but you can substitute with whole grain or gluten-free noodles according to your dietary needs.

Can I adjust the seasonings?

Absolutely! Customize your seasoning by adding more herbs or spices like dill or basil for added flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for any occasion, bringing warmth and comfort to your table. It’s versatile; feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs. Give it a try today!

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Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves about 6

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Description

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect solution for chilly evenings or when comfort is needed the most. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth that will warm your soul. With minimal prep time, you can toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax. The rich flavors from herbs and spices create a deliciously satisfying meal that is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply looking for a cozy dinner option, this easy recipe delivers nourishment in every bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. In your slow cooker, combine 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 chicken is tender.
3. Remove chicken from the cooker and shred it with two forks before returning it to the pot.
4. Add egg noodles and cook on low for an additional 5-10 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg