If you are craving a warm, comforting bowl that feels like a hug in a bowl, you absolutely need to try this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe. It’s the ultimate blend of tender chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a savory, aromatic broth that simmers gently all day, filling your home with the most inviting aromas. This recipe is both simple and rewarding, making it an ideal go-to for busy days when you want a delicious, homemade meal without all the fuss. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients right is the key to nailing this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe. Each ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and a beautiful palette of colors that make the soup as appetizing to look at as it is to eat.
- 1 cup celery, chopped finely: Adds a crisp, fresh bite and a subtle earthiness.
- 1 cup onion, chopped finely: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 1 ½ cups carrots, sliced in small circles: Lends a gentle sweetness and bright color contrast.
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced: Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that wakes up the senses.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The hearty protein at the heart of this soup, tender when slow-cooked.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Gives a subtle, comforting heat.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Adds an earthy, pine-like aroma that elevates every bite.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a touch of herbal complexity.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a hint of spice in the background.
- 4 bay leaves: Deepens the broth with subtle woodsy notes.
- 8 cups chicken broth, low or no sodium: The flavorful foundation of the soup, keeping it light and healthy.
- 3 ½ cups egg noodles (8 oz): Adds that classic, comforting chewiness you expect in chicken noodle soup.
How to Make Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
Start by tossing all your ingredients except the egg noodles into the crock pot. This step sets the stage for an incredible melding of flavors as the chicken, vegetables, and herbs slowly mingle. The low and slow cooking method lets every vegetable soften and release their natural sweetness, turning your broth into something rich and inviting.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours, or choose high for 3-4 hours if you’re short on time. During this simmering, the chicken becomes tender and juicy, perfectly soaking up the herbaceous notes from rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves. The entire kitchen will start to smell like heaven, inviting everyone to get ready for a fabulous meal.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
About 20 minutes before mealtime, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized, tender pieces—the ideal texture to soak up all that delicious broth. Then, stir the shredded chicken back into the soup, making sure it’s well distributed for every spoonful.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Turn your crock pot up to high and add the egg noodles directly to the soup. Let them cook for 15-20 minutes until tender but still slightly firm to the bite. If you prefer, you can cook the noodles separately on the stove and add them just before serving—both ways work beautifully and let you control the noodle texture.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, your Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe is ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls, making sure each serving includes plenty of chicken, vegetables, and broth—a combination that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.
How to Serve Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup by adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors, giving the broth a fresh, tangy finish that elevates this cozy classic to something a bit special.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside a crusty loaf of artisan bread or warm garlic knots to soak up every last drop of that flavorful broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the soup perfectly, keeping the meal balanced and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls for a rustic, charming presentation. Alternatively, top your bowls with crispy fried shallots or homemade croutons for an exciting textural contrast. These little touches turn an everyday favorite into something truly memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in airtight containers to maintain the broth’s clarity and the freshness of the vegetables. Be sure to separate the noodles if you anticipate eating the leftovers later to avoid them getting mushy.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but it’s best to remove the noodles before freezing and add fresh noodles when reheating. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months to enjoy a convenient meal any time you crave that cozy comfort without the prep work.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding fresh noodles as needed and stirring occasionally. This method prevents overcooking the noodles and helps the soup maintain its vibrant, comforting flavors just like when it was fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and moisture to the soup. Just make sure to cook them until fully tender before shredding. The flavor profile of the Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe will remain delicious.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken entirely. Add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu for protein. Although it won’t be the classic chicken noodle soup, it will still be hearty and comforting.
Can I prepare the soup earlier in the day and set the crock pot later?
Yes, prepping the vegetables and assembling the ingredients early saves time. Simply combine them and refrigerate until you’re ready to start the crock pot. This makes the Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe a perfect candidate for meal planning.
What type of noodles work best in this recipe?
Egg noodles are the traditional and preferred choice due to their texture and ability to absorb the broth without becoming mushy. However, you can experiment with other pasta like small shells or even gluten-free noodles if needed.
How can I adjust the spice level?
The recipe includes red pepper flakes for a little heat, but you can easily omit them if you prefer milder flavors. If you like spice, feel free to add more or a pinch of cayenne pepper. The beauty of this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe is how adaptable it is to your taste.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe. It’s a comforting, satisfying dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare and absolutely loves being shared. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you need a meal to warm the soul, this soup promises good vibes and great flavor every single time. So go ahead, make a big batch, and enjoy the cozy goodness it brings to your table!
Print
Hearty Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 10 minutes (estimated average of low setting time)
- Total Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Soup recipe combines tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a flavorful medley of vegetables simmered slowly in a crock pot. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing, homemade meal, this soup is easy to prepare and yields six generous servings.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, chopped finely
- 1 cup onion, chopped finely
- 1 ½ cups carrots, sliced in small circles
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
Meat
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 bay leaves
Liquids & Pasta
- 8 cups chicken broth, low or no sodium
- 3 ½ cups egg noodles (8 oz)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your crock pot, combine the chopped celery, onion, carrots, minced garlic, boneless skinless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, fresh rosemary, dried thyme, red pepper flakes if using, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Ensure all ingredients are well distributed in the pot.
- Cook Soup: Set the crock pot to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Shred Chicken: About 20 minutes before you’re ready to serve, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot. Shred the chicken using two forks until finely pulled apart, then return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
- Add Noodles: Turn the crock pot to high heat and add the egg noodles directly into the soup. Alternatively, you can cook the noodles separately on the stove if you prefer more control over their texture.
- Cook Noodles: Allow the noodles to cook in the crock pot for 15 to 20 minutes until they are tender but not mushy, absorbing the rich flavors of the broth.
- Serve: Once the noodles are cooked through, ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy a warm, hearty meal perfect for any day.
Notes
- For a lower sodium soup, use low or no sodium chicken broth and adjust salt to taste.
- You can substitute egg noodles with any pasta of your choice, but cooking times may vary.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional and can be adjusted to your spice preference.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
