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
Scale
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.
