Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When you’re craving a bowl of classic, comforting Chicken Noodle Soup, there’s nothing better than making it in your crockpot. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop beautifully, resulting in tender chicken, perfectly cooked vegetables, and rich broth. Whether you're nursing a cold, feeding your family, or just looking for a simple and satisfying dinner, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a game-changer. With just a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it—letting the crockpot do all the hard work! Keep reading for the full recipe, including tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions.

this Recipe

What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a delicious, slow-cooked version of the classic chicken noodle soup made in a crockpot or slow cooker. It’s made with chunks of chicken, aromatic vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, and a savory chicken broth. The addition of egg noodles in the final stages makes it a complete meal in one pot. Using the crockpot means the chicken becomes ultra-tender, and the flavors have plenty of time to meld together, creating a satisfying, hearty soup with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

To make this cozy, comforting soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Noodle Soup:

• 1 ½ to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles (wide or medium)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Substitutions and Variations

Here are some easy substitutions and variations to make this recipe suit your preferences:

1. Chicken Options: You can use bone-in chicken breasts or thighs for a richer flavor, though you’ll need to remove the bones before adding the noodles. You could also use rotisserie chicken—just add it in during the last 20 minutes of cooking to warm it through.
2. Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add extra veggies like parsnips, diced zucchini, or peas to bulk up the soup. Baby spinach stirred in at the end also adds nutrition and color.
3. Gluten-Free: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles, but cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving to avoid overcooking.
4. Low-Carb Option: Skip the noodles entirely and add spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of the soup.
5. Herb Variations: You can switch up the herbs by using fresh thyme, oregano, or dill for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s get started! Follow these steps to make a delicious and hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup.

Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

In the crockpot, combine the chicken breasts or thighs, chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.

Step 2: Cook on Low or High

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender enough to shred easily with a fork. The longer cooking time on low heat will allow the flavors to develop more fully, but either setting works.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove the chicken breasts or thighs from the crockpot and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it into the soup.

Step 4: Add the Noodles

About 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the egg noodles to the crockpot. Stir to make sure they are submerged in the broth, then cover and cook until the noodles are tender. This usually takes around 20-25 minutes, but check your noodles to ensure they don’t overcook and get mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Parsley

Before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh flavor. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Remove the bay leaf, then ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Cook Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a quick summary of the steps for making crockpot chicken noodle soup:

1. Add Ingredients: Combine chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings in the crockpot.
2. Cook on Low or High: Let it cook for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
3. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is tender, shred it and return it to the crockpot.
4. Add Noodles: Add the noodles in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning, and garnish with fresh parsley.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Adding Noodles Too Early: If you add the noodles at the beginning of cooking, they’ll turn mushy. Add them in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking for the best texture.
• Overcooking the Chicken: While slow cooking makes chicken tender, overcooking can cause it to become dry. Be sure to shred the chicken as soon as it’s cooked through and tender.
• Underseasoning the Broth: Taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference. Chicken noodle soup shines when it’s well-seasoned.

Serving and Presentation Tips

While chicken noodle soup is a comforting, rustic dish, you can still elevate its presentation:

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• With Crusty Bread: Serve your soup with slices of warm, crusty bread or homemade biscuits for dipping into the rich broth.
• With a Side Salad: A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can complement the warm, hearty soup and balance out the flavors.
• As a Make-Ahead Meal: This soup is perfect for meal prep. Cook it in advance and store it in the fridge or freezer for a quick, nourishing meal.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top of each bowl for a vibrant, fresh look.
• Serve in Large Bowls: Use deep, wide bowls to serve the soup, making it easier to scoop up the noodles, veggies, and chicken.
• Add a Lemon Wedge: Place a lemon wedge on the side of each bowl for an extra burst of citrus flavor right before eating.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: Chicken noodle soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from getting too soft.
• Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, cook the noodles separately and freeze the soup without them. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup, heat it up, and cook the noodles fresh to stir in at the end.
• Customize Your Noodles: If you prefer a different pasta shape, feel free to substitute egg noodles with rotini, ditalini, or orzo for a fun twist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes! If using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, simply add it to the crockpot during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, just before you add the noodles.

Q: Can I cook the noodles separately?
A: Absolutely. If you prefer to cook the noodles separately, you can boil them on the stove and then stir them into the soup just before serving. This is a great option if you’re planning on freezing the soup or reheating leftovers.

Q: How can I thicken the soup?
A: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can remove some of the broth, blend it with a few veggies, and stir it back into the pot. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water) and let the soup cook for a few extra minutes to thicken.

Q: Can I add other grains instead of noodles?
A: Yes! You can use cooked rice, quinoa, or barley instead of noodles for a different texture. Just cook these grains separately and stir them into the soup when it's done.

Conclusion

There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, especially when it’s so easy to make. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful broth, this classic soup is perfect for cozy dinners, meal prepping, or freezing for later. Using your crockpot allows you to set it and forget it while the soup cooks to perfection. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a simple, comforting meal, this soup will hit the spot every time. Give it a try, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food made easy!

Print