Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

If you’re looking for a warm and comforting dish that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing, then this Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is just what you need! It’s one of those recipes that feels like a big hug in a bowl—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up and lets your slow cooker do all the hard work!

This soup is not only delicious, but it also brings back fond memories of chilly days spent with loved ones. Each spoonful is filled with hearty chicken, fresh veggies, and tender noodles, making it a favorite in our home. Let’s dive into this simple recipe together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss everything into the crockpot and let it do its magic while you go about your day.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: This soup is loved by kids and adults alike—everyone will ask for seconds!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can prepare it in the morning and come home to a hot, ready meal.
• Hearty Ingredients: Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup warms you from the inside out.
• Customizable Options: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or pasta shapes to make it uniquely yours.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a breeze! You’ll find that they are simple, wholesome items that you may already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Soup

• 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed of excess fat
• 1 med to large yellow onion, diced
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into circles
• 2 stalks celery, sliced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 2 tsp better than bouillon base, chicken flavor
• 8 – 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
• 8 oz. egg noodles (wide or extra wide) (see chef tip #1 below)
• fresh parsley, minced (for garnish)
• salt and pepper, to taste

Variations

One of the best things about this Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its flexibility! You can easily tweak it to fit your taste or use up what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add More Veggies: Toss in some green beans or peas for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
• Swap the Protein: Use turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time!
• Try Different Noodles: Experiment with whole wheat noodles or gluten-free options for a different twist.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or dairy-free cream towards the end for a creamy version.

How to Make Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Veggies

To get started, place your trimmed chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Top them with diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and bay leaf if you’re using it. Layering these ingredients allows their flavors to meld beautifully as they cook together.

Step 2: Add Broth and Cook

Next, dollop the better than bouillon chicken base over everything. Then pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth gently stirring to combine all those lovely flavors. Cover your slow cooker and set it on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process makes sure your chicken remains tender while infusing all those delicious tastes.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker into a large mixing bowl. Shred the chicken using two forks—this adds such great texture to your soup! Don’t forget to discard the bay leaf if you used one before returning that flavorful shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 4: Add Noodles

Now it’s time for some pasta goodness! Stir in those egg noodles into your slow cooker. Cover it again and allow everything to cook on LOW for another 10-15 minutes until those noodles are perfectly tender. Give it a taste here—you might want to add more salt or pepper based on your preference.

Step 5: Serve Up Your Creation

To finish off this heartwarming dish, serve your soup garnished with minced fresh parsley and maybe even a sprinkle of black pepper on top. Grab some crusty bread on the side for dipping—and enjoy every comforting bite!

There you have it! Your Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is ready to be shared with friends and family—or savored all by yourself during those quiet evenings at home!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Making this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup is a breeze, but a few tips can take your dish from good to great!

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary can enhance the flavor profile significantly. Dried herbs are convenient, but fresh ones add a vibrant taste that truly elevates your soup.

• Sear the chicken first: For added depth of flavor, consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This caramelization creates a richer base for your soup.

• Customize your vegetables: Feel free to add or substitute other veggies like peas or green beans. This not only enhances nutrition but also gives your soup a personal touch!

• Adjust the broth: If you prefer a creamier texture, swap out some of the broth for unsweetened plant-based milk or cream alternative during the last 10 minutes of cooking. It adds a delightful richness!

• Store leftovers properly: To keep your soup fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it in portions for quick meals later on!

How to Serve Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving this delicious soup is all about creating an inviting presentation that makes everyone feel at home. Here’s how to elevate your serving game!

Garnishes

• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of minced fresh parsley not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor.
• Lemon zest: A little bit of lemon zest on top can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing twist.
• Cracked black pepper: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, freshly cracked black pepper gives an extra kick and looks lovely sprinkled on top.

Side Dishes

• Crusty bread: A warm loaf of crusty bread or baguette is perfect for dipping into your soup and adds a satisfying crunch.
• Green salad: A light green salad with mixed greens dressed in a simple vinaigrette complements the hearty soup while adding freshness.
• Roasted vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables provide a tasty side that balances well with the richness of the soup.
• Cheese biscuits: Fluffy cheese biscuits are delightful with chicken noodle soup, offering cheesy goodness that everyone will love.

Enjoy serving and sharing this heartwarming dish with family and friends! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create cozy moments around the table that everyone will cherish.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for meal prep! It not only tastes amazing but also stores beautifully, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let the soup cool completely before sealing the container.

Freezing

• Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup without chicken breasts?

Yes! You can substitute with boneless chicken thighs or even shredded rotisserie chicken added towards the end of cooking for convenience.

How long does Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup last in the fridge?

The soup will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight container.

What can I use instead of egg noodles in this recipe?

You can try using whole wheat pasta, gluten-free noodles, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lighter option!

Is Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?

Absolutely! This soup is packed with vegetables and lean protein while being low in fat and calories, making it a healthy comfort food choice.

Can I add more veggies to my Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

Definitely! Feel free to include additional vegetables such as peas, green beans, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup! It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings comfort on chilly days. Enjoy making it for yourself and your loved ones, and feel free to share your experiences. Happy cooking!