Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

When you're looking for a warm, comforting, and nourishing meal, nothing hits the spot quite like Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. This recipe is packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles—all simmered together in a crockpot to create a bowl of pure comfort. The best part? With minimal prep, the crockpot does all the work, slowly infusing the ingredients with flavor, so you can come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.

This classic soup is perfect for cold days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or when you need a stress-free, crowd-pleasing meal. Ready to learn how to make the best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup? Let’s dive in!

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What is "Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup"?

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a slow-cooked version of the classic chicken noodle soup. By using a crockpot (or slow cooker), the soup cooks low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together while creating tender, juicy chicken and perfectly infused broth. The recipe features simple, wholesome ingredients like chicken breasts (or thighs), carrots, celery, onions, garlic, egg noodles, and chicken broth.

The crockpot method makes this recipe incredibly easy, as you can set it in the morning and come back to a delicious, comforting meal in just a few hours. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or cozy weekend dinners. Plus, this homemade version is healthier than canned soup and easily customizable to suit your preferences.

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Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:

For the Soup:

1. Chicken Breasts or Thighs (1.5 to 2 pounds) – You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Chicken thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner.
2. Carrots (3 large, sliced) – Adds sweetness and texture to the soup.
3. Celery (2 ribs, sliced) – Adds flavor and crunch.
4. Onion (1 medium, diced) – Provides sweetness and depth to the broth.
5. Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Enhances the soup with a savory, aromatic flavor.
6. Chicken Broth (8 cups) – The base of the soup, giving it that rich, chicken-forward flavor.
7. Bay Leaves (2) – Adds subtle earthy notes.
8. Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon) – A classic herb for soups, adding a warm, fragrant flavor.
9. Dried Parsley (1 tablespoon) – For a fresh herbal note.
10. Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
11. Black Pepper (½ teaspoon) – Adds a bit of spice.
12. Egg Noodles (2 cups) – Traditionally used for chicken noodle soup, egg noodles hold up well in the broth and have a tender, chewy texture.

For Garnish:

1. Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Optional, but adds a fresh and bright finish to the soup.

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Substitutions and Variations

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is easy to customize based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Chicken Options: If you prefer darker meat, use bone-in, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result. You can also use rotisserie chicken and add it in at the end if you’re short on time.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the noodles and substitute them with spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, or use rice or quinoa instead.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with other herbs like rosemary, dill, or bay leaf for different flavor profiles.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup:

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Peel and slice the carrots, chop the celery and onion, and mince the garlic.
• If using whole chicken breasts or thighs, there’s no need to cut them up at this stage; the crockpot will cook them until tender enough to shred later.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot

• Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the crockpot.
• Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken.
• Pour in the chicken broth, then add the bay leaves, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
• Stir gently to combine the ingredients.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup

• Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to Low for 6 to 8 hours or High for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking on low produces more tender chicken and allows the flavors to fully develop.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

• Once the chicken is fully cooked (it should be tender and easily shreddable), remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

• About 20 to 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the egg noodles to the crockpot. Stir them into the soup and cover the crockpot again.
• Cook on High for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. If the noodles soak up too much broth, feel free to add an extra cup of chicken broth.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper if needed. You can also remove the bay leaves at this point.

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

Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup couldn’t be easier! Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:

1. Add Ingredients: Place chicken, vegetables, broth, and seasonings into the crockpot.
2. Slow Cook: Cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
3. Shred the Chicken: Remove and shred the chicken, then return it to the soup.
4. Add Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 20-30 minutes until tender.
5. Taste and Serve: Adjust the seasoning, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot!

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are a few tips to ensure your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly every time:

• Overcooking the Noodles: Add the noodles at the end of cooking (20-30 minutes before serving). If you add them too early, they’ll become mushy and overcooked.
• Not Using Enough Broth: Make sure to add enough chicken broth to cover the ingredients in the crockpot, and keep an extra cup of broth on hand in case the noodles soak up too much liquid.
• Undersalting the Soup: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. Chicken noodle soup can be underwhelming without enough salt.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Once your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some serving and presentation ideas to make the meal even more enjoyable:

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• In Deep Bowls: Ladle the soup into deep bowls to hold the broth, noodles, and veggies. Serve with a spoon and some crusty bread or crackers on the side.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the soup with a light side salad or a sandwich for a more substantial meal.
• For Kids: Serve the soup with smaller pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo if you’re making it for children, as they’re easier to eat.

Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top of each bowl for a burst of color and flavor.
• Serve with Lemon Wedges: For a bright, fresh touch, offer lemon wedges on the side so each person can squeeze some juice into their soup.
• Add Parmesan: Grate a little Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness.

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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to make sure your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfect every time:

1. Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup a day in advance. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat before serving. Add the noodles just before serving to avoid them getting soggy.
2. Freezing: Chicken noodle soup freezes well! However, if you plan to freeze the soup, don’t add the noodles until after you’ve reheated the soup. Cook the noodles separately and add them to the hot soup before serving.
3. Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Add the shredded chicken to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking to allow it to absorb the flavors of the broth.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Cook the frozen chicken on Low for 7-8 hours or on High for 4-5 hours.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
A: Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you like, such as rotini, ditalini, or even spaghetti broken into smaller pieces. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: How long do leftovers last?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles may soak up more broth, so you might need to add extra broth when reheating.

Q: Can I freeze chicken noodle soup with the noodles in it?
A: It’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy after freezing and reheating. Add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve.

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Conclusion

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, hearty, and full of flavor. Whether you're preparing it for a cozy family dinner, as meal prep for the week, or as a remedy for a cold, this soup is sure to warm you up from the inside out. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this crockpot recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Now that you have all the tips, tricks, and step-by-step instructions, it’s time to get cooking and enjoy the best homemade chicken noodle soup!

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