Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Looking for a hearty and comforting soup that’s easy to make? This Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is just what you need! Packed with tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and soft egg noodles, it’s a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re battling a cold or just craving something cozy, this recipe will warm you up in no time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for busy days when you want something nourishing but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Simply toss the ingredients into the crockpot, set it to cook, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. It’s made from scratch but with minimal effort, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or a make-ahead meal.

Key reasons to love this recipe:

• Set it and forget it: Minimal prep work means you can focus on other things while dinner cooks.
• Healthy and hearty: Packed with protein-rich chicken, nutrient-dense vegetables, and egg noodles for a well-rounded meal.
• Great for leftovers: This soup stores well and can easily be reheated for lunch or dinner the next day.

Ingredients for Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this comforting soup:

• 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and easy to shred.
• 1 medium to large yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced: Provides natural sweetness and color to the soup.
• 2 stalks celery, sliced: Adds texture and subtle flavor.
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the soup a rich, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves: Adds a warm, earthy note.
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary leaves: Provides a pine-like, aromatic flavor.
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the soup.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a little kick.
• 1 bay leaf (optional): Gives a deep, herbaceous flavor when used.
• 2 tsp Better Than Bouillon chicken base: Boosts the chicken flavor for a rich broth.
• 8 – 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth: Forms the base of the soup.
• 8 oz. egg noodles (wide or extra wide): The classic pasta for chicken noodle soup.
• Fresh parsley, minced: For garnish and a touch of freshness.
• Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust the seasoning as needed before serving.

this RECIPE

Essential Equipment for This Recipe

To make this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• 6-quart slow cooker: The star of the show!
• Cutting board and knife: For prepping your vegetables and chicken.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure precise seasoning.
• Mixing bowl: For shredding the chicken.
• Ladle: For serving the soup.

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Prepare the Chicken and Vegetables

Start by placing the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Next, add the diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic on top. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using).

2. Add Chicken Broth and Flavor Base

Dollop the Better Than Bouillon chicken base over the top of the ingredients. Then, pour in the chicken broth. Gently stir everything to combine, ensuring the broth covers the chicken and vegetables.

3. Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together while the chicken cooks to tender perfection.

4. Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaf (if you used one), and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.

5. Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir them into the broth. Cover again and cook on LOW for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

6. Season and Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed with extra salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh minced parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup!

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

• Don’t overcook the noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles as they cook. Once they’re tender, the soup is ready.
• Shred the chicken finely: This helps the shredded chicken evenly distribute throughout the soup, giving you the perfect bite every time.
• Better than Bouillon: This chicken flavor base adds a deep, rich flavor to the broth that takes this soup to the next level.
• Season well: After the noodles cook, taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until tender, so it shreds easily and remains juicy.
• Adding noodles too early: If you add the noodles too early, they may become mushy. Be sure to add them in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
• Underseasoning: Don’t forget to taste the soup after it’s cooked and adjust seasoning. The broth and noodles may need a bit of extra salt to bring out all the flavors.

Recipe Variations & Swaps

Looking to switch things up? Here are a few variations to try:

• Vegetable variation: Add other vegetables like diced potatoes, zucchini, or green beans to make the soup even heartier.
• Use different noodles: You can swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
• Chicken thighs: Prefer dark meat? Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, serve the soup in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with a fresh sprinkle of parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a well-rounded meal. A light, citrus-based drink would complement the flavors without overpowering the dish.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is great for meal prepping! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the soup (without the noodles) for up to 3 months. When reheating, add freshly cooked noodles to avoid sogginess.
• Reheat: Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes! If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes to ensure it cooks all the way through.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Absolutely. This soup is already dairy-free, so no substitutions are needed.

What can I use instead of egg noodles?

You can use any pasta of your choice, such as rotini, orzo, or even rice for a gluten-free option.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting soggy?

Add the noodles at the end of cooking to avoid overcooking. If you plan to store the soup, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them right before serving.

Conclusion

There’s nothing better than a warm bowl of homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup on a cold day. This recipe is easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with friends and family, and don’t forget to subscribe to our blog for more comforting and delicious meals!

Print