Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Introduction

There’s nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. When you combine the convenience of a slow cooker with the timeless flavors of this classic dish, you get a recipe that’s not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe is perfect for those cool evenings or whenever you need a dose of comfort food to lift your spirits.

Recipe and More

This recipe is designed to be simple, delicious, and natural. With fresh ingredients and a hands-off cooking approach, you can enjoy a flavorful bowl of soup with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing you to focus on other tasks or simply relax while the aromatic ingredients come together to create a tender and flavorful dish. Here’s everything you need to know about making this delicious soup.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

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

Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts
One medium onion, diced
Four carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
Three celery stalks, diced
Three garlic cloves, minced
Eight cups of chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
One teaspoon of dried thyme
Half a teaspoon of dried rosemary
Two bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Two cups of egg noodles
One tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Juice of half a lemon (optional, for added brightness)

Preparation Tips

Gather all of your ingredients beforehand and ensure they are fresh for the best results. Whether you’re slicing vegetables or seasoning the broth, taking the time to prep these ingredients properly will enhance the flavor and texture of your soup.

Prep Time

This recipe is simple and requires roughly 10 to 15 minutes of preparation time. During this time, you’ll chop the fresh vegetables, mince the garlic, and measure out the dried seasonings, making it a great recipe for both beginner and experienced home cooks alike.

Cook Time, Total Time, and Yield

Once the ingredients are prepped and combined within your slow cooker, expect a cook time of 6 to 8 hours on low heat or around 3 to 4 hours on high heat, allowing the chicken and vegetables to reach tender perfection. The total time will vary depending on the heat level and preparation pace, but you can expect approximately 8 hours for the entire process if cooked on low. This recipe typically yields around 6 to 8 servings, making it ideal for a family dinner or for meal-prep throughout your week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken noodle soup warm with a sprinkling of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for added brightness. Pair it with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a well-rounded meal. This soup can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage, so you’ll always have a meal ready to go.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the perfect balance of convenience and flavor, offering a homemade touch without the hassle of stovetop cooking. With its hearty mixture of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and comforting noodles, this soup will quickly become a family favorite. Try it today for a delicious meal that warms the heart and nourishes the soul.

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Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Peel and chop the carrots, chop the celery, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Gather all the remaining ingredients to have everything ready before starting.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Place the chicken breasts into the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic on top. Sprinkle in the seasonings, including salt, pepper, thyme, and any additional herbs you’d like to use.

Step 3: Add Broth

Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged. If necessary, add additional broth or water to cover the contents.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain a consistent temperature.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the soup using tongs. Place them on a plate or cutting board and shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add the Noodles

Stir the uncooked egg noodles into the slow cooker. Cover and cook for an additional 10-20 minutes on high, or until the noodles are tender. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as noodles can quickly overcook.

Step 7: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Once the noodles are cooked through, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or additional herbs to suit your preference.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the finished soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or other desired toppings, and enjoy your comforting chicken noodle soup.

Notes

Note 1: Chicken Variations

You may use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor. To save time, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Add the shredded chicken to the slow cooker in Step 6 to heat through.

Note 2: Broth Alternatives

If you don’t have chicken broth, use vegetable broth or a broth concentrate dissolved in water. For a more flavorful soup, consider adding a splash of chicken bouillon or stock concentrate.

Note 3: Noodle Options

Egg noodles are traditionally used in chicken noodle soup, but you can substitute them with gluten-free noodles, spaghetti, or a different variety of pasta if preferred.

Note 4: Storing Leftovers

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. If you expect leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings to avoid mushy noodles.

Note 5: Freezing Instructions

This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove. If freezing, it is best to omit the noodles and add them fresh when reheating.

Note 6: Customizing Vegetables

Feel free to add other vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans to the soup. Add these vegetables during the last 30 minutes of cooking to ensure they don’t overcook.

Note 7: Using Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs can enhance the flavor of the soup. Add parsley, dill, or fresh thyme during the last 5-10 minutes of cooking for a bright and fresh finish.
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Cook Techniques

Prepare the Chicken

Thoroughly clean and prepare the chicken breast or thighs by trimming any excess fat before use. This ensures that the chicken pieces are lean and flavorful in the soup.

Sauté the Vegetables

Before adding them to the slow cooker, you can sauté the onions, celery, and carrots in a skillet to add depth and richness to the soup flavors.

Layer Ingredients Strategically

Place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker, followed by vegetables, and then pour the broth and seasonings. This order ensures even cooking and flavor distribution.

Low and Slow Cooking

Cook the soup on the low setting for 6-7 hours to fully develop the flavors. Slow cooking helps tenderize the chicken and allows the ingredients to meld together perfectly.

Add Noodles at the End

To prevent soggy noodles, add them to the soup during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Monitor closely to ensure they are just tender before serving.

Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred using forks. Then return it to the soup for even texture in every bite.

Adjust the Seasoning

Taste your soup before serving and add more salt, pepper, or your favorite spices to balance the flavors to your preference.

FAQ

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Simply skip the step of slow cooking the raw chicken and add the pre-cooked chicken during the last 15-20 minutes to heat through.

What type of noodles should I use?

Egg noodles are a classic choice for chicken noodle soup, but you can also use other pasta types like ditalini, rotini, or spaghetti broken into smaller pieces.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular noodles with a gluten-free alternative and ensure the chicken broth used is labeled gluten-free.

Can I freeze the chicken noodle soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. However, it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating the soup for better texture.

How do I avoid overcooked vegetables?

Cut the vegetables into larger chunks or add them midway during the cooking process to prevent overcooking in the slow cooker.

Can I add extra vegetables or greens?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale towards the end of the cooking process for added nutrients and flavor.

What if the soup is too thick?

If the soup turns out too thick after cooking, simply add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

How long does this soup keep in the refrigerator?

The chicken noodle soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
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Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is both comforting and flavorful, providing a hearty meal that is perfect for any season. With its tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and savory broth, this dish is not only wholesome but also incredibly easy to prepare. Utilizing the slow cooker enhances the flavors, creating a satisfying homemade soup with minimal effort. It’s a recipe worth trying for anyone looking for a cozy dish packed with nourishment.

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