Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Convenience: The crockpot does all the work, making it ideal for busy schedules.
- Flavorful: Slow cooking enhances the depth of flavors, resulting in a rich and satisfying soup.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables.
- Family-Friendly: A classic recipe that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Dried thyme
- Dried parsley
- Egg noodles
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic on top. Sprinkle with dried thyme and parsley.
- Add Broth: Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy warm.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus an additional 20-30 minutes for the noodles.
Variations
- Protein Options: Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Incorporate peas, corn, or spinach for added nutrients and color.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like rosemary or bay leaves can be added for extra aroma.
- Grain Alternatives: Replace egg noodles with rice or quinoa for a different texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup (preferably without noodles, as they can become mushy) in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
How can I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?
To avoid mushy noodles, you can cook them separately and add them to individual bowls when serving, pouring the hot soup over them.
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. However, ensure that the cooking time is adjusted accordingly, and always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free noodles and ensure that the chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
Can I add cream to make the soup richer?
Yes, stirring in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking can add a creamy richness to the soup.
What type of noodles work best in this soup?
Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or fusilli.
How can I add more depth of flavor to the broth?
Sautéing the vegetables and searing the chicken before adding them to the crockpot can enhance the overall flavor.
Can I use homemade chicken broth?
Yes, homemade chicken broth will provide a richer and more personalized flavor to the soup.
How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller crockpot?
You can halve the ingredients to fit a smaller crockpot, but keep an eye on the cooking time as it may be slightly reduced.
Is it okay to leave the soup cooking overnight?
Cooking the soup overnight on the low setting is feasible, but it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Using a programmable crockpot with a timer can help manage this.
Can I add potatoes to this soup?
Yes, diced potatoes can be added along with the other vegetables for an even heartier soup.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a timeless recipe that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. Its simplicity and rich flavors make it a
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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: Approximately 7-9 hours
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty, nutritious, and easy-to-make dish. Perfect for any season, it features tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and soft noodles simmered in a rich, flavorful broth. Let the crockpot do the work for you with this family-friendly recipe that’s simple to prepare and full of comfort.
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts
- Chicken broth
- Carrots
- Celery
- Onion
- Garlic
- Dried thyme
- Dried parsley
- Egg noodles
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic.
- Assemble in Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped vegetables and garlic. Sprinkle with dried thyme and parsley.
- Add Broth: Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts, shred with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles. Cover and cook on high for 20-30 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Serve: Adjust seasoning if needed and ladle the soup into bowls to serve.
Notes
- For added richness, you can substitute chicken breasts with thighs or add a splash of cream at the end.
- To prevent mushy noodles, consider cooking them separately and adding them when serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, plus 20-30 minutes for noodles
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
