There’s just something so comforting about a warm bowl of slow cooker chicken noodle soup, don’t you think? It’s like a hug in a bowl, especially on chilly days when all you want to do is snuggle up with something hearty. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, and the best part is that it practically cooks itself! Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do its magic while you go about your day. I love coming home to the rich aroma of chicken and herbs wafting through the house—it’s a sure sign that dinner is ready to be enjoyed. Plus, the simplicity of this dish makes it perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Trust me, once you try this slow cooker chicken noodle soup, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
To whip up this delightful slow cooker chicken noodle soup, gather these simple ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a warm, comforting bowl of soup that’s sure to please everyone at the table!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into how to create this easy and comforting slow cooker chicken noodle soup step by step! It’s as simple as 1-2-3.
- Start with the chicken: Place 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This will be the heart of your soup!
- Add the good stuff: Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth, followed by 1 cup of sliced carrots, 1 cup of sliced celery, 1 chopped onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of dried thyme and dried parsley. This combination brings so much flavor to the pot!
- Time to cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can also cook it on high for about 4 hours. Either way, you’ll want the chicken to be tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred the chicken: Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out of the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is the secret to getting that nice, comforting texture!
- Back to the pot: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, and then add 8 ounces of egg noodles. Stir everything together, cover again, and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This final step allows the noodles to soak up all those delicious flavors.
- Season to taste: Before serving, don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. This step is crucial to bring out all those lovely flavors!
And there you have it! A simple, hearty slow cooker chicken noodle soup that’s ready to warm your heart and fill your belly. Enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience! Here’s why you’ll adore this recipe:
- Quick Preparation: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you!
- Comforting Flavors: The blend of chicken, herbs, and fresh veggies creates a cozy, heartwarming dish.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutrients from fresh vegetables and lean chicken, it’s a wholesome choice.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
Trust me, this soup will quickly become your go-to recipe for any day of the week!
Tips for Success
Want to make your slow cooker chicken noodle soup even better? Here are my top tips for success!
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For even quicker prep, consider using rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and toss it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to sneak in extra veggies like peas, corn, or even spinach. They not only boost the nutrition but also add delightful colors and textures!
- Adjust Seasonings: Don’t be shy with seasonings! Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed to enhance the flavors.
With these little tweaks, your soup will be simply irresistible!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutritional values, keep in mind that they can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, for a typical serving of this delicious slow cooker chicken noodle soup, you can expect approximately:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
These values provide a comforting yet nutritious meal that warms both the body and soul!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making the perfect slow cooker chicken noodle soup? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries that might help you out:
- Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prep!
- Can I customize the vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, or even green beans. Just chop them up and throw them in along with the other ingredients for extra flavor and nutrition.
- How can I make it gluten-free? To make this slow cooker chicken noodle soup gluten-free, simply swap out the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta alternative. They work just as well!
- What if I don’t have chicken broth? If you’re out of chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth instead. It’ll still give your soup a lovely depth of flavor!
I hope these answers help you make the most of your slow cooker chicken noodle soup experience!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing leftovers of your delightful slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a breeze! Just let it cool down completely, then transfer it into an airtight container. Pop it in the refrigerator, and it should stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is key to maintaining that comforting flavor and texture. You can gently warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If you prefer the microwave, pour yourself a bowl and heat it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warmth. Enjoy every cozy spoonful!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your slow cooker chicken noodle soup experience, serve it with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. A fresh side salad with vibrant greens and a light vinaigrette perfectly complements the soup’s hearty flavors. Trust me, it makes for a delightful meal!
Print
slow cooker chicken noodle soup: Cozy Flavor in Every Bowl
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting slow cooker chicken noodle soup that is easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker.
- Add broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and parsley.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Add more vegetables as desired.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken noodle soup
