There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup on a chilly night, especially when it’s made in a Crockpot. I remember one winter evening when my son, Jake, came home from school, his cheeks rosy from the cold. He took one whiff of my Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup simmering away and exclaimed, 'It smells like a hug!' This cozy dish is a go-to in our home and a classic among Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
- It’s super easy to make—just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do its magic.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends; it fills your home with a delightful aroma.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or noodles for a personal touch.
- It’s a family favorite that warms both the heart and the belly!
Pure Comfort
Chicken noodle soup has a special way of making you feel cozy and cared for. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a comforting meal, this soup wraps you in warmth like a favorite blanket. The combination of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and flavorful broth is like a hug in a bowl, reminding us of home-cooked meals shared with loved ones.
What You Need
- 1 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can substitute with thighs for extra flavor.
- 4 4 cups chicken broth – Low-sodium broth works well too.
- 2 2 large carrots, sliced – Feel free to use frozen carrots.
- 2 2 stalks celery, chopped – You can skip this if you’re not a fan.
- 1 1 large yellow onion, diced – Shallots can be a nice alternative.
- 3 3 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- 1 1 tsp dried thyme – Fresh thyme adds a lovely touch.
- 1 1 bay leaf – Remove before serving.
- 8 8 oz egg noodles – Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles.
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust based on your preference.
Time to Cook
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high | Total: 6-8 hours 15 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Make-Ahead: Yes, it stores well in the fridge.
Steps to Make It
- Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crockpot. This way, they soak up all that delicious broth as they cook.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and then add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir everything together to mix the flavors.
- Sprinkle in the dried thyme and toss in the bay leaf. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, making everyone curious about dinner.
- Cover the Crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Let it work its magic while you relax or tackle other chores.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, carefully remove it from the pot. Shred the chicken with two forks and return it to the soup.
- Add the egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until they’re tender. The soup should look hearty and inviting.
Make It Perfect
- For extra flavor, sauté the onions and garlic in a pan before adding them to the Crockpot.
- If you want a thicker soup, add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for an extra touch.
- Always taste before serving; you might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper.
- Make sure to remove the bay leaf before serving to avoid any surprises!
Mix It Up
- Add a cup of frozen peas for a pop of color and sweetness.
- Stir in some spinach or kale for added nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Perfect Partners
- Serve with crusty bread or a fresh salad.
- Pair it with a side of grilled cheese for a classic combo.
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten up the flavors.
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FAQs
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely! Freeze it in portions for up to 3 months.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or even water with some seasoning.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just add an extra hour to the cooking time.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Conclusion
There you have it—my favorite Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe for cozy nights! It’s easy to make, comforting, and perfect for sharing with family. So, grab your Crockpot and let the magic happen. You’ll be enjoying a warm bowl of homemade goodness in no time!
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Nights
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Pan
- forks
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts You can substitute with thighs for extra flavor.
- 4 cups chicken broth Low-sodium broth works well too.
- 2 large carrots, sliced Feel free to use frozen carrots.
- 2 stalks celery, chopped You can skip this if you’re not a fan.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced Shallots can be a nice alternative.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
- 1 tsp dried thyme Fresh thyme adds a lovely touch.
- 1 bay leaf Remove before serving.
- 8 oz egg noodles Substitute with whole wheat or gluten-free noodles.
- to taste salt and pepper Adjust based on your preference.
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then add sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Stir to mix flavors.
- Sprinkle in dried thyme and add the bay leaf.
- Cover Crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove cooked chicken from pot and shred with two forks, then return it to the soup.
- Add egg noodles and cook for 20-30 minutes until tender.