There’s something about a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup takes comfort food to the next level.
Packed with tender chicken, carrots, celery, and egg noodles, it simmers away all day, letting the flavors meld into a rich, savory broth. The best part? You can toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do all the work while you go about your day.
This easy, cozy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you need a nourishing bowl of warmth. The chicken turns out juicy and tender, and the broth is perfectly seasoned, making it feel like a homemade masterpiece. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something comforting, this soup is sure to hit the spot every time.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This recipe is all about simplicity and comfort. Here’s why you’ll want to make it:
- Tender Chicken – The slow cooker makes the chicken incredibly tender, perfect for shredding into the soup.
- Rich, Flavorful Broth – The chicken, veggies, and seasonings cook together to create a savory, aromatic broth.
- Minimal Prep – Just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it cook while you relax.
- Versatile and Easy – This soup can be customized with your favorite veggies or noodles and makes for great leftovers.
It’s easy, comforting, and ideal for those days when you need something filling and satisfying with zero fuss.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This dish uses simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful and nourishing meal:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts – These are perfect for slow cooking, staying juicy and tender.
- Carrots – Sliced carrots add a touch of sweetness and color to the soup.
- Celery – Celery provides crunch and depth of flavor to the broth.
- Chicken Broth – The base of the soup, making it savory and comforting.
- Egg Noodles – These noodles are perfect for soaking up the broth and adding a comforting texture.
- Herbs and Spices – Garlic, onion powder, thyme, and bay leaves round out the flavor of the soup.
These simple ingredients combine to create a delicious, hearty soup that will satisfy your cravings.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Making this chicken noodle soup is super easy and hands-off. Here’s how to make it:
- Prepare the Chicken and Veggies – Place the chicken breasts, carrots, and celery in the slow cooker. Season with garlic, onion powder, thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper.
- Add the Broth – Pour in the chicken broth and give everything a good stir.
- Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken – Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Add the Noodles – Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low, until the noodles are tender.
- Serve – Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. You can garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
That’s it! This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is an easy, no-fuss recipe that’s perfect for any occasion.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is great on its own, but here are some side ideas to complete the meal:
Side Dish | Why It Works |
---|---|
Garlic Bread | Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping. |
Simple Salad | A light green salad with a vinaigrette adds freshness. |
Mashed Potatoes | Creamy mashed potatoes complement the soup’s richness. |
Crackers | Saltine crackers or whole grain crackers add a satisfying crunch. |
Roasted Vegetables | Roasted broccoli or carrots add a veggie-packed side. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup makes great leftovers and is easy to store and reheat. Here’s how:
How to Store Leftovers
- Let the soup cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the soup in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth if it’s too thick.
- Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
- Slow Cooker: If reheating the whole batch, set the slow cooker to low for 1-2 hours.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
To make this chicken noodle soup even better, follow these tips:
- Use chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness. Chicken breasts work great too, but thighs add more moisture.
- Customize the vegetables – Add potatoes, green beans, or peas for extra variety.
- Season to taste – Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking as the slow cooker can concentrate flavors.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or dill at the end for a burst of freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just increase the cooking time by about 30 minutes on low heat.
2. Can I use any type of noodles?
While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta you like. Rotini, fusilli, or even rice work well.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will develop even more overnight.
4. Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Just add the noodles after reheating.
5. How can I make this soup spicier?
For extra heat, add some red pepper flakes, a diced jalapeño, or a splash of hot sauce.
This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for those cozy nights in. Grab your slow cooker, and let this nourishing soup take care of dinner tonight!
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chicken and soup
- Large Skillet For searing chicken (optional)
- Wooden Spoon For stirring the soup
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups carrots sliced
- 2 cups celery sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, garlic, and mushrooms in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks and return it to the slow cooker.
- Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Stir well and serve hot. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use **low-fat sour cream** or **Greek yogurt**.
- Add **spinach** or **peas** for extra veggies.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for **up to 3 days** and reheated easily on the stove or microwave.