Hello, wonderful food lovers! Anisha Akter here, your chef friend, ready to share a recipe that s close to my heart, especially when the sniffles strike. There s nothing quite like the comforting hug of a warm bowl of soup when you re battling a cold, is there? And today, we re making that healing experience incredibly easy with our Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. Forget standing over a hot stove; your trusty crockpot chicken soup is about to become your best friend!
This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup; it’s a therapeutic, soul-soothing elixir designed for those days when you need a little extra care. This easy chicken noodle soup recipe combines nourishing ingredients with the magic of slow cooking, making it the ultimate comfort food for sickness. So let s get that slow cooker working its magic!
Key Takeaways for Your Healing Soup:
- Effortless Comfort: This one-pot chicken soup practically makes itself in your Slow cooker, perfect for busy days or when you re not feeling your best.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with wholesome Chicken, fresh Vegetables, and rich Broth, it s a nutritious chicken soup designed to support your body.
- Immune-Boosting: Packed with immune-boosting ingredients and the goodness of homemade chicken broth, it’s truly a healing soup for cold.
- Delicious & Simple: A simple weeknight meal that tastes like it simmered all day because it did!
- Make-Ahead Marvel: Great for meal prep; simply store and reheat for instant comfort.
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. Using a Slow cooker transforms tough chicken into tender, shreddable perfection, infusing all the flavors of the Vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) and aromatic Herbs (thyme, bay leaf) into a rich, savory Broth. This hands-off approach makes it an easy chicken noodle soup recipe, ideal for when you lack energy. It s the ultimate one-pot chicken soup, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor and nutrition. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, creating a deep, complex flavor that is both comforting and incredibly healing for a cold. We’re talking about a truly nutritious chicken soup, brimming with goodness from the Chicken, fresh Noodles, and a flavorful Broth that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless Chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups low-sodium Chicken Broth (or homemade chicken broth for extra flavor!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional, but highly recommended for immune-boosting properties!)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg Noodles (or your favorite small pasta), cooked separately
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Slow Cooker: Place the raw Chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your Slow cooker.
- Add Vegetables & Herbs: Around the chicken, add the chopped onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic (if using), dried thyme, and bay leaf.
- Pour in Broth: Carefully pour the Chicken Broth over all the ingredients. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover your Slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the Chicken is cooked through and easily shreddable.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the Chicken from the Slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Discard the bay leaf.
- Combine & Serve: Return the shredded Chicken to the Slow cooker. At this point, cook your Noodles according to package directions in a separate pot. Once cooked and drained, stir the Noodles into the soup. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish: Ladle the warm Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. Enjoy this healing soup for cold!
Chef’s Tips
- For Extra Flavor: Saut the onion, carrots, and celery in a little olive oil before adding them to the Slow cooker. This step, called “sweating” the vegetables, deepens their flavor.
- Boost Immunity: For an extra powerful immune-boosting punch, add a 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced, along with the garlic to the Slow cooker. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end also brightens the flavors and adds Vitamin C.
- Noodle Perfection: To prevent mushy Noodles, always cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving, or directly into individual bowls. This is especially important if you’re making this as a make-ahead soup.
- Storage: This nutritious chicken soup stores wonderfully! Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent simple weeknight meal prep option.
- Homemade Broth: Using homemade chicken broth elevates this crockpot chicken soup to another level. If you have time, make a big batch to freeze!
Nutrition Facts (Estimated per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can! Place frozen chicken breasts directly into the Slow cooker with the other ingredients. Just be aware that cooking time might increase slightly, typically by an hour or two. Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q: What kind of Noodles work best?
A: Egg Noodles are classic for chicken noodle soup, but you can use any small pasta like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or even broken spaghetti. Just remember to cook them separately and add them at the end to maintain texture.
Q: How long does this soup last?
A: This crockpot chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Q: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other quick-cooking vegetables like peas or spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking, or when reheating. Green beans or diced potatoes can be added at the beginning with the other vegetables.
Final Thoughts
There you have it the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, ready to comfort and nourish you when a cold strikes. This easy chicken noodle soup recipe is more than just a meal; it s a bowl of pure love and a testament to the power of simple, wholesome ingredients. It’s the ultimate comfort food for sickness and a truly healing soup for cold. So next time you feel a little under the weather, remember this one-pot chicken soup wonder. Let your Slow cooker do the hard work, and you focus on getting better. Stay warm, stay nourished, and happy cooking!
Hi! I’m the creator of scooks (Simple Cooks).I share easy, practical recipes and simple cooking ideas to help you enjoy everyday home cooking with confidence.
Happy cooking! 🍽️