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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

If you’re looking for a soothing, heartwarming meal that practically makes itself, you’re in for a treat with this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a broth that’s packed with flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re battling a sniffly cold or just craving some comfort food, this soup is your new go-to. Let me show you why it’s a total winner and how to nail it in your own kitchen!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-off Cooking: You basically dump everything in the crockpot and walk away — perfect for busy days.
  • Flavorful and Nourishing: The slow cook method extracts rich flavors from the chicken and herbs for comforting broth.
  • Customizable: Easily swap herbs and veggies to suit your tastes or pantry availability.
  • Family Favorite: My kids genuinely go crazy for this soup and I bet yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve picked these ingredients as they work in harmony to create that classic chicken noodle soup flavor we all adore. When shopping, look for fresh, firm chicken breasts and bright vegetables to really elevate the soup’s freshness.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped onion, peeled and chopped large carrots, chopped celery ribs, minced garlic cloves, fresh thyme sprigs, a single bay leaf, whole uncracked brown eggs, small white ceramic bowls containing salt and black pepper, small white ceramic bowl of chicken stock, a pile of fresh egg noodles, fresh parsley leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, slow cooker chicken noodle soup, easy chicken noodle soup, comforting crockpot soup, homemade chicken noodle soup
  • Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Easy to shred and cooks evenly in the crockpot.
  • Chopped Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
  • Carrots (peeled and chopped): For natural sweetness and color.
  • Ribs of Celery (chopped): Classic aromatic that balances the taste.
  • Garlic (minced): A small punch of flavor that ties it all together.
  • Fresh Thyme or Dried Thyme: Fresh herbs make a difference here, but dried thyme does the job if needed.
  • Bay Leaf: Adds a gentle earthiness to the broth; remember to remove before serving!
  • Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to your liking.
  • Chicken Stock or Low Sodium Broth: I always use homemade stock when I have it, but store-bought works fine too.
  • Egg Noodles: Classic choice for texture and heartiness.
  • Fresh Parsley (optional): Brightens up the soup just before serving.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is. Over time, I’ve tried different twists — and you should definitely play around with it to make it your own!

  • Herb Swaps: Sometimes I swap thyme for fresh rosemary, which gives a lovely piney aroma that my family adores.
  • Gluten-Free Noodles: I’ve replaced egg noodles with gluten-free pasta for friends with sensitivities — it works great if added at the last minute.
  • Veggie Boost: Adding diced potatoes or mushrooms can make the soup heartier and change the texture a bit, which is fun to try.
  • Spice it Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle warmth that’s unexpected but really delicious.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Layer the Goodness

Start by placing the chicken breasts right at the bottom of your slow cooker. This helps them cook evenly. Then, toss in the chopped onions, carrots, celery, minced garlic, herbs, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken stock over everything. I single-handedly love this “dump-and-go” step because it’s so easy—no pre-cooking or fussing required.

Step 2: Set It and Forget It

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4. I usually go for low so the flavors really develop, and I can come home to a ready meal. Just make sure the chicken hits at least 165°F internally and the veggies are tender – that’s the sweet spot.

Step 3: Shred and Enrich

After cooking, fish out the bay leaf and the stems of the thyme — they’ve done their job but aren’t meant to eat. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or bowl, let it rest for about 5 minutes, then shred it finely with forks. Toss the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 4: Noodles Time

Switch your crockpot to high if it isn’t already, stir in the egg noodles, then cover and cook for about 10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they’re tender but not mushy. This trick ensures you don’t end up with overcooked noodles that soak up all the broth.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust

Give your soup a taste and add more salt or pepper if it needs it. I usually add a pinch more salt because slow cooker recipes sometimes taste a bit flat at first. Serve with fresh chopped parsley for that pop of color and freshness.

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Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

  • Choose the Right Noodles: Add noodles toward the end to prevent them from turning mushy; fresh egg noodles are especially lovely here.
  • Use an Instant-Read Thermometer: I learned the hard way that undercooked chicken is a no-go; check for 165°F internally to be safe.
  • Let the Chicken Rest Before Shredding: Resting helps the juices redistribute, making your shredded chicken tender and juicy.
  • Don’t Skip Removing Herb Stems: It’s tempting to leave them in, but pulling out thyme stems and bay leaf keeps the texture perfect.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The image shows two white bowls filled with chicken noodle soup placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl contains clear broth with three main layers: beige spiral egg noodles at the bottom, mixed with orange carrot pieces and light green celery cubes in the middle, and topped with white shredded chicken pieces and small green herb sprigs like parsley and rosemary. Next to the bowls, there are three white slices of toasted bread with a golden crust, and some parsley leaves are scattered around for decoration. A blue and white striped cloth is partially visible under one bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, slow cooker chicken noodle soup, easy chicken noodle soup, comforting crockpot soup, homemade chicken noodle soup

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped fresh parsley right on top — it adds a fresh, herbaceous note that wakes up the flavors. Sometimes I add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a few grinds of black pepper for a little extra zing. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce is surprisingly great!

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with a warm crusty bread or buttered dinner rolls — perfect for dipping. My family also enjoys a simple green salad or roasted vegetables alongside for some extra balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like serving this soup in small mugs with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a side of artisan crackers. It feels casual yet special, and everyone always comments on how comforting it is.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge and it stays fresh for up to 3 days. One trick I’ve learned is to keep the noodles separate if possible because they soak up broth over time — but since this is crockpot soup, I usually just reheat gently and add a little extra broth if it looks too thick.

Freezing

This soup freezes well, but I recommend leaving out the noodles before freezing — just add fresh noodles when reheating. I label mine with the date and it lasts up to 3 months in the freezer, making it my favorite “emergency” meal for busy weeks.

Reheating

When reheating, I warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have soaked up too much broth, just add a splash of hot chicken stock or water to loosen it up. This keeps the soup tasting fresh and comforting.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?

    Yes! You can absolutely use frozen chicken breasts in your crockpot. Just add a little extra cooking time—usually an hour or so on low—and make sure the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temp of 165°F before shredding.

  2. What type of noodles works best in crockpot chicken noodle soup?

    Egg noodles are classic because they cook quickly and have a nice texture. Always add them toward the end of cooking so they don’t get mushy. Fresh egg noodles are even better if you can find them!

  3. Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

    To make a vegetarian version, swap out chicken breasts for hearty vegetables or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor profile will change, but you can still achieve a comforting soup by boosting herbs and veggies.

  4. How do I prevent the soup from being too salty?

    Using low sodium or homemade chicken stock is key to controlling salt levels. You can always add more salt at the end after tasting, but it’s hard to fix if it’s too salty from the start.

  5. Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

    Yes, but add the cooked chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking to avoid it drying out. This is great if you have some extra chicken on hand!

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, forgiving, and always satisfying. I love sharing it with friends whenever someone needs a little culinary hug. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s not just soup, but a warm moment worth savoring. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be one of those recipes you return to again and again!

Print
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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 93 reviews
  • Author: Jasmine
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a simple, hearty, and flavorful dish perfect for busy days or chilly evenings. Made with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and egg noodles, it simmers slowly in your crockpot to develop rich, homey flavors. Easy to prepare and ideal for meal prep, it’s a classic comfort food that warms you from the inside out.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 4 large carrots, peeled and chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 3 ribs celery, chopped (about 2 cups)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme, or 3 sprigs fresh rosemary)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 cups chicken stock (or low sodium chicken broth)
  • 7 ounces egg noodles (about 3 cups)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for serving)


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, thyme sprigs, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and pour in the chicken stock or broth, distributing everything evenly.
  2. Slow Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of at least 165° F, and the vegetables should be tender.
  3. Remove Herbs and Shred Chicken: Take out and discard the bay leaf and thyme stems. Transfer the chicken to a bowl or cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Then shred the chicken into bite-size pieces using two forks.
  4. Return Chicken and Add Noodles: Set the slow cooker to high if it isn’t already. Return the shredded chicken back to the soup. Stir in the egg noodles, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
  5. Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper to your preference. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • This recipe is a dump-and-go style slow cooker meal, making it extremely convenient for busy schedules.
  • Using low sodium broth allows better control over the salt content in the soup.
  • You can substitute fresh rosemary for thyme if you prefer; both add wonderful herbaceous notes.
  • Egg noodles cook quickly, so add them towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and sogginess.
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 269 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 582 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 64 mg

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