Ingredients list
To make a comforting and flavorful Chicken Noodle Soup in your crock pot, you’ll need the following ingredients. These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a hearty and delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week.
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- 8 cups chicken broth – Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the salt content.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced – Adds sweetness and texture to the soup.
- 2 celery stalks, sliced – Provides a subtle crunch and flavor.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Adds depth to the broth.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – For a fragrant and savory base.
- 1 bay leaf – Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle herbal note.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme – A classic herb that pairs well with chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley – Adds a fresh, earthy flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust seasoning based on your preference.
- 2 cups egg noodles – These will be added towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Optional, for sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the crock pot.
With these ingredients on hand, you’re ready to start preparing your Chicken Noodle Soup in the crock pot. The slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a comforting and satisfying dish.
Step-by-step instructions
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the step-by-step process of making this delicious Chicken Noodle Soup in your crock pot. This method is simple and requires minimal hands-on time, allowing the crock pot to do most of the work for you.
- Step 1: Prepare the vegetables – Start by slicing the carrots, celery, and dicing the onion. Mince the garlic cloves. If you prefer a slightly richer flavor, you can sauté the vegetables in a tablespoon of olive oil for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. This step is optional but adds a nice depth to the soup.
- Step 2: Add ingredients to the crock pot – Place the chicken breasts (or thighs, if using) at the bottom of the crock pot. Add the sliced carrots, celery, diced onion, and minced garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged. Add the bay leaf, dried thyme, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 3: Cook on low or high – Cover the crock pot with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low will allow the flavors to develop more fully, but if you’re short on time, the high setting works just as well.
- Step 4: Shred the chicken – Once the chicken is fully cooked and tender, remove it from the crock pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir it into the soup.
- Step 5: Add the egg noodles – About 20-30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, add the egg noodles to the crock pot. Stir them into the soup and let them cook until tender. Be careful not to add the noodles too early, as they can become mushy if left in the crock pot for too long.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning – Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, your Chicken Noodle Soup is ready to serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the comforting flavors of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles.
Tips for perfect soup
To ensure your Chicken Noodle Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips and tricks that will elevate the flavor and texture of your dish:
- Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor – While boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are convenient, using bone-in chicken can add a deeper, richer flavor to the broth. The bones release collagen during the slow cooking process, which gives the soup a more velvety texture. Just be sure to remove the bones before shredding the chicken.
- Sauté the vegetables for added depth – Although this step is optional, sautéing the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crock pot can enhance the overall flavor of the soup. The caramelization that occurs during sautéing brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables and adds a subtle complexity to the broth.
- Don’t overcook the noodles – One of the most common mistakes when making Chicken Noodle Soup is adding the noodles too early. To avoid mushy noodles, add them during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. If you’re planning to store leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual servings to maintain their texture.
- Season gradually – It’s important to season the soup in layers. Start with a moderate amount of salt and pepper when adding the broth, and then taste and adjust the seasoning towards the end of cooking. This way, you can avoid over-salting the soup, especially if you’re using store-bought broth, which can be high in sodium.
- Brighten the flavor with fresh herbs or lemon – While dried herbs like thyme and parsley are great for slow cooking, adding a handful of fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving can brighten the flavor of the soup. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a refreshing tang that balances the richness of the broth.
- Make it ahead of time – Chicken Noodle Soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. If you’re making it ahead, store the soup without the noodles and add them when reheating to prevent them from becoming too soft.
- Customize the vegetables – While carrots, celery, and onion are classic choices, feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and variety. Just be mindful of their cooking times, as some vegetables may become too soft if added too early.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to create a Chicken Noodle Soup that’s not only delicious but also perfectly balanced in flavor and texture. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing it ahead for a busy week, these small adjustments can make a big difference in the final result.