Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Recipe Introduction: Say Hello to the Ultimate Comfort Food!
Fancy a warm, comforting bowl of goodness? Do you want something easy as pie? My crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe is exactly what you need.
Seriously, this is like a big hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings or when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
Why This Chicken Noodle Soup is a Winner
This isn't just any old chicken soup; it's a proper homemade chicken noodle soup , cooked low and slow to bring out all the flavours.
Chicken noodle soup has been around for ages. It's a staple, a remedy, and a taste of home. This recipe is super simple and takes minimal effort, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner ideas .
You'll get about 6-8 servings from this chicken soup recipe , so there's plenty to share, or have leftovers for lunch.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
One of the best things about this slow cooker chicken noodle soup is that it's incredibly healthy and packed with nutrients.
Chicken soup is known for its healing properties, right? Using a slow cooker lets the flavours meld together beautifully. Its a true one pot chicken noodle soup .
Plus, it’s mostly hands off time. Which means you can get on with your day while dinner cooks itself. I swear by it on busy days! That means it's also an easy chicken noodle soup !
Let's dive into what makes this comfort food special. This crockpot chicken noodle soup version is special because it's so easy to adapt.
Feel free to throw in extra veggies. It's your soup. I’ve even tried a crockpot chicken noodle soup variations with a pinch of chilli flakes for a bit of kick! Now, let's get into the ingredients you'll need.
Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.
Right, let's dive into what you need to make my dead easy crockpot chicken noodle soup . Honestly, it's more about comfort than fancy cooking, you know? It is total comfort food , nothing can go wrong with such an easy chicken noodle soup .
Ingredients & Equipment
Okay, so here's the lowdown on what you'll need to nail this slow cooker chicken noodle soup .
Main Ingredients
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: 1.4 kg (3 lbs). This gives the best flavour! You could use a whole chicken, same weight.
- Yellow onion: 1 large, chopped (around 200g or 1 cup). Get a nice firm one.
- Carrots: 2 medium, chopped (about 150g or ¾ cup).
- Celery stalks: 2 , chopped (around 100g or ½ cup).
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced. Fresh is best, innit?
- Chicken broth: 8 cups (1.9 liters). Go for low-sodium!
- Dried thyme: 1 teaspoon .
- Dried rosemary: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Bay leaf: 1 .
- Egg noodles: 225g (8 ounces). Trust me on the egg noodles.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish. A handful, chopped.
- Lemon wedges: Optional, for serving. Adds a bit of zing!
Why bone-in chicken? It makes a richer broth. Totally worth it, even if it's a bit more fiddly. It really is the best chicken soup recipe .
Seasoning Notes
Thyme and rosemary are the stars here. They're quintessential chicken soup recipe flavors. A bay leaf adds depth, just remember to fish it out before serving.
For a flavour enhancer, a pinch of dried sage will do the trick. It's the essential slow cooker recipes . You can try some crockpot chicken noodle soup variations .
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (crockpot): 6-quart or larger . Essential! You know, like a super sized bowl.
- Cutting board.
- Sharp knife.
- Ladle.
Don't have a fancy knife? No worries! Any knife that chops will do. A big spoon can stand in for a ladle too.
It really is the most simple homemade chicken noodle soup and you can add your own touch to it. This one pot chicken noodle soup is perfect for weeknight dinner ideas .
And it's so healthy chicken noodle soup , and even budget friendly!
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: Your New Favourite Comfort Food!
Right, let's get down to it. This crockpot chicken noodle soup is not just any soup, it's the soup. Forget complicated recipes.
This is easy chicken noodle soup at its finest. Honestly, if you're after proper comfort food , look no further.
We're talking homemade chicken noodle soup that's healthier than the canned stuff and tastier than anything you'll find in a shop.
I call it my hug in a bowl and it's perfect for a night in. Plus, it's fantastic weeknight dinner ideas because it's so simple.
This is one of those awesome slow cooker recipes you'll be making again and again. I've even got some crockpot chicken noodle soup variations for ya!
Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row
- Essential Mise en Place: Chop your 1 large onion , 2 medium carrots , and 2 celery stalks . Mince those 4 cloves of garlic . This whole process should take you all of 15 minutes.
- Time Saving Organization Tips: I like to chop all the veggies at once. Then, just chuck it all in the slow cooker when you're ready.
- Safety Reminders: Watch your fingers when chopping! Honestly, I've had a few close calls.
From Zero to Hero: step-by-step
- Veggie Base: Throw your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into your 6-quart (5.6 liters) or larger slow cooker .
- Chicken Time: Add 1.4kg (3 lbs) of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or a whole chicken). Bone-in gives way more flavor.
- Broth and Spices: Pour in 1.9 liters (8 cups) of low-sodium chicken broth . Sprinkle in 1 tsp of dried thyme , ½ tsp of dried rosemary , and 1 bay leaf . Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cooking Magic: Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours , or on high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken should reach an internal temp of 74° C ( 165° F) .
- Shredding Time: Take out the chicken and shred it with two forks. Toss away the skin and bones.
- Noodle Action: About 30 minutes before serving, take the bay leaf out and chuck in 225g (8 ounces) of egg noodles . Cook until they're tender.
- Chicken Reunion: Put the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and mix it all together.
Pro Tips for a Top-Notch Noodle Soup
- Don't overcook the noodles! Mushy noodles? No thanks. Add them late.
- If you want to make this a healthy chicken noodle soup , then use low-sodium broth and don't be shy with the veggies.
- Common mistakes? Forgetting to season! Taste it and add more salt and pepper if needed.
This one pot chicken noodle soup is one of my go-to’s. If you try this chicken soup recipe out, let me know what you think in the comments.
This slow cooker chicken noodle soup will become a new family tradition.
Recipe Notes for the Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Right, so you're about to embark on the easiest, most comforting chicken soup recipe ever. Before you do, here are a few pointers to make your slow cooker chicken noodle soup experience even better.
I swear, this easy chicken noodle soup is a game changer!
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This On the Table!
Honestly, presentation matters. I like to ladle this homemade chicken noodle soup into bowls and sprinkle a generous handful of fresh parsley on top.
A lemon wedge on the side adds a bit of zing. Perfect for a cozy night in. Oh, and crusty bread ? Absolutely essential for dunking.
Or maybe even a grilled cheese on the side? Yes please! This comfort food just screams for that.
Storage Tips: Making the Magic Last
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This healthy chicken noodle soup keeps beautifully. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container.
It'll be good for 3-4 days . For longer storage, freezing is your friend. I freeze it in individual portions for quick lunches.
When reheating, gently simmer on the stovetop or microwave until piping hot. Make sure it reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Fancy a twist? For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles. Easy peasy! If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
I once added a splash of dry sherry at the end, and, oh my gosh!, it was divine. When the colder months roll around, turnips are an incredible substitute for carrots, it adds such a earthy layer of flavor.
These crockpot chicken noodle soup variations can really make it your own. It's perfect for some weeknight dinner ideas .
Nutrition Basics: Feel Good From the Inside Out
Ok, let's be real, this one pot chicken noodle soup is basically a hug in a bowl. You know? It's packed with protein from the chicken, vitamins from the veggies, and carbs for energy.
Each serving is roughly 350-450 calories . Using low-sodium broth helps keep the sodium levels in check. And honestly, sometimes you just need something nourishing and comforting.
It's good for the soul!
So, there you have it! Go forth and conquer that crockpot chicken noodle soup . I promise, it's easier than putting on your slippers.
And the flavour? Chef's kiss . Happy cooking, my friend! And don't forget to tag me in your creations I can't wait to see them! These slow cooker recipes are so worth it!.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make crockpot chicken noodle soup with cooked chicken instead of raw?
Absolutely! If you have leftover roast chicken or a rotisserie chicken, you can definitely use it. Just shred about 1kg (2.2lbs) of cooked chicken and add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, along with the noodles. This will warm the chicken through without drying it out.
It's perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
My noodles turned to mush! What went wrong with my crockpot chicken noodle soup, and how do I avoid it?
Nobody wants mushy noodles! The key is timing. Add the noodles to your crockpot chicken noodle soup during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking. This ensures they're cooked through but still have a nice bite. Also, avoid using thin noodles as they tend to overcook more quickly.
Thicker egg noodles or even rotini hold up better in the slow cooker.
Can I freeze crockpot chicken noodle soup?
You can, but be mindful of the noodles. They can get a bit soggy after thawing. For best results, cook the soup base (chicken, broth, veggies) and freeze it without the noodles. When you're ready to eat, thaw the soup, bring it to a simmer, and then cook the noodles separately before adding them to the soup.
Alternatively, you can use a sturdier noodle like ditalini which hold up better. This will keep your soup as fresh as a daisy!
How can I make my crockpot chicken noodle soup healthier?
There are a few simple swaps you can make! Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content, and load up on vegetables like carrots, celery, and even some spinach or kale for added nutrients. You could also use whole wheat noodles for extra fibre.
And remember, lean chicken is your friend so watch your cut of chicken - thigh is delicious but more calorie heavy than chicken breast.
I'm short on time! Can I speed up the cooking process for this crockpot chicken noodle soup?
Definitely! While the slow cooker is all about low and slow, you can use the "high" setting to speed things up. Cook it on high for 3-4 hours instead of 6-8 on low. Just keep an eye on it and make sure the chicken is cooked through.
And as a little chef's kiss, make sure the chicken internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
What are some flavour variations I can try to spice up my crockpot chicken noodle soup?
Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Some fresh herbs like dill or parsley can also elevate the flavor. For a deeper, richer taste, consider adding a splash of dry sherry or white wine to the soup.
It’s your soup, so get creative!
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-450 kcal |
|---|---|
| Fat | 15-25g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
