There’s just something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of homemade soup, isn’t there? It’s like a big hug for your insides! My go-to is definitely this *crockpot chicken noodle soup*. It’s super easy to whip up, and I love how all those ingredients simmer together to create a rich, flavorful broth. I remember one chilly evening, I came home after a long day, and the aroma of this soup greeted me at the door. It instantly lifted my spirits! The tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty noodles all meld perfectly, making it the ultimate cozy meal. Plus, it practically cooks itself while I go about my day! Trust me, you’ll want to have this recipe in your back pocket for those cold days when you need a little extra warmth and comfort.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious *crockpot chicken noodle soup*! It’s all about layering flavors and letting that magic happen while you go about your day. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup waiting for you in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
First things first, grab your boneless chicken breasts and place them right at the bottom of your crockpot. This is the base of our soup, and it’s where all that juicy flavor starts! The chicken will soak up the broth and seasonings, making it super tender as it cooks.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables and Seasonings
Next, it’s time to add in your veggies. Pour in the chicken broth, followed by the sliced carrots, celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Yum! The carrots and celery add a lovely sweetness and crunch, while the onion and garlic bring a depth of flavor that’s just heavenly. Toss in the dried thyme and bay leaf—these herbs are game-changers for creating that cozy aroma. Everything is coming together beautifully!
Step 3: Cooking Time
Now, cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours. This is the beauty of crockpot cooking—set it and forget it! Just let those ingredients mingle and develop rich, comforting flavors. Seriously, the anticipation will be worth it!
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. It should be so tender that it practically falls apart! Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the pot. This step is crucial because it adds that perfect texture to your soup, making every spoonful delightful.
Step 5: Finish with Noodles
Now for the best part—adding the egg noodles! Stir them into the soup and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This is where it all comes together, and those noodles soak up all that delicious broth. Keep an eye on them, as you want them to be tender but not mushy. Trust me, timing is key here!
Step 6: Season and Serve
Finally, give your soup a taste and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjusting the seasoning is important, so don’t skip this step! Once it’s perfectly seasoned, ladle it into bowls and enjoy the warmth and comfort of your homemade *crockpot chicken noodle soup*. You deserve it!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *crockpot chicken noodle soup* turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep, consider using a rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the pot about 30 minutes before serving. It’s a lifesaver on busy days!
- Adjust Seasoning: Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning. Taste the soup before serving and add salt, pepper, or even a splash of lemon juice for brightness!
- Veggie Variations: Feel free to mix in other veggies you love, such as green beans or peas. They not only add color but also pack in extra nutrients!
- Make it Ahead: This soup is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch over the weekend, and you’ll have hearty lunches ready for the week. Just store it in the fridge or freeze individual portions.
- Thicker Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Just mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it in!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this comforting classic. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Now, let’s talk about the numbers! This *crockpot chicken noodle soup* is not only delicious but also pretty wholesome. Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes:
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
This hearty soup is a great source of protein and packed with flavor, making it a satisfying choice for lunch or dinner. Plus, with the added veggies, you’re getting some nutrients in there too! Enjoy it guilt-free, knowing you’re treating yourself to something both tasty and nourishing.
FAQ About Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
I know you might have some questions about making this comforting *crockpot chicken noodle soup*, so let’s clear up a few common ones!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
How do I store leftovers?
For leftovers, let the soup cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to leave a little space in the container for expansion when freezing!
Can I use other types of meat?
Definitely! While I love chicken, you can use turkey or even shredded beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the meat is cooked through before shredding.
What if I want to make this soup gluten-free?
No problem! Just swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles. There are some great options out there, or you can even use rice if you prefer. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles may vary.
Can I add more vegetables?
For sure! Feel free to throw in your favorite veggies like peas, green beans, or even spinach. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add heartier vegetables, so they cook through but don’t get mushy.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, yes, yes! This soup is perfect for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and portion it out into individual servings for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. Just store in the fridge or freezer as mentioned earlier!
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Dried herbs are a great substitute. Just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll want to use about one-third the amount compared to fresh. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, use about 1 teaspoon of dried thyme.
If you have any more questions as you whip up this delicious soup, feel free to reach out! Happy cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set your crockpot and let it do the work while you go about your day!
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty noodles creates a flavor explosion that warms the soul.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and nutritious vegetables, this soup is a wholesome meal that’s low in fat and guilt-free.
- Versatile Recipe: You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs, making it a dish that can change with the seasons!
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for making a big batch ahead of time, it stores well in the fridge or freezer for quick lunches or dinners later.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this soup, making it a go-to meal for family dinners or gatherings.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Now that you’ve made this delicious *crockpot chicken noodle soup*, let’s talk about how to store those tasty leftovers! Proper storage is key to keeping the flavors intact and ensuring your soup stays fresh.
First, let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. This helps prevent condensation from forming, which can make the soup watery. You can store the soup in the fridge for up to 4 days—just make sure it’s sealed tightly!
If you want to keep it for a longer period, consider freezing it! Portion out the soup into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll be good for about 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge or place the sealed bag in a bowl of cold water for a quicker thaw.
Reheating is super simple! Just pour your desired amount into a pot and warm it over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop it in the microwave—just make sure to cover it to avoid splatters, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
And there you have it! Following these storage and reheating tips will ensure that your *crockpot chicken noodle soup* tastes just as comforting and delicious the second time around. Enjoy every last drop!
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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: 5 Comforting Secrets Revealed
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting and hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup that warms you up.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and bay leaf.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add egg noodles and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Season with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust seasoning as per your taste.
- This soup freezes well for later use.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: crockpot chicken noodle soup
