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There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when it’s homemade, nourishing, and so easy to make. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe is hearty, flavorful, and filled with tender chicken, carrots, celery, and perfectly cooked noodles.
The best part is that the slow cooker does all the work for you! This is the ultimate comfort food classic that’s lighter, healthier, and perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or when you need something cozy.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Chicken Noodle Soup
- Easy: This recipe is effortless to make! The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Delicious: This soup is packed with tender chicken, hearty veggies, and a rich, savory broth.
- Customizable: This recipe is family-friendly and easy to customize.
- Versatile: It’s the perfect cozy soup for cold weather or when you’re under the weather.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this chicken noodle soup.
- Salt & Pepper: Season the chicken before cooking. Add more salt to taste once the soup is finished.
- Onion: Diced onion adds depth and rich flavor to the broth.
- Carrots: Sliced carrots add sweetness and classic chicken noodle soup flavor.
- Celery: Chopped celery adds to that essential soup base.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds even more savory flavor.
- Herbs: Add thyme, rosemary, and a bay leaf.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is the base of the soup.
- Noodles: Wide or extra-wide egg noodles are classic and hold up well, but any noodles you love will work. Add them at the end so they don’t overcook.
Find the full measurements in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Garlic Options: Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor. Use 3 cloves, minced. If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute with 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Egg Noodles: For a classic chicken noodle soup, use one cup of egg noodles. Or, you can omit the noodles for a lower-carb option or swap them for zucchini noodles, quinoa, or rice.
- Low-Carb, High-Protein Swap: For a lighter twist, try using Al Dente Carba-Nada Egg Fettuccine. It’s lower in carbs and protein-packed, making it a fantastic option if you want your chicken noodle soup to be extra satisfying while keeping it lighter.
- Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup: Add one 4-ounce can of diced green chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in spinach, kale, or peas at the very end for added nutrients.
- Boost the Protein: Add rinsed and drained chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra protein and fiber.
How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Chop the fresh thyme, rosemary, and optional parsley.
Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Then, lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Place the seasoned chicken, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks or your preferred method. Once shredded, add it back to the slow cooker.
Step 6: Stir in the egg noodles, cover, and cook on high for 10-20 minutes, depending on the noodles, until they are tender.
Step 7: Turn off the slow cooker and remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker chicken noodle soup pairs perfectly with something cozy on the side! I like serving it with crusty bread for dipping, protein biscuits with cheddar and chives for a savory, fluffy bite, and our healthy cornbread for a hint of sweetness.
Shawna’s Expert Tips
- Noodles Cook Time: Egg noodles cook times may vary, usually 10-20 minutes on high. Check the noodles as they cook to ensure they’re perfectly al dente.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Always taste your soup at the end and add more salt or pepper as needed. This ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced before serving.
- Flavor Boost: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Rotisserie Shortcut: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time. Just cook the veggies in the broth first, then add the chicken and noodles. Or, you could even use leftover cooked turkey from Thanksgiving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator: Store leftover slow cooker chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat: Warm it in a saucepan on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts in this recipe for even more richness and flavor.
How Do I Prevent Soggy Noodles?
To prevent soggy noodles, you can cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving. This is ideal for meal prep or freezing. Or, make sure to add the noodles at the end once the soup is cooked, and cook for just 10-20 minutes, so they stay tender but not mushy. Check the noodles while cooking.
Can I Make This on the Stovetop?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this chicken noodle soup on the stovetop! Simmer the chicken and veggies in broth for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. Then, shred the chicken, add the noodles, and cook until they are tender.
Can I Freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes! For the best results, freeze the soup without noodles, as they can get mushy. You can freeze this soup for 2-3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
More Slow Cooker Recipes to Try!
- Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup
- Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes
- Chicken and Gravy in the Crockpot
- Slow Cooker Tortilla Soup
- Slow Cooker Chicken With Mushroom Soup
If you try this recipe, please be sure to leave us a comment and star rating, ★★★★★, letting us know how it turns out for you.
SLOW COOKER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 pound carrots, sliced
- 3-5 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup dried wide or extra-wide egg noodles, or noodles of choice
- fresh parsley, for serving
- lemon wedges, optional for serving
Instructions
- Chop the fresh thyme, rosemary, and optional parsley.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Then, lightly season both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Place the seasoned chicken, diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Shred the chicken using two forks or your preferred method. Once shredded, add it back to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the egg noodles, cover, and cook on high for 10-20 minutes, depending on the noodles, until they are tender.
- Turn off the slow cooker and remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Video
Notes
- Garlic Options: Fresh garlic really elevates the flavor. Use 3 cloves, minced. If you don’t have fresh garlic, substitute with 1 teaspoon pre-minced garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Egg Noodles: For a classic chicken noodle soup, use one cup of egg noodles. Or, you can omit the noodles for a lower-carb option or swap them for zucchini noodles, quinoa, or rice.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Always taste your soup at the end and add more salt or pepper as needed. This ensures the flavors are perfectly balanced before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is pure comfort in a bowl! It’s so easy to make, just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. The broth is flavorful, the chicken is tender, and the noodles soak up all the goodness. Perfect for busy days or cozy nights at home!