The Crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe brings together all the comforting flavors of this beloved classic, but with the added benefit of easy, hands-off preparation. With the magic of slow cooking, you can enjoy a rich, hearty soup without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, sick days, or any time you need a meal that feels like a warm hug. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken becomes tender, the vegetables are perfectly cooked, and the broth is full of flavor.

Plus, by using the Crockpot, you can set it and forget it, letting the flavors meld together as you go about your day.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: The best part of using a Crockpot is the hands-off approach. Simply add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do all the work.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch of soup, which is perfect for meal prepping. You can store leftovers in the fridge or freeze them for a quick meal later in the week.
Tender Chicken and Flavorful Broth: The slow cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and juicy, while the broth becomes rich and flavorful as it simmers.

Healthy and Nourishing: With wholesome ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and broth, this soup is a great way to get a nutritious meal full of vitamins and minerals.
Comforting and Filling: The combination of chicken, vegetables, and noodles in a savory broth creates a hearty dish that will leave you feeling satisfied and comforted.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium for a healthier option)
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped

1 medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 bay leaf

8 ounces egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
Salt, to taste (if needed)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing the chicken and vegetables. If using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, simply cut them into smaller pieces for easier shredding once cooked. Peel and slice the carrots, chop the celery, and dice the onion. Mince the garlic, and set everything aside to make the assembly process easier.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of the Crockpot. Then add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, and black pepper. Drop in the bay leaf, and pour in the chicken broth. Stir everything gently to combine.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Soup
Cover the Crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The goal is to let the chicken cook slowly and tenderize, while the vegetables and herbs infuse the broth with flavor. After the slow cook time is up, check to see if the chicken is cooked through and tender. If you’re using frozen chicken, it may take a little longer to cook fully.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the Crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup, stirring it in so that it’s evenly distributed. At this point, you’ll see how tender the chicken has become and how much flavor has been absorbed into the broth.

Step 5: Add the Noodles
Now, it’s time to add the egg noodles. Stir the noodles into the Crockpot, and let them cook in the hot broth. Cook for 20-30 minutes on low or until the noodles are tender. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. If you prefer to cook the noodles separately, you can cook them in a separate pot and add them directly to the soup before serving.

Step 6: Final Touches
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add salt or pepper to suit your taste. Remove the bay leaf, and garnish the soup with fresh parsley before serving. The parsley adds a burst of color and a touch of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the soup.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls, and serve hot. The hearty combination of tender chicken, flavorful broth, vegetables, and noodles is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it to family, bringing it to a gathering, or enjoying it as a solo meal, this soup is guaranteed to bring smiles.

Variations

Add More Vegetables:
Feel free to add more vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, depending on the vegetable’s cook time.
Use Rotisserie Chicken:
If you’re short on time, you can skip cooking the chicken in the Crockpot and use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the Crockpot along with the broth and vegetables, letting it heat through.

Make It Creamy:
For a creamy version of chicken noodle soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or a can of cream of chicken soup near the end of the cooking time. This will give the soup a rich and velvety texture.
Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free noodles to make this soup gluten-free. There are plenty of gluten-free pasta options available that will still provide the same comforting texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Crockpot chicken noodle soup is a perfect dish to serve for lunch or dinner. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

With a Side of Bread: Serve the soup with crusty bread, rolls, or crackers for dipping.
As a Main Course: This hearty soup can easily be a complete meal, especially with a side salad or a simple green vegetable.
For Meal Prep: Since this soup stores well, it’s perfect for making ahead and reheating for future meals. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.