There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those busy days when you just want to come home to something comforting and delicious. I love throwing everything into my crockpot in the morning and letting it work its magic while I go about my day. The aroma wafting through the house is absolutely irresistible! When dinner time rolls around, you’ll find tender chicken, fresh veggies, and hearty noodles ready to be enjoyed. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that warms your heart and fills your belly, making it a favorite in my kitchen!
Ingredients for Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this comforting soup truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups egg noodles
- Salt to taste
Make sure everything is prepped before you start! The sliced carrots and celery add such a lovely crunch, while the chopped onion and minced garlic bring a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. I always recommend using boneless chicken breasts for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. And don’t forget to season with salt at the end, because you want to make sure every bite is packed with flavor!
How to Prepare Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Preparing this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with a warm, hearty meal that family and friends will love. Let’s dive into the process!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by adding your boneless chicken breasts to the crockpot. Then, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, followed by the sliced carrots, sliced celery, chopped onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried parsley, and black pepper. It’s a colorful mix that makes my heart sing!
- Now, cover your crockpot and set it on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. This is where the magic happens—let those flavors meld together beautifully!
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Use two forks to shred the chicken—it’s super easy and satisfying! Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
- Finally, add in the 3 cups of egg noodles. Stir everything gently, then cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on the noodles; they should be tender but not mushy!
Cooking the Ingredients
The initial cooking process is crucial for developing rich flavors. By letting everything simmer together in the crockpot for several hours, the chicken becomes tender, and the veggies soften, creating a delicious broth. Trust me, the longer it cooks, the better it gets!
Shredding the Chicken
To shred the chicken, simply remove it from the crockpot once it’s cooked. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart until it’s in bite-sized pieces. I find this method works best—it’s quick and easy! After shredding, toss the chicken back into the soup, mixing it well so every scoop is packed with flavor.
Adding Egg Noodles
When it’s time to add the egg noodles, make sure to do it during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This ensures they get perfectly tender without turning to mush. If you prefer a different type of noodle, just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. You want them to soak up that delicious broth while still holding their shape!
Tips for Success with Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
To make your homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup even more delightful, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, don’t skimp on seasoning—taste the broth before serving and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. A little squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors beautifully!
When it comes to noodles, I love using egg noodles because they cook perfectly in the soup. However, if you want to mix things up, feel free to try whole wheat or gluten-free options, just keep an eye on the cooking times since they can vary. If your soup thickens too much, simply add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Remember, this soup is all about comfort, so make it your own!
Nutritional Information for Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated values per serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates, and they can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. This soup is not only comforting but also a hearty meal that delivers a good balance of protein and carbs. It’s perfect for refueling after a long day, so enjoy every wholesome spoonful!
FAQs about Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Can I use frozen chicken?
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken is a great time-saver. Just toss the frozen chicken breasts directly into the crockpot along with the other ingredients. You’ll want to extend the cooking time a bit—about 1-2 hours longer on low or about 30-60 minutes longer on high. This way, you’ll still get that tender, juicy chicken without any extra fuss!
How do I store leftovers?
Storing leftovers is super easy! Just let the soup cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand while freezing.
Can I substitute the noodles?
Of course! If you want to switch up the noodles, there are plenty of options. You can use whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist, or even gluten-free pasta if that fits your diet. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodles may require adjustments. Just remember to add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking to make sure they’re perfectly tender!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal, perfect for busy days!
- Rich, comforting flavors that bring a smile to everyone’s face.
- Hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for chilly nights.
- Simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
- Customizable with your favorite veggies or noodle types!
- Leftovers are even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Trust me, once you try this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup, it’ll become a go-to recipe in your kitchen!
Storage & Reheating Instructions for Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Storing your homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup is super simple! Once it’s cooled down a bit, pour the soup into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, so it’s perfect for leftovers! Now, if you want to save some for later, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. Just remember to leave a little space at the top of the container because soup expands when it freezes.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it on the stove over medium heat. If the soup has thickened, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to that delicious, comforting consistency. Stir occasionally and heat until it’s warmed through—just like the first time you made it!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup as I am! It’s such a comforting dish that brings people together, and I can’t wait for you to experience the joy it brings. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and any personal twists you add—I love hearing how everyone makes this recipe their own! If you have any questions or tips, feel free to drop a comment below. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
Homemade Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting homemade chicken noodle soup made in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups egg noodles
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Add chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it, then return it to the crockpot.
- Add egg noodles and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high.
- Season with salt to taste before serving.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freeze portions for later use.
- Add more broth if soup thickens too much.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup
