Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

The Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort wraps around every spoonful of this hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Slow-cooking magic infuses tender meat with rich, savory flavors you’ll absolutely adore.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic recipe, blending simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Fragrant herbs dance alongside chunky vegetables, creating a melody of taste that soothes and nourishes.

Minimal prep work means maximum enjoyment, letting your kitchen companion do the heavy lifting.

Each bite tells a story of home-cooked goodness, packed with protein and love.

Grab your ladle and get ready to savor a bowl of pure, soul-warming deliciousness that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.

  • Is it okay to substitute dried herbs for fresh thyme?

Absolutely! Use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of fresh thyme. Dried herbs are more concentrated, so you’ll need less.

  • What if I don't have a crockpot?

You can make this soup in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer ingredients on low heat for about 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free egg noodles or replace them with rice or quinoa to make the recipe gluten-free and still delicious.

Why Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Warms Hearts

  • Slow-Cook for Maximum Flavor: Letting ingredients simmer together in the crockpot allows every bite to be packed with rich, deep tastes that develop gradually throughout cooking.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Comfort: This recipe requires simple chopping and basic ingredients, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a hearty meal without complicated steps.
  • Family-Friendly Nutrition Powerhouse: Loaded with protein from chicken, vitamins from vegetables, and warmth from broth, this soup provides balanced nutrition that appeals to both kids and adults.
  • Versatile Meal for Any Occasion: Whether you're nursing a cold, hosting family dinner, or need a satisfying weeknight meal, this chicken noodle soup adapts perfectly to different situations and moods.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: A tender, protein-rich ingredient that forms the hearty base of this comforting soup.
Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Carrots, Celery, Onion: A classic trio of vegetables that adds depth, sweetness, and a savory foundation to the soup.
  • Garlic: A flavorful ingredient that provides a robust and aromatic essence to the dish.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Thyme: A fragrant herb that brings a subtle, earthy flavor to the chicken soup.
  • Bay Leaf: An herb that adds a gentle, sophisticated undertone to the overall taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the soup's flavor profile.
Liquid Base:
  • Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful liquid that creates the soup's comforting and warming base.
Noodles:
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, tender pasta that adds heartiness and texture to the classic chicken soup.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that provides a pop of color and a light, clean flavor to finish the dish.

How to Prepare Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Toss In Hearty Ingredients

Gather your culinary companions and create a flavor foundation by adding these delightful ingredients into the crockpot:
  • Whole chicken pieces
  • Crisp carrots
  • Fresh celery
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Fragrant thyme
  • Bay leaf
  • Rich chicken broth

Step 2: Sprinkle Flavor Enhancers

Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then gently stir everything to ensure all ingredients mingle and dance together.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

Let the crockpot work its magic by cooking on low setting for 6-8 hours or high setting for 3-4 hours.

Wait until the chicken becomes wonderfully tender and completely cooked through.

Step 4: Shred The Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken from the broth, using two forks to pull and separate the meat into delectable shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back into the warm, bubbling liquid.

Step 5: Add Noodle Comfort

Introduce egg noodles to the soup and cook on high setting for 20-30 minutes until the noodles become soft and luxurious.

Step 6: Final Touches

Pluck out the bay leaf, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color, and serve this soul-warming soup to eager guests.

Helpful Tips for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker, more flavorful version of the soup.
  • Freeze leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3 months, perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutritional value and create more variety.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt seasoning during cooking.
  • For gluten-free option, replace egg noodles with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta alternatives.

Flavorful Twists for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Gluten-Free Option: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or quinoa pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
  • Spicy Herb Variation: Add red pepper flakes, fresh rosemary, and swap thyme with oregano to create a more robust and zesty flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Skip noodles entirely and use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice as a lighter, low-carbohydrate base for the soup.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this heartwarming soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
  • Lunch Box Champion: Pack leftovers in a thermos for a comforting midday meal that keeps you warm and satisfied during work or school hours.
  • Weekend Wellness Boost: Pair the soup with a fresh green salad and a slice of lemon to enhance the healing and nutritious qualities of this classic comfort dish.
  • Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Set up a soup station with extra toppings like crispy crackers, grated cheese, and chopped green onions for a fun, interactive meal everyone will love.

Best Storage Tips for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Refrigerate soup for up to 3-4 days, keeping noodles and broth separate to maintain texture.
  • Freeze soup without noodles in freezer-safe containers for maximum 3 months, leaving 1-inch space at top.
  • Thaw frozen soup overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
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Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crockpot chicken noodle soup delivers comfort in each spoonful, bringing warmth to cold days. Home cooks can savor this classic dish with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Vegetables:

  • 3 carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Base and Seasonings:

  • 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Noodles and Garnish:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Layer chicken, sliced carrots, diced celery, minced onion, crushed garlic, fragrant thyme, and bay leaf into the crockpot.
  2. Pour chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is well-submerged.
  3. Sprinkle kosher salt and cracked black pepper throughout the mixture, gently stirring to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Cover and slow cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken becomes incredibly tender and easily pulls apart.
  5. Carefully extract chicken from the broth and use two forks to shred meat into bite-sized pieces.
  6. Return shredded chicken back into the crockpot, maintaining the rich, aromatic broth.
  7. Add egg noodles directly into the hot liquid, then cook on high setting for 15-25 minutes until pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency.
  8. Discard bay leaf to prevent any unwanted bitter flavors.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
  10. Ladle piping hot soup into bowls and serve immediately for maximum comfort and flavor.

Notes

  • Enhance flavor by searing chicken before adding to crockpot for deeper, richer taste profile.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt content and accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Replace egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or rice noodles for celiac-friendly version.
  • Add a splash of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the soup’s overall taste and provide a zesty finish.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 230 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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