Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of chicken noodle soup, especially when it’s made in a crockpot. This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you want to come home to a warm and hearty meal without much fuss. With tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered to perfection, this soup is the embodiment of cozy comfort food.
Why Use a Crockpot?
A crockpot, or slow cooker, is an essential tool for busy cooks. It allows you to prepare your ingredients and let the machine do the work. This method not only saves time but also enhances the flavors, making your chicken noodle soup even more delicious. Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have a hot, nourishing meal ready to enjoy.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add the sliced carrots, diced celery, and onion on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle the minced garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper over the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring that all ingredients are covered.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the egg noodles to the soup and stir well. Cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes on high, or until the noodles are cooked to your liking.
- If desired, stir in lemon juice for a touch of brightness.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup
To make this soup even more flavorful, consider adding a bay leaf during the cooking process and removing it before serving. For a creamier soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk at the end. Don’t hesitate to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand; frozen peas, green beans, or corn can all be great additions!
Storage and Reheating
This chicken noodle soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To store, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some of the broth, so you might need to add a little extra broth or water when reheating.
Conclusion
This crockpot chicken noodle soup is a meal that warms both your body and soul. It’s simple to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the week. Next time you’re in need of some cozy comfort food, give this recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
