Welcome to the ultimate comfort food, made incredibly simple! This crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe brings the classic, soothing taste you love right into your kitchen with minimal effort. Forget bland canned versions; our homemade slow cooker rendition is packed with fresh flavors and tender ingredients. Get ready for a warm, hearty bowl of goodness that practically cooks itself!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This easy recipe is a true game-changer for busy households and beginner cooks alike.

Effortless One-Pot Meal: Just add ingredients to your slow cooker and let it do the work. The only separate step is cooking the noodles.
Rich, Comforting, and Deeply Flavorful: Slow cooking coaxes out incredible depth, creating a soup far superior to store-bought, much like our creamy garlic parmesan crockpot chicken pasta.
Perfect for Cozy Nights or Sick Days: Nothing beats a warm bowl of this slow cooker chicken noodle soup when you need a pick-me-up.
Healthy and Customizable: Packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables, you can easily adjust it to your family’s preferences.
Simple Prep, Minimal Hands-On Time: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying delicious food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating this flavorful crockpot chicken noodle soup starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in building that classic, comforting taste.

Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 large yellow onion, diced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
2 ribs celery, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced (more to taste)
½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf (optional)
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (I use Better Than Bouillon brand, optional)
8 to 9 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
8 ounces egg noodles (wide or extra-wide)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great, but boneless, skinless chicken thighs also work wonderfully for richer flavor.
Broth/Stock: Reduced-sodium chicken broth keeps the salt in check. For an even richer, more gelatinous soup, use chicken stock instead.
Noodles: Wide or extra-wide egg noodles are classic and hold their texture well. Cook them separately to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Vegetables: Feel free to boost the veggie content. Adding a cup of sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking is delicious.
Herbs: While dried herbs are convenient, you can certainly use fresh. Triple the amount if using fresh herbs instead of dried.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this wonderful soup.

6-quart (or larger) slow cooker: Essential for the magic of set-it-and-forget-it cooking.
Large mixing bowl: Handy for shredding the cooked chicken without a mess.
Large pot: Needed for boiling the egg noodles separately until al dente.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Making this incredibly satisfying crockpot chicken noodle soup is straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a heartwarming meal ready with minimal fuss.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Slow Cooker: Add the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the bottom of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker. This forms the base of your flavorful soup.
Add Aromatics & Seasoning: Top the chicken with the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, dried rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper. Don’t forget to add the bay leaf if you are using it for extra depth.
Pour Liquid: Dollop the chicken bouillon (if using) over the ingredients, then pour in the 8 to 9 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors.
Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook the soup on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. This low and slow cooking process ensures tender chicken and deeply infused flavors.
Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them into a large mixing bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaf (if you used one). Return all the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
Cook Noodles Separately: While the chicken is being shredded, cook the 8 ounces of egg noodles according to their package directions. Boil them until they are al dente. Cooking them separately prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
Combine & Finish: Add the freshly cooked egg noodles directly into the slow cooker with the soup. Stir gently to incorporate. Cover and cook on LOW for just 5 additional minutes. This brief cooking time allows the noodles to warm through and soak up some of the wonderful flavors.
Serve: Ladle generous portions of the hot crockpot chicken noodle soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and a dash of black pepper for a final touch. Enjoy your comforting, homemade meal!

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Elevate your slow cooker chicken noodle soup with these simple expert tips.

Prevent Mushy Noodles: Always cook your egg noodles separately to an al dente texture. Add them to the soup only during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup just before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Remember, flavors can concentrate during slow cooking.
Browning Chicken: For a deeper, more robust flavor, quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot pan for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the slow cooker.
Don’t Overfill: Make sure your slow cooker is not filled more than two-thirds to three-quarters full. This allows for proper cooking and prevents overflow as the broth heats.
Fresh Herb Boost: Stir in extra fresh parsley, dill, or chives right before serving. This brightens the flavor and adds a beautiful aromatic finish.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile soup is perfect on its own, but also pairs beautifully with other dishes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve a warm bowl of soup with a side of crusty bread or flaky crackers for dipping.
Pair it with a simple, fresh green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
Offer cheese toast or grilled cheese sandwiches for a classic, comforting combination.

Storage & Freezing

Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles. The noodles tend to get mushy when thawed. Store the broth and chicken mixture in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Cook fresh noodles just before serving.

Recipe Variations

Different Proteins: Instead of chicken, use leftover cooked turkey or shredded meat from a rotisserie chicken for an even faster meal.
Add Vegetables: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Frozen peas, corn, or diced potatoes can also be added.
Spice It Up: For a subtle kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings at the beginning.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese at the very end for a richer, creamier texture.
Different Noodles: If egg noodles aren’t your preference, try small pasta shapes like pastina, ditalini, or even broken thin spaghetti. Cook them separately as instructed.

Nutrition Information

Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this comforting crockpot chicken noodle soup.

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	258 kcal
Carbohydrates	33 g
Protein	22 g
Fat	3 g
Cholesterol	80 mg
Sodium	332 mg
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	3 g

Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. This soup provides a good source of lean protein and essential vitamins like A and C from the vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is chicken noodle soup really healthy?

Homemade chicken noodle soup can be very healthy! It provides lean protein from chicken, essential vitamins and fiber from vegetables, and hydrating broth. Using reduced-sodium broth and avoiding processed ingredients makes it a nutritious choice.

Research from institutions like BIDMC of Boston highlights that chicken noodle soup may help clear nasal congestion and ease cold symptoms.

What’s the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock?

Chicken broth is typically made from simmering meat and vegetables, resulting in a lighter flavor and thinner consistency. Chicken stock is made from simmering bones, vegetables, and sometimes a little meat, producing a richer, more gelatinous liquid with a deeper flavor.

What are the best noodles for chicken noodle soup?

Wide or extra-wide egg noodles are generally considered the best for crockpot chicken noodle soup. They have a pleasing texture and absorb flavor well without quickly breaking down or becoming mushy in the broth.

Can you cook noodles directly in the slow cooker?

While technically possible, it’s generally not recommended for this kind of chicken noodle soup. Cooking noodles directly in the slow cooker for an extended period often results in them becoming very mushy. It’s always best to cook them separately on the stovetop until al dente and add them at the very end.

For safe cooking, always ensure your slow cooker reaches a temperature that destroys bacteria, as explained by the University of Minnesota Extension on slow cooker food safety.

Conclusion

This easy crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe proves that homemade comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With minimal hands-on time, you can create a deeply flavorful, wholesome meal that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for busy weeknights or a soothing pick-me-up, this slow cooker favorite is sure to become a staple in your home. For other comforting options, explore our creamy parmesan Italian sausage soup. Don’t wait; give this wonderful recipe a try and share the warmth!