Craving a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup but want the convenience of a slow-cooked meal? This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is the perfect answer! Whether you’re looking for a cozy dish to serve during cold weather, or you want a quick, set-it-and-forget-it meal, this recipe is both easy and satisfying. Read on to discover how to make a delicious homemade chicken noodle soup with a crockpot that’s packed with flavor and nutrition. Stick around for tips, variations, and serving ideas, too!
What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Crockpot chicken noodle soup is a slow-cooked version of the classic chicken noodle soup, prepared in a crockpot or slow cooker. It combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and flavorful broth with egg noodles to create a savory, hearty soup. The beauty of using a crockpot is that it does most of the work for you. You simply toss the ingredients into the pot, set it, and let the crockpot work its magic over several hours. The result is a warm, fragrant meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
Ingredients List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
To make a flavorful and filling crockpot chicken noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (about 1.5-2 lbs) work best for this soup. Thighs offer a bit more flavor due to their higher fat content, but breasts are a leaner option.
- Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles are traditional, but you can use other pasta shapes if needed.
- Carrots: Peeled and sliced into rounds for sweetness and texture.
- Celery: Chopped into small pieces for crunch and flavor.
- Onion: A finely chopped onion adds depth to the broth.
- Garlic: Minced garlic brings warmth and richness.
- Chicken broth: Use a high-quality chicken broth for the best flavor. You can also make your own for an extra boost of freshness.
- Bay leaves: These aromatic leaves add subtle flavor to the soup.
- Thyme: Fresh or dried thyme complements the chicken beautifully.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley gives the soup a burst of color and freshness.
- Salt and pepper: Season according to your taste.
Ingredient List for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup (Extras and Optional Add-ins)
You can enhance your crockpot chicken noodle soup with additional ingredients or substitutions depending on your preferences. Here are some extras you may consider:
- Potatoes: Add diced potatoes for a heartier, more filling soup.
- Lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice right before serving adds brightness.
- Spinach or kale: Stirring in leafy greens at the end boosts the nutritional value.
- Corn or peas: Add some sweetness with canned or frozen vegetables.
- Cream: For a creamier soup, you can add a bit of heavy cream toward the end of the cooking process.
- Herbs like rosemary or sage: These herbs provide a different flavor profile and pair well with chicken.
Substitutions and Variations
Crockpot chicken noodle soup is a versatile dish, so feel free to make substitutions based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken to cut down on cooking time.
- Noodles: Gluten-free noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini can be used as a lower-carb alternative.
- Broth: Swap out chicken broth for vegetable broth to make the soup vegetarian (if you're also using a meat substitute).
- Vegetables: You can use other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans if you prefer.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill, oregano, or tarragon to give the soup a new twist.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make your crockpot chicken noodle soup? Follow these easy steps for a foolproof meal:
- Prepare your ingredients: Start by chopping your vegetables (carrots, celery, onion) and mincing the garlic. Trim any excess fat from the chicken if using thighs.
- Layer ingredients in the crockpot: Place the chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, onion, garlic) on top of the chicken.
- Season and add broth: Sprinkle thyme, parsley, bay leaves, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth into the crockpot, making sure everything is submerged.
- Cook on low or high: Set your crockpot to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shred with a fork when done.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the noodles: In the last 30 minutes of cooking, add the egg noodles to the crockpot. Let them cook until they are tender.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or other seasonings as needed. You can also stir in fresh parsley at this stage for added flavor.
- Serve and enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy!
How to Cook Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Set your crockpot: Choose the setting that fits your schedule — low for all-day cooking or high for a quicker finish.
- Layer the chicken and veggies: Place the chicken at the bottom and layer the vegetables on top. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the flavors of the broth and herbs.
- Season generously: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Add enough salt, pepper, and herbs to ensure the soup is flavorful.
- Shred chicken and add noodles: Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it and then add the noodles in the final half-hour to avoid mushy pasta.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though crockpot chicken noodle soup is easy to make, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Adding the noodles too early: If you add the noodles too soon, they’ll become overcooked and mushy. Always add them in the last 20-30 minutes.
- Not enough seasoning: Because the flavors in slow-cooked dishes can become muted, it’s important to season generously. Taste before serving to make sure the soup is well-flavored.
- Overcooking the chicken: Chicken can dry out if cooked for too long, even in a crockpot. Shred the chicken as soon as it’s tender, then return it to the pot.
- Not using enough liquid: Keep an eye on the broth level. If the soup seems too thick, add more broth or water to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Once your crockpot chicken noodle soup is ready, it’s time to think about how to serve and present it. Simple touches can make your dish even more appealing.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- With fresh bread: A crusty baguette or some warm dinner rolls are perfect for dunking into the soup.
- Top with herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme adds a pop of color and flavor.
- With a side salad: Serve the soup alongside a fresh, crisp salad for a light and balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Garnish with herbs: Fresh parsley or thyme makes the bowl look inviting and adds a layer of fresh flavor.
- Use rustic bowls: Serve the soup in rustic, deep bowls to enhance the cozy, homestyle vibe of the dish.
- Add a slice of lemon: For a bright and fresh look, place a thin lemon slice on the side of the bowl or float it on top of the soup.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips
- Prep ahead: Chop your vegetables and shred the chicken the night before to make morning assembly even easier.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze individual portions for easy meals later.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor at the end of cooking. Stir in fresh parsley or thyme just before serving for maximum freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken in crockpot chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in this recipe. However, it may increase the cooking time. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F before shredding.
Can I make this soup without a crockpot?
Yes! You can make this soup on the stovetop by simmering the chicken and vegetables in a large pot until the chicken is cooked through and tender, then proceed with adding the noodles.
How do I store and reheat leftover chicken noodle soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a bit more broth when reheating as the noodles tend to soak up the liquid.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free noodles and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
Conclusion
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm and comforting dish that’s easy to make and perfect for busy days. With tender chicken, flavorful broth, and hearty noodles, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers convenience without compromising on flavor. So go ahead, grab your crockpot, and enjoy the cozy goodness of homemade chicken noodle soup today!
PrintCrockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a delicious, comforting meal made with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and soft noodles, simmered to perfection. Ideal for cozy family dinners or when you're feeling under the weather, this easy slow cooker soup is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (on low)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Add chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot using two forks.
- Add egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in parsley and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time, adding it in the final 30 minutes.
- Swap egg noodles for gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 750 mg
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