01 -
First things first, get all your veggies chopped. I usually aim for a pretty uniform dice on the carrots, celery, and onion, just so everything cooks evenly. Don't stress too much about perfection, though; this isn't a Michelin-star restaurant, hon! Pat your chicken thighs dry—this helps them absorb flavor better, or so I tell myself. Toss the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic right into your crockpot. I always find myself taking a deep breath here, the mix of fresh veggies already smelling so promising.
02 -
Pour in your chicken broth, making sure everything is mostly submerged. If it's not quite enough, a little extra water won't hurt, honestly. Then, add your dried herbs. I usually just sprinkle them in, but if you're fancy, a little herb sachet works wonders for easy removal later. This is where I almost always forget to add a pinch of salt and pepper initially, so learn from my mistakes! A little seasoning now goes a long way in building flavor as it cooks. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
03 -
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. This is the truly "easy" part of Easy Crockpot Chicken Soup Recipes. Go live your life! Run errands, read a book, conquer the laundry mountain—whatever you need to do. The magic is happening while you're away. The smell, oh, the smell that starts to waft through the house after a few hours? It's pure comfort, a warm invitation to dinner.
04 -
Once the cooking time is nearly up and the chicken is fall-apart tender, carefully remove the chicken thighs from the crockpot. They should shred super easily with two forks—like, ridiculously easy. If they're not, give them a little more time. Shred them up, then add them back to the soup. Now's also the time to toss in your diced potatoes. I've forgotten the potatoes entirely once and had to cook them separately, which was just a mess, so don't be me!
05 -
With the shredded chicken and potatoes back in, increase the heat to high (if it's not already) and let the potatoes cook until tender, about 30-45 minutes. Then, add your egg noodles. Give them about 15-20 minutes, or until they're perfectly al dente. I like a slight chew to my noodles, so I keep a close eye on them. Overcooked noodles are just... sad. This is where the soup really starts to thicken up and feel substantial.
06 -
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Maybe a pinch of dried parsley or fresh dill for brightness? Trust your gut! Ladle the steaming, fragrant soup into bowls. It should look rich and hearty, with tender chicken, soft veggies, and perfectly cooked noodles. The aroma alone is enough to make you feel instantly better. Seriously, it's like a warm hug in a bowl, every single time.