Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup: Hearty & Easy (Print Version)
Effortless slow cooker chicken noodle soup. This hearty, comforting meal is packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and noodles, perfect for a busy weeknight.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 380 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ The Soulful Broth Base
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 -
2 cups water
→ Garden Fresh Aromatics
04 -
1 tbsp olive oil
05 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
06 -
2 cups carrots, chopped (about 4-5 medium)
07 -
1 1/2 cups celery, chopped (about 4-5 stalks)
08 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Savory Seasoning & Depth
09 -
1 tsp dried thyme
10 -
2 dried bay leaves
11 -
1 tsp salt, or to taste
12 -
1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
→ Hearty Noodle & Finishing Touches
13 -
6 oz wide egg noodles (dry)
14 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large yellow onion, 2 cups carrots, and 1 1/2 cups celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. This builds the flavor base for your Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
02 -
Transfer the sautéed vegetables to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 cups water, 1 tsp dried thyme, 2 dried bay leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
03 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shredded. This long, slow cook time is key to developing the rich flavors of this Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup.
04 -
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the 2 dried bay leaves from the soup before proceeding.
05 -
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add 6 oz wide egg noodles (dry) to the soup. Increase the slow cooker setting to HIGH (if not already) and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
06 -
Taste the Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting meal.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer flavor, consider using boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts; they tend to stay moister during long cooking times.
02 -
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, cook noodles separately and add when reheating to prevent them from getting mushy.
03 -
Serve this comforting soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
04 -
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1-2 teaspoons) stirred in just before serving can brighten all the flavors of the soup beautifully.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Chef's knife
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 315 kcal
Total Fat: 7 g
Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
Protein: 40 g