The Ultimate Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Are you looking for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make chicken noodle soup? Look no further! This crock pot recipe will deliver a delicious and hearty soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening or when you're feeling under the weather. This recipe is optimized for search engines, incorporating relevant keywords and semantic variations naturally within the text.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients. You likely already have most of them in your pantry!
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds) or 8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs: For a richer broth, bone-in chicken is best!
- 12 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred): Provides the base of your flavorful soup.
- 2 large carrots, peeled and chopped: Adds sweetness and nutrients.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: A classic soup ingredient for enhanced flavor.
- 1 large onion, chopped: Adds depth and complexity to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A small but mighty flavor enhancer.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: A subtle earthy note complements the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: Another herb that adds a layer of complexity.
- 1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle savory note to the broth (remove before serving).
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference.
- 1 pound egg noodles: Your choice of egg noodles, cooked separately.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Follow these easy steps for a perfectly cooked crock pot chicken noodle soup:
Step 1: Preparing the Crock Pot
Place the whole chicken (or chicken thighs), chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf into your crock pot. Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Slow Cooking
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
Step 3: Shredding the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crock pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones.
Step 4: Adding the Noodles
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Combining and Serving
Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot. Stir in the cooked egg noodles. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your delicious homemade crock pot chicken noodle soup!
Tips and Variations:
- For a creamier soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk before serving.
- Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or peas. Add them along with the carrots and celery.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Make it ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Why This Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the Best:
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it's incredibly easy to make and requires minimal hands-on time. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a deeply satisfying soup. Plus, it's incredibly customizable – feel free to experiment with different vegetables and spices to create your own unique version!
Enjoy your warm and comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup!
