Table of Contents
Introduction
Creamy, flavorful, and packed with juicy chicken and tender noodles – this Chicken noodle soup crock pot recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl from the very first spoonful. My kids even call it “Mom’s magic soup” because it brightens any day and gets everyone to the table with smiles.
The best part? It’s a breeze to prepare – just 15 minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest, making weeknight dinners stress-free. This dish is truly special for its simplicity and family-friendly appeal. It’s as beloved in our home as our fried chicken liver recipe – if that comfort classic can win hearts, this soup will too. So grab your crock pot and let’s get cooking – you’ll be excited to serve this one!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Chop the onion and celery, peel and slice the carrots, and mince the garlic.
- Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic into the slow cooker.
- Place the boneless chicken thighs on top of the vegetables.
- Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and add the bay leaves (if using). Gently stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on **Low** for 6–8 hours or on **High** for 3–4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs with tongs or a slotted spoon and place them on a plate.
- Shred the chicken with two forks (or chop, if preferred). Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add the uncooked egg noodles to the soup, stir, and cover. Let the noodles cook for about **15 minutes**, or until tender.
- Remove and discard the bay leaves. Stir, taste, then season with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
What is a Chicken noodle soup crock pot ?
What exactly is a “chicken noodle soup crock pot”? It’s not a magical pot that fills itself (if only!) – just a lighthearted name for chicken noodle soup made in a trusty Crock-Pot slow cooker. I use this funny name because the crock pot does all the work: toss in the ingredients and a few hours later, dinner’s served. And you know what they say: the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. This creamy, comforting dish proves it with every spoonful! The name might sound a bit silly, but don’t let it fool you. Give it a try and you’ll see why it’s a beloved family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This chicken noodle soup crock pot Recipe
- Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl: This creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot is the definition of cozy comfort food. Each spoonful is filled with tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and flavorful broth that will warm you from the inside out. It’s like a hug from grandma, bringing back memories of classic homemade soup with every taste.
- Budget-Friendly & Home-Cooked: Making this soup at home is easy on the wallet and big on flavor. For the price of a few simple ingredients, you get a big batch of soup that feeds the whole family (with leftovers!). It’s much more economical than ordering takeout or buying canned soup, and you know exactly what’s in it. Just like our best chicken liver dishes, cooking this at home lets you enjoy a hearty meal without the hefty cost – and with even more flavor.
- Flavorful & Family-Friendly: This dish is loaded with ingredients that make it special. Fragrant herbs like Italian seasoning and bay leaves infuse the broth with depth, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and freshness. The creamy texture (achieved without heavy cream) makes it feel indulgent, yet it’s packed with wholesome veggies and protein. Even picky eaters devour this soup happily, and you can customize the toppings – try a squeeze of lemon juice or extra cracked pepper for a personal touch.
Once you taste this chicken noodle soup crock pot, you’ll see why it’s a regular in our weekly meal rotation. It hits all the right notes of comfort, savings, and flavor. Give it a try at home, and it might just become your new go-to dinner on chilly nights!
How to make chicken noodle soup crock pot Recipe
Quick Overview
This dish is ridiculously easy, delicious, and satisfying – the slow cooker does most of the work! You get all the classic flavors of chicken noodle soup with an extra creamy touch, and you barely have to lift a finger. The key is simple prep: toss everything in the crock pot in the morning, and by dinnertime, you have a rich, hearty soup ready to enjoy.
The broth turns out thick and flavorful, the chicken becomes fall-apart tender, and the egg noodles cook to perfection. And guess what? Prep time is only about 15 minutes, then you let the crock pot simmer away for 6-8 hours (or a quick 3-4 hours on high). It’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy days when you want comfort food without the fuss.
Key Ingredients for chicken noodle soup crock pot Recipe
All the key ingredients for this creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot recipe are shown above, chopped and ready to cook. This comforting soup uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely have on hand. You’ll need fresh vegetables for flavor and nutrition, tender chicken for protein, hearty broth as the base, and of course noodles to make it a true chicken noodle soup. Everything comes together in one pot to create a nourishing meal with minimal effort. Here’s what you need to make it:
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 sticks celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium if preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried herb mix)
- 2 bay leaves (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 cups uncooked egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Having these ingredients ready will make the cooking process smooth. A quick tip: you can prep the veggies the night before to save even more time in the morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions for chicken noodle soup crock pot
- Prep the ingredients: Start by chopping the onion and celery, peeling and slicing the carrots, and mincing the garlic. Gather all your ingredients so they’re ready to go.
- Load up the slow cooker: Add the chopped onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic into your slow cooker. Place the boneless chicken thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water. Sprinkle in the 1/2 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and toss in the bay leaves (if using). Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Cook on low or high: Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook the soup on Low for 6-8 hours or on High for 3-4 hours. During this time, the chicken will cook through and become incredibly tender, and the vegetables will soften, creating a flavorful broth. (Your kitchen will smell amazing!)
- Shred the chicken and add noodles: Once the cooking time is up, carefully open the lid. The chicken should be fall-apart tender now. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken thighs onto a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces (or, if you prefer, you can chop it with a knife). Now, return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the uncooked egg noodles into the soup and stir. Put the lid back on and switch the slow cooker to High (if it wasn’t already). Let the noodles cook in the hot soup for about 15 minutes, or until they’re tender.
- Season and serve: Remove and discard the bay leaves from the soup. Give the soup a good stir. Now taste the broth and add salt and pepper to your liking – don’t be shy, this soup may need a generous pinch of salt to bring out all the flavors. Ladle the creamy chicken noodle soup into bowls. Sprinkle each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness. Serve it piping hot and enjoy every comforting bite!
That’s it – you’ve just made a fantastic pot of homemade chicken noodle soup with hardly any effort. Take a moment to appreciate how easy that was, and dig in!
What to Serve with chicken noodle soup crock pot Recipe
This hearty soup can be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a side or two can make dinner extra satisfying. Here are some great options to serve alongside your chicken noodle soup crock pot:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A slice of warm, crusty French bread or a buttery dinner roll is perfect for dunking into the creamy broth. Garlic bread or even cheesy toast are fantastic for soaking up every drop of soup.
- Fresh Green Salad: A light salad (think crisp lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette) balances the richness of the soup. The crunchy, fresh veggies provide a nice contrast to the warm, soft textures of the soup.
- Sandwich or Grilled Cheese: For a classic soup-and-sandwich combo, serve this soup with a half grilled cheese sandwich or a simple turkey sandwich. The melty cheese and toasty bread go so well with the savory soup.
- Crackers or Breadsticks: Keep it simple with some saltine crackers, oyster crackers, or crunchy breadsticks on the side. Kids especially love adding a few crackers to their soup for fun!
- Refreshing Drink: To wash it all down, pair your meal with a cool iced tea or lemonade in warmer months, or enjoy a hot cup of tea on a chilly day.
With these sides, your creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot dinner becomes a well-rounded feast. Enjoy mixing and matching sides to find your family’s favorite combination!
Top Tips for Perfecting Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe
- Choose the right cut of chicken: Chicken thighs are ideal for slow cooker soups because they stay moist and tender during the long cook. They also add more flavor to the broth. If you prefer to use chicken breast, consider using bone-in breasts (for more flavor) or reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
- Add noodles at the end: To avoid mushy noodles, always add the egg noodles in the last 15 minutes of cooking (as we do in this recipe). If you plan to have leftovers or freeze the soup, you can even cook the noodles separately on the stovetop and add them to each bowl when serving. This way, the noodles won’t over-soften in the leftover soup.
- Season to taste: Slow cooker recipes can sometimes come out under-seasoned because flavors mellow over a long cook. Taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. A good pinch of salt and black pepper at the end can really elevate the flavors. If you like a bit of zing, squeeze in a little lemon juice or add a dash of hot sauce to brighten up the taste.
- Make it creamier (optional): As written, this soup is creamy from the starch of the noodles and tender chicken, but you can make it even richer. For an extra creamy chicken noodle soup, stir in a half cup of heavy cream or a spoonful of sour cream at the very end of cooking. You could also add a can of condensed cream of chicken soup at the start for a thicker, creamier broth.
- Veggie boosts and variations: Feel free to customize the soup with extra veggies or twists. Peas, corn, or green beans can be added in the last hour of cooking for more veggies. A handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end will wilt nicely and add nutrients. You can also swap egg noodles for other pasta (like macaroni or rotini) or even use rice – just adjust the cooking time for those additions.
These tips will help you make the best chicken noodle soup crock pot possible. Little tweaks like these go a long way to perfecting the dish. Happy cooking!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing in the Refrigerator: Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. This chicken noodle soup will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors might even get better the next day! Just be sure to refrigerate it within 2 hours of cooking for food safety.
- Freezing for Later: This soup freezes well if you want to save some for a rainy day. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (leave a little room at the top for expansion). It will keep in the freezer for about 2 to 3 months. Tip: If you know you’ll freeze a batch, you might cook the noodles separately and add them when serving, because noodles can become very soft after freezing and thawing.
- Reheating: When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, thaw frozen soup overnight in the fridge (if applicable). Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s hot and simmering. You can also microwave individual bowls of soup – heat in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened up (the noodles tend to absorb broth as it sits), just add a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen it up while reheating. And don’t forget to taste and season again if needed, since flavors can mellow after being stored.
With proper storage and reheating, you can savor this creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot meal later on without any loss of comfort or flavor. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!
FAQs
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can. Chicken breasts will work in this recipe, but keep a few things in mind. Breasts are leaner and can dry out more easily than thighs. To prevent this, you might want to cook the soup on the low end of the time range (closer to 6 hours on Low or 3 hours on High).
Q2: Can I cook this soup on the stovetop or in an Instant Pot if I don’t have a slow cooker?
A: Absolutely! For stovetop, use a large pot or Dutch oven. Sauté the onion, celery, carrots, and garlic in a little oil for a few minutes until softened (this step boosts flavor). Add the broth, water, chicken, seasoning, and bay leaves, then simmer on low heat for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked and veggies are tender. Remove the chicken to shred it, add the noodles, and cook for another 10 minutes on the stove until noodles are done. For an Instant Pot, add all ingredients except noodles and cook on High Pressure for about 7-8 minutes, then do a quick release. Shred the chicken, switch to sauté mode, add the noodles, and simmer (lid off) for about 5 minutes until noodles are tender. Both methods yield a tasty soup – the crock pot is just more hands-off.
Q3: Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in this soup?
A: Yes, if you have cooked chicken on hand, it can be a great time-saver. To use rotisserie or pre-cooked shredded chicken, add it to the slow cooker during the last hour of cooking (instead of at the beginning). Since the chicken is already cooked, you only need to heat it through and let it take on the soup’s flavor. You can also simmer the broth and veggies alone for a few hours to develop flavor, then stir in the cooked chicken and noodles toward the end. This way, you still get tender chicken without overcooking it. It’s a handy shortcut, especially if you’re using up leftovers.
Q4: Is this creamy chicken noodle soup healthy, and how can I make it lighter?
A: This soup is quite wholesome as-is – it’s loaded with lean protein (chicken) and veggies, and it isn’t heavy on cream or butter. To keep it on the healthier side, use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt and go easy on added salt until the end. You can also load up extra vegetables (like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers) to boost vitamins and fiber. If you want to cut carbs or calories, consider using whole wheat egg noodles or reducing the noodle quantity and adding more veggies in their place. Skipping any optional cream addition will also keep the soup lighter. Compared to heavier dishes or fried foods, this soup is a nutritious choice for the whole family. (And if you’re looking for more nutritious ideas, check out some of our healthy chicken liver recipes for a change of pace!)
Q5: What other recipes can I try if I loved this?
A: If you enjoyed this crock pot chicken noodle soup, there are plenty more comforting chicken recipes to explore. For something different, you might enjoy our fried https://www.yummyhack.com/chicken-liver-recipes/chicken liver recipe – it’s a classic Southern comfort dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. We’ve also compiled a list of the best chicken liver dishes that showcase how delicious and versatile chicken livers can be. And for the health-conscious, take a look at our collection of Healthy Chicken Liver Recipes for nutrient-packed meal ideas. Of course, if you’re craving more cozy soups, you can try a creamy chicken and rice soup or a hearty beef stew on the blog as well. Happy cooking and experimenting!
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