There’s just something about a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup that feels like a warm hug, isn’t there? Especially when the weather outside is less than perfect, or you just need a little pick-me-up. That’s exactly why I’m so thrilled to share my absolute favorite Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe For Comfort with you all today! Honestly, it’s become my go-to for those days when I want maximum flavor with absolutely minimum fuss. My Crockpot is seriously my best friend for this soup; it does all the hard work while I get to actually relax. This isn’t just soup; it’s a bowl of pure, unadulterated comfort that brings everyone in my family to the table with a smile.
Why This Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Is a Must-Try
Okay, so why should you ditch that canned stuff and whip up this version? Honestly, it’s a game-changer! Here’s the lowdown:
- Super Easy Prep: Seriously, you just chop a few veggies and toss everything in. It’s almost embarrassing how simple it is!
- Unbeatable Comfort: The flavors are just so warm and soothing. It’s like getting a big hug in a bowl, perfect for chasing away any chill.
- Minimal Cleanup: Only one pot? Yes, please! This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you just don’t feel like scrubbing a million dishes.
- Busy Bee Friendly: Pop it in the slow cooker in the morning, and dinner is pretty much ready when you are. It’s pure magic!
Gather Your Ingredients for Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Alright, ready to make some magic happen? Pulling together the ingredients for this soup is honestly half the fun because it’s all so straightforward. You’ll want to have these things ready to go:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are the stars of our show! You can use thighs too if you like, they add even richer flavor.
- 1 cup chopped carrots: For that classic sweetness and pop of color. I like to chop mine into bite-sized pieces, not too big, not too small.
- 1 cup chopped celery: Don’t skip the celery, it adds that essential aromatic base and a nice little crunch.
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion: Yellow onions get so wonderfully sweet when they cook down, which is exactly what we want here.
- 8 cups chicken broth: This is the liquid gold that makes our soup! Use a good quality one for the best flavor. Low-sodium is great if you want to control the saltiness yourself.
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme: Thyme adds such a wonderful earthy depth.
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary: A little rosemary goes a long way, adding that signature herby note.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Start with this, you can always add more later!
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked is always best if you have it!
- 1 cup egg noodles: These are the little ribbons of happiness that make it *chicken noodle* soup!
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: This is for adding right at the very end. It just brightens everything up beautifully!
That’s it! See? Nothing too fancy required, and you probably have most of it in your pantry right now. Easy peasy!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is honestly where the magic really happens, and believe me, it is SO easy. You basically just toss everything in and let the slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. Here’s how we do it:
Initial Crockpot Setup for Your Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker! Place those chicken breasts right into the bottom. Then, chop up your carrots, celery, and onion and scatter them all around the chicken. Pour in all 8 cups of that lovely chicken broth, making sure everything is nice and submerged. Now, sprinkle in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to get all those yummy flavors going from the get-go. Trust me, getting these seasonings in early is key for depth!
Cooking and Shredding the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Pop the lid on your slow cooker, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours – whatever fits your schedule best! The longer it cooks on low, the more tender that chicken gets. Once it’s cooked through and falling apart easily, carefully take the chicken breasts out. A couple of forks work wonders for shredding it right up. This step is crucial because shredded chicken just melts into the soup so much better than big chunks! Put that beautifully shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. You’re almost there!
Adding Noodles and Finishing Touches to Your Soup
Now for the best part: the noodles! Stir in those 1 cup of egg noodles. You’ll want to let them cook for another 20-30 minutes, right there in the warm broth, until they’re perfectly tender. Be careful not to overcook them, or they get a bit mushy. Right before you serve your amazing Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, stir in the fresh parsley. Its bright, fresh flavor is the perfect sparkle to finish off this comforting bowl. Mmm, smells amazing already!
Tips for the Best Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
You know, even with the simplest recipes, a few little tricks can make all the difference between ‘good’ and ‘OMG, I need this recipe NOW’! For this Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, it’s all about those small touches. First off, don’t be afraid to really let those veggies soften and get friendly with the seasonings in the beginning – it builds such a great flavor foundation. When it comes to the noodles, stir them in near the end, and keep an eye on them. Nobody likes mushy noodles, right? I’ve found that a medium egg noodle works best, but feel free to experiment! For an extra boost of flavor or a thicker broth, try stirring in a little slurry of cornstarch and cold water in the last half hour of cooking.
Also, a little secret of mine? If I’m in a huge rush and don’t have time to cook the chicken from scratch, I’ll totally use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Just shred the meat and toss it in during the last 30 minutes or so with the noodles. It’s a total lifesaver! And please, for the love of all that is delicious, taste and adjust your salt and pepper *before* serving. That final seasoning check makes your Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup sing!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
You know, while the recipe is wonderfully straightforward, sometimes life throws you a curveball, or maybe you just want to switch things up! That’s totally fair, and this soup is super forgiving. If you’re not a huge fan of egg noodles, or they’re not in your pantry, no worries at all! Pretty much any small pasta shape will work. Think elbow macaroni, ditalini, or even small shells. Just keep in mind that different pasta types might soak up a little more broth, so you might need to add a splash more liquid if you’re not serving it right away.
And oh my goodness, have I already mentioned rotisserie chicken? If you’re short on time, or just love that extra layer of flavor, picking up a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a total game-changer. Just shred the meat and toss it in during the last 30 minutes with the noodles. It’s almost *too* easy!
Serving Suggestions for Your Comforting Soup
This warm hug in a bowl deserves its perfect partners! While this soup is practically a meal on its own, I love serving it with a big slice of crusty homemade bread. It’s perfect for dunking into that flavorful broth! A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is also lovely, or even just some crunchy crackers on the side. It really makes the meal feel extra special, but honestly, it’s delightful just as it is!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got delicious leftovers? Lucky you! This soup stores beautifully. Once cooled down a bit, spoon your leftover Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Perfect for quick lunches during the week!
If you want to freeze it for a future craving, that works too! Just make sure it’s completely cool first, then pop it into a freezer-safe container. It should last a good 2-3 months. When you’re ready to reheat, the easiest way is to just pop it back into a pot on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s bubbly and hot. If it seems a bit thick after freezing, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions about Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Got more questions about this wonderfully simple soup? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few things people often ask. If you have any others, feel free to reach out via our contact page!
Can I use different types of noodles in this soup?
Absolutely! While I love classic egg noodles, feel free to swap them out for elbow macaroni, ditalini, or any small pasta. Just keep an eye on them, as different types might cook a tiny bit faster or absorb more liquid.
How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer a broth that’s a bit more hearty, a cornstarch slurry is your best friend! Mix about 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth, then stir it into the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking. It’ll thicken everything up beautifully.
Can I freeze this chicken noodle soup?
Yep, you sure can! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months. Just know that the noodles might get a *little* softer upon thawing, so you might want to add fresh cooked noodles when you reheat it. It’s still super tasty, though!
Nutritional Information Estimate
Just a heads-up, the nutrition info for homemade soup can wiggle around a bit depending on the brands you use and exactly how you chop your veggies! But, based on our recipe, a serving of about 1.5 cups usually comes in around 350 calories. You’re looking at roughly 10g of fat, a whopping 35g of protein, and about 30g of carbs. It’s a pretty hearty and satisfying bowl!
Print
Cozy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy chicken noodle soup made in your slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Add carrots, celery, and onion to the slow cooker.
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Stir in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred it.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in egg noodles and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
- Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for fresh chicken breasts for a quicker option.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken noodle soup, crockpot, slow cooker, comfort food, easy soup, homemade soup