Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
When I think about comfort food, this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup always comes to mind.
It’s the ultimate dish that wraps you in warmth with every spoonful. The rich broth, tender chicken, and hearty noodles create a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
I love how easy it’s to prepare, just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. After a long day, nothing beats coming home to that inviting aroma.
Plus, it’s a perfect way to nourish both body and soul, making it my go-to recipe for chilly nights or when I’m feeling under the weather.
Ingredients of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
When it comes to making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, the ingredients are simple yet essential for creating that warm, cozy bowl of goodness. You don’t need a fancy pantry stocked with exotic spices or ingredients. Just a handful of fresh veggies, some chicken, and a few pantry staples will have you well on your way to a delicious meal.
It’s like a hug in a bowl, and trust me, you’ll want to gather these ingredients to make it happen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 cups water or 8 cups canned chicken broth
- 1 cup carrot, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 cup celery, cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 teaspoons salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 (3 1/2 lb) roasting chicken
- 3 cups wide egg noodles, uncooked
Now, let’s talk a bit about the ingredients. You might be wondering if you can substitute any of them. Well, you could swap out the chicken broth for vegetable broth if you want a lighter version, but honestly, chicken broth really amps up that comforting flavor.
And if you’re feeling adventurous, throw in some other veggies like peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness. Oh, and don’t be shy with the salt and pepper; they’re your best friends here. Just remember to taste as you go—nobody wants a bland soup, right?
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is truly a delightful experience, and it’s as easy as pie—or should I say, as easy as soup?
First things first, grab your trusty 4-1/2 to 6-quart slow cooker. You’re going to want to start by tossing in 8 cups of water or, if you’re feeling fancy, 8 cups of canned chicken broth. The broth really gives it that heartwarming flavor, but hey, water works if that’s all you have.
Next, add in 1 cup of carrots sliced into 1/4-inch rounds, 1 cup of celery also cut into 1/4-inch slices, and 1 cup of chopped onion. Don’t skip the garlic here—just 1 clove minced will do. Toss in 2 bay leaves, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, 4 teaspoons of salt (but remember, you can adjust this later to your taste), and 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Now, it’s time to introduce the star of the show: the chicken. Place a whole 3-1/2 lb roasting chicken right on top of those lovely veggies and spices. Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 8 to 10 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Imagine the delicious aroma filling your home as the chicken cooks and the flavors meld together.
Once your cooking time is up, carefully transfer that chicken to a cutting board. Oh, and don’t forget to fish out and discard those bay leaves—they’ve done their job.
Here comes the fun part: while the chicken cools, add in 3 cups of uncooked wide egg noodles to the slow cooker and let them bubble away for about 20 minutes.
While the noodles cook, you can shred the chicken, discarding the skin, fat, and bones. It’s a bit messy, but who cares? You’re making soup.
Once the noodles are done, skim off any fat from the soup (because who needs that extra grease?), and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Give it a good stir, taste it, and if you think it needs more salt or pepper, now’s the time to adjust.
And voilà, you have yourself a pot of comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup that’s sure to warm your heart and soul. Just picture yourself with a big bowl, cozy blanket, and maybe a good book—heaven.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Substitutions & Variations
While I love the classic Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, experimenting with substitutions and variations can lead to delightful new flavors.
For instance, you can swap chicken for turkey or add chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Instead of egg noodles, try whole wheat pasta or even zucchini noodles for a lighter option.
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate the taste, and tossing in some spinach or kale boosts the nutrition. If you want a kick, a splash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes does wonders.
Let your creativity shine, and enjoy your personalized soup!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Looking for the perfect side dishes to complement your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
I love serving it with warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls for that cozy touch. A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the soup’s warmth.
If you’re in the mood for something heartier, garlic bread is a fantastic option. You can also whip up some cheesy crackers or a platter of veggies and dip for a fun appetizer.
Each of these sides enhances the meal, making it even more satisfying and enjoyable for everyone at the table.
Additional Tips & Notes
Pairing your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup with delicious sides is just the beginning of creating a comforting meal.
I recommend adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving for an extra flavor boost. If you want to customize it, feel free to toss in other veggies like peas or corn.
For a richer broth, consider using homemade chicken stock instead of water.
And don’t forget, this soup freezes wonderfully! Just store it in airtight containers for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove when you’re ready for another cozy bowl.
Enjoy!