Effortless Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Recipe Introduction

Fancy a proper bowl of comfort? Ever craved that warm, hug-in-a-bowl feeling? This crockpot chicken noodle soup is exactly what you need. Trust me.

Grandma's Comfort, Modern Ease

This ain't your tinned soup, love. This is real food. It's a rich, flavourful chicken noodle soup recipe easy to make in your slow cooker .

Think of it as comfort food soup recipes for those chilly evenings.

This recipe uses bone-in chicken thighs and egg noodles. The result? A hearty soup that tastes like it’s been simmering all day! It's like your Nan's recipe, but way easier!

Slow Cooker Goodness

Did you know that slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipes are actually a spin off from old world cooking traditions? It is true!.

This recipe is dead easy. Prep time? About 15 minutes. Cook time? 6- 8 hours on low. It makes 6-8 servings. Perfect for a family dinner ideas crockpot night, wouldn't you agree?

Health & Happiness

Chicken noodle soup from scratch isn't just tasty. It's actually good for you!. It's packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Also this is great winter soup recipes !

And it's perfect when you're feeling a bit rough. This homemade chicken noodle soup crockpot recipe will have you feeling right as rain.

What makes it special? The slow cooking brings out all the lovely flavors.

Let's get the ingredients sorted, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment

Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this dreamy crockpot chicken noodle soup . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward, and you probably have most of it already.

This isn’t just any chicken noodle soup recipe easy , it is a hug in a bowl.

Main Ingredients

Okay, so here's the shopping list. Get your pen ready!

• 3 lbs (1.36 kg) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Go for good quality, free range if you can.
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil. For searing trust me, it adds flavour.
• 1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup/200g). Yellow or white, whatever you fancy.
• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped (about 1 cup/150g). Adds that sweetness we all love.
• 2 celery stalks, chopped (about 1 cup/120g). Essential for that classic soup base.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. More if you're a garlic fiend. Like me.
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken broth. Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• 1 tsp dried thyme.
• 1/2 tsp dried rosemary.
• 1 bay leaf.
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste). Don't be shy, season it right.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste). Freshly ground is always better.
• 8 oz (225g) egg noodles. Wide ones are my favourite!
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (optional). Adds a pop of freshness.

Honestly, the better the ingredients, the better your homemade chicken noodle soup crockpot will taste. It's true for any winter soup recipes or comfort food soup recipes !

Seasoning Notes

Right, let’s have a chinwag about seasoning. This is where you can really make the slow cooker chicken noodle soup sing.

Thyme and rosemary are your base. They give that lovely, earthy flavour. But don't be afraid to experiment! A pinch of sage can be nice too.

For a bit of a kick, add a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want to mix it up, a teaspoon of lemon juice brightens everything up at the end.

If you fancy trying a slow cooker chicken thigh soup recipe instead of using thighs it is worth giving a go!

Equipment Needed

You don’t need fancy equipment for this easy crockpot recipes . I swear.

• A 6-quart (or bigger) slow cooker/crockpot. It's got to fit all that goodness.
• A large skillet (optional). For searing the chicken but you can skip this if you're super lazy.
• A cutting board and chef's knife. Obvious, but gotta say it, innit?

If you don't have a skillet, just chuck the chicken straight into the crockpot. Honestly, it'll still be lush. This family dinner ideas crockpot is a winner because it is so simple.

Effortless Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: Grandma's Comfort, Modern Ease

Right then, let's get cracking on a proper chicken noodle soup. This crockpot chicken noodle soup will remind you of what your Nan used to make.

But, with a modern, slow cooker twist, of course. It's comforting, warming, and oh-so-easy. It's the perfect comfort food soup recipe .

Honestly, who doesn't love a big bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup crockpot on a cold day?

Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic

Essential mise en place is key. Chop 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks. Mince 4 cloves of garlic.

Got it? Good! This is a chicken noodle soup recipe easy . It also saves you time later. A little prep goes a long way.

Safety first: Watch your fingers when chopping!

step-by-step: Slow Cooker Simplicity

This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a breeze.

1. Sear 3 lbs of bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs in 1 tbsp olive oil until golden. About 3- 5 minutes per side.
2. Place chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic.
3. Arrange the seared chicken thighs on top of the veggies.
4. Pour 8 cups of chicken broth over everything. Add 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6- 8 hours or on high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken should be falling off the bone.
6. Remove chicken, shred it, and discard the skin and bones.
7. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot. Add 8 oz egg noodles.
8. Cook on high for 15- 20 minutes . Noodles should be tender.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Sear the chicken thighs, honestly it makes a world of difference. It adds extra flavour! Don’t overcook the noodles. Nobody likes mushy noodles.

Add them towards the end! One of the most common mistakes is adding too much salt. Use low-sodium broth to avoid that.

Thinking about a family dinner ideas crockpot , this is it! And don't forget winter soup recipes like this.

This slow cooker chicken thigh soup is a winner, every time. This easy crockpot recipes will become a family favourite.

This chicken noodle soup from scratch tastes like it simmered all day, but you barely lifted a finger. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes for Perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

This crockpot chicken noodle soup isn't just food; it's a hug in a bowl. It's one of those comfort food soup recipes that takes you right back to childhood.

This recipe is a doddle.

Serving Suggestions: Make It Special

Honestly, presentation matters, even with comfort food soup recipes . Plating it up nicely makes all the difference, right?

• Plating and Presentation Ideas: Ladle the homemade chicken noodle soup crockpot into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A swirl of cream adds a touch of richness.
• Complementary Sides or Beverages: A hunk of crusty bread is essential for soaking up every last drop. A simple side salad cuts through the richness. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc works really well.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh

Knowing how to store this winter soup recipe properly is crucial, unless you're planning on eating it all in one sitting. (No judgement here if you are).

• Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftover slow cooker chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing Options: Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing. Portion it into freezer safe containers. It will happily sit in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
• Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Stir occasionally. You can also microwave it, but watch it doesn't explode.

Variations: Make It Your Own

One of the best things about easy crockpot recipes like this is that they're so adaptable. Don’t be afraid to experiment.

• Dietary Adaptations: For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free noodles. To make it dairy-free, omit the cream garnish and ensure your broth is dairy-free.
• Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: Swap out the carrots and celery for butternut squash or parsnips in the autumn. Add some peas in the spring for a fresher taste.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bowl

This chicken noodle soup from scratch is more than just tasty. It is packed with nutrients to help you feel good.

• Simplified Nutrition Information: Each serving is roughly 350-450 calories, with a good dose of protein (30-40g). There is also carbohydrates (20-30g) and fat (15-25g). Use low-sodium broth to keep the salt levels down.
• Key Health Benefits: Chicken broth is known for its soothing properties, perfect for a cold. The vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals. It's a great pick-me-up.

This chicken noodle soup recipe easy version is destined to be a new family dinner ideas crockpot staple. It's proper lovely.

Get in that kitchen, and make this slow cooker chicken thigh soup for yourself!. You won't regret it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this crockpot chicken noodle soup ahead of time? Like, a day or two before?

Absolutely! Crockpot chicken noodle soup is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavours actually meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just be aware that the noodles might absorb more broth as it sits, so you may need to add a splash more chicken broth when reheating.

My noodles always get mushy in the slow cooker. How can I prevent that in my crockpot chicken noodle soup?

Ah, the dreaded mushy noodle! The key is timing. Add the egg noodles during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, or even cook the noodles separately on the stovetop and add them right before serving. This ensures they're perfectly al dente and not a soggy disappointment, a fate worse than a cold cuppa!

I'm short on time. Can I skip searing the chicken before putting it in the crockpot for the chicken noodle soup?

You certainly can skip searing the chicken if you're in a rush. Searing adds a depth of flavour that's lovely, but the soup will still be delicious without it. Just be sure to remove the skin and bones before serving.

Think of it like choosing between a full English and a quick piece of toast both are good, but one’s a bit more special!

How long does crockpot chicken noodle soup last in the fridge, and can I freeze it?

Your crockpot chicken noodle soup will happily keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, that's also a good option, though the noodles might get a bit softer after thawing. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to freezer safe containers or bags.

It'll last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months, ready for a comforting meal on a dreary day.

I want to make my crockpot chicken noodle soup healthier. Any tips?

You're on the right track! To make it healthier, use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content, and load up on veggies like carrots, celery, and even some leafy greens like spinach. Using whole wheat noodles will add fiber.

You can also trim any excess fat from the chicken and remove the skin before adding it to the slow cooker. Every little bit helps!

Can I use different types of noodles in this slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, feel free to experiment. Try rotini, ditalini, or even gluten-free noodles if you have dietary restrictions. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different noodle types may require slightly longer or shorter cooking periods to reach that perfect al dente texture.