Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Warm up your soul with a bowl of homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and soft noodles, all simmered to perfection. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Enjoy the rich flavors and comforting aromas that fill your kitchen as this dish cooks slowly, bringing warmth and joy to your dining table.
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups egg noodles
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and the cooking time is approximately 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 cup) contains approximately 250 calories, 20g protein, 30g carbohydrates, 4g fat, and 2g fiber. This is for one person, making it a nutritious choice for lunch or dinner.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery on top of the chicken.
3. Sprinkle minced garlic and thyme over the vegetables.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
9. Add the egg noodles and stir to combine.
10. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until noodles are tender.
Alternative Ingredients
Feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey for a different flavor. You can also use vegetable broth and omit the chicken for a vegetarian version. Add your favorite vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition.
Serving and Pairings
Crockpot chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad. It can also be enjoyed with crackers for a comforting snack.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.
Cooking Mistakes
– Using too much salt can overpower the flavor.
– Forgetting to shred the chicken can leave it tough.
– Adding noodles too early can make them mushy.
– Not using enough broth can lead to a dry soup.
– Overcooking can affect the texture of vegetables.
– Skipping the garlic can diminish flavor depth.
– Not tasting before serving can lead to unseasoned soup.
Helpful Tips
– Use homemade broth for a richer taste.
– Add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
– Experiment with herbs like rosemary or dill.
– For creaminess, stir in a splash of cream before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it cooks thoroughly. It may take longer to reach safe temperatures.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice to make the recipe gluten-free.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
How long does it take to cook on high?
Cooking on high generally takes 3-4 hours, but check for doneness to ensure everything is cooked through.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen overnight.
Conclusion
Crockpot chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for families and busy individuals alike. Enjoy this delicious soup any day of the week, and savor the delightful flavors it brings.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots diced
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and thyme over the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are covered.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Add the egg noodles and stir to combine.
- Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until noodles are tender.