Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Nights

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

If you are looking for the ultimate comfort food that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and satisfies your soul on cool evenings, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is your go-to solution. It’s an easy recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and comforting herbs simmered to perfection in your slow cooker so you can come home to a bowl of pure coziness. Whether you crave heartwarming meals after a long day or want a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, this soup blends simple ingredients into a rich, flavorful experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless cooking: Just prep your ingredients, set your crockpot, and relax while the soup simmers to perfection.
  • Flavorful layers: The slow cooking method helps the herbs and veggies release their full, savory goodness into the broth.
  • Healthful ingredients: Packed with fresh veggies and lean chicken, it’s a nourishing choice for any season.
  • Comfort in a bowl: The tender noodles and warm broth make it an ideal dish for cozy nights or feeling under the weather.
  • Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste by switching up veggies or herbs to keep it fresh every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is in its simple yet essential ingredients that come together to create an amazing depth of flavor and texture. Each element adds a unique touch, from the juicy, tender chicken to the crisp carrots and delicate herbs that finish the dish.

  • Chicken breasts: Choose boneless and skinless for tender, shred-friendly meat that cooks evenly.
  • Carrots: Provide sweetness and vibrant color, enhancing both texture and appearance.
  • Celery: Adds a subtle crunch and aromatic foundation to the broth.
  • Yellow onion: Offers a savory depth and natural sweetness when slow-cooked.
  • Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with fragrant warmth and a mild spicy kick.
  • Chicken broth: The hearty base that brings everything together with its savory richness.
  • Dried herbs (thyme, parsley, rosemary): These herbs give the soup a garden-fresh aroma and earthy flavors.
  • Smoked turkey bacon: Adds a smoky undertone and subtle saltiness that complements the chicken.
  • Wide egg noodles (plant-based): Provide comforting, tender bites that soak up the broth beautifully.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential to balance and enhance all the flavors perfectly.
  • Natural gelling agent (optional): For a silky, slightly thickened broth that clings wonderfully to the noodles.

Variations for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

If you want to make this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup truly your own, there are plenty of options to switch things up while keeping the recipe easy to follow. Whether you’re catering to special dietary needs or simply craving new flavors, customization has never been easier.

  • Veggie-packed version: Add zucchini, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition and color.
  • Spicy twist: Toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle heat that warms from the inside out.
  • Herbal variations: Try substituting basil or oregano for a Mediterranean flair.
  • No-noodle option: Replace noodles with spiralized vegetables for a lighter, lower-carb soup.
  • Smoked turkey slices swap: Use smoked turkey slices instead of smoked turkey bacon for a different smoky texture.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup for Cozy Nights

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by chopping your carrots, celery, and onion into bite-size pieces. Mince the garlic cloves carefully to release their fragrance. Trim the smoked turkey bacon into small strips and set aside.

Step 2: Layer into the Crockpot

Place the chopped vegetables and smoked turkey bacon at the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the chicken breasts on top and sprinkle the dried herbs evenly over everything. Pour in chicken broth until all ingredients are covered. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to develop fully and the chicken to become gorgeously tender, ready to shred.

Step 4: Shred and Add Noodles

Remove the chicken breasts carefully and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot along with the wide egg noodles (plant-based). Stir gently.

Step 5: Final Cooking Stage

Cook uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until noodles are tender and the broth has slightly thickened. If you want a silkier texture, stir in a teaspoon of natural gelling agent dissolved in water during this step.

Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Use fresh herbs: If possible, fresh herbs add brighter, livelier flavor than dried varieties.
  • Don’t skip browning smoked turkey bacon: Quickly sauté before adding to the crockpot to deepen its flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking noodles: Add them toward the end to keep them tender but not mushy.
  • Layer ingredients thoughtfully: Placing veggies at the bottom ensures even cooking with the liquid.
  • Adjust seasoning last: Taste near the end and add salt or pepper as needed because flavors intensify while cooking.

How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Garnishes

Serve your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh herbal aroma. A dash of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens each spoonful beautifully.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty plant-based garlic bread or a fresh green side salad to round out your meal. For extra comfort, a warm whole grain roll works perfectly for dipping into the savory broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, ladle the soup into individual bread bowls or serve in charming rustic mugs for easy sipping. Adding a small dollop of plant-based sour cream or yogurt can make the experience richer and creamier without overpowering the natural flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the noodles remain intact and flavors stay fresh.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, it’s best to keep the soup without noodles and add fresh noodles when reheating. Portion into freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Gently reheat on the stove over low heat, adding fresh noodles and simmering until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and maintain a smooth, comforting consistency.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, making your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup even more indulgent.

What if I don’t have fresh veggies on hand?

Frozen vegetables work beautifully and can be added in the same way, ensuring you don’t sacrifice flavor or nutrition.

Can I make this soup vegan?

Yes, simply replace the chicken with hearty mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth to maintain the richness and texture.

How long can leftovers be safely kept?

Stored properly in the refrigerator, your soup will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days.

Is it possible to cook this soup on high setting?

You can, but the flavors will develop better when cooked on low for several hours, allowing the ingredients to meld nicely.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is genuinely one of those cozy kitchen treasures that brings warmth and comfort effortlessly to your table. Easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and adaptable to your tastes, it’s a recipe that feels like a welcome hug in a bowl. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the delightful flavor of homemade comfort after a busy day.

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Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup


  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 6 hours 50 minutes to 8 hours 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting, easy-to-make slow cooker recipe combining tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs simmered to perfection. This nourishing soup features wide egg noodles and a savory broth enriched with natural flavors, perfect for cozy evenings and family meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 3 strips smoked turkey bacon, cut into small strips
  • 8 ounces wide egg noodles (plant-based)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)

Optional Variations

  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup peas
  • Pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil or oregano
  • Smoked turkey slices as alternative to smoked turkey bacon
  • Spiralized vegetables as noodle substitute

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the carrots, celery, and yellow onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Cut the smoked turkey bacon strips into small pieces and set aside.
  2. Layer into the Crockpot: Place the chopped vegetables and smoked turkey bacon at the bottom of the crockpot. Lay the chicken breasts on top, then evenly sprinkle the dried thyme, parsley, and rosemary over all ingredients. Pour in chicken broth until completely covering the ingredients. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  3. Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender and ready to shred.
  4. Shred and Add Noodles: Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot along with the wide egg noodles (plant-based). Stir gently to combine.
  5. Final Cooking Stage: Cook uncovered for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the noodles are tender and the broth has slightly thickened. If a silkier texture is desired, dissolve the natural gelling agent in a small amount of water and stir it into the soup during this step.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs if possible for more vibrant flavor.
  • Sauté smoked turkey bacon briefly before adding for enhanced flavor.
  • Add noodles near the end to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
  • Layer vegetables at the bottom for even cooking with the broth.
  • Adjust salt and pepper seasoning at the end as flavors intensify during cooking.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours plus 30 minutes
  • Category: Soups
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: crockpot chicken noodle soup, slow cooker soup, comfort food, chicken soup, easy dinner, healthy soup, plant-based noodles

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