Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic homemade meal that delivers comfort with very little effort. Tender shredded chicken, colorful vegetables, flavorful herbs, and soft egg noodles come together in a rich broth that slowly develops incredible taste as it cooks. Since the slow cooker handles most of the cooking, you can prepare the ingredients in the morning and return to a hearty dinner later in the day. This recipe skips processed ingredients and focuses on fresh, simple foods that create a satisfying soup perfect for family meals, meal prep, or chilly evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
There is a reason this soup remains a favorite in so many homes. It is easy to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and creates a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy. The slow cooking process allows every ingredient to absorb the delicious flavors of the broth.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Simple preparation | Requires only a few minutes of prep time |
| Homemade flavor | Fresh ingredients create a rich broth |
| Nutritious | Filled with vegetables and lean chicken |
| Great for leftovers | Easy to refrigerate or freeze |
| Crowd pleaser | Suitable for family dinners and gatherings |
At Richy Bites, Alessia believes the best recipes are the ones that make cooking feel easy and enjoyable. Using fresh ingredients and uncomplicated methods allows anyone to prepare comforting meals that bring family and friends together around the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Have these ingredients ready before you begin cooking.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 to 1½ pounds |
| Yellow onion, diced | 1 medium to large |
| Carrots, peeled and sliced | 3 large |
| Celery stalks, sliced | 2 |
| Garlic, minced | 3 to 4 cloves |
| Dried thyme | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Dried rosemary | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Bay leaf | 1 optional |
| Chicken bouillon base | 2 teaspoons |
| Reduced sodium chicken broth | 8 to 9 cups |
| Egg noodles | 8 ounces |
| Fresh parsley, chopped | For garnish |
| Additional salt and pepper | To taste |
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Arrange the chicken breasts in the bottom of a large slow cooker. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf if you are using one. Spoon the chicken bouillon base over the ingredients, then pour in the chicken broth. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board or bowl and shred it into bite sized pieces. Remove the bay leaf from the soup and discard it. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir in the egg noodles, and continue cooking on LOW for another 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender. Taste the broth, adjust the seasoning if needed, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Step by Step Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
- Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
- Spoon the chicken bouillon base over the vegetables.
- Pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the slow cooker.
- Shred the chicken with two forks.
- Discard the bay leaf.
- Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Stir in the egg noodles.
- Continue cooking for 10 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Taste, adjust the seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Helpful Tips, Nutrition, and FAQs
Helpful Tips
Fresh vegetables hold their texture well during slow cooking and give the soup a brighter flavor. Reduced sodium broth makes it easier to adjust the seasoning before serving. If you plan to freeze leftovers, prepare the noodles separately because they can become very soft after thawing. Stir the soup occasionally after adding the noodles to help them cook evenly throughout the broth.
Recipe Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Rich, savory, and comforting |
| Texture | Tender chicken with soft vegetables and noodles |
| Cuisine | American |
| Course | Main Course |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6 hours 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 6 hours 20 minutes |
| Servings | 6 |
| Calories | 175 per serving |
Optional Variations
Replace the chicken breasts with boneless chicken thighs for a richer taste.
Add frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking for extra color and nutrition.
Use whole wheat egg noodles if you prefer additional fiber.
Finish each bowl with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
Nutrition Per Serving
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 175 |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Fat | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 31mg |
| Sodium | 245mg |
| Potassium | 284mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Vitamin A | 6095 IU |
| Vitamin C | 4.9mg |
| Calcium | 39mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best chicken to use for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most popular option because they cook until tender and shred easily. Boneless chicken thighs are also an excellent alternative if you prefer a slightly richer flavor.
Can you make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it until you are ready to serve. For the best texture, cook the noodles separately or add them just before serving.
When should you add the noodles to Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
Add the egg noodles after shredding the chicken and returning it to the slow cooker. They usually need only 10 to 15 minutes to become perfectly tender.
How do you store and freeze Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?
Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to three months. If possible, freeze the soup without the noodles and prepare fresh noodles when reheating.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup | Cozy Homemade Comfort in Every Bowl
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup combines tender shredded chicken, fresh vegetables, egg noodles, herbs, and savory broth in one comforting meal. The slow cooker handles most of the work, making this recipe ideal for busy weekdays, meal prep, and cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed
1 medium to large yellow onion, diced
3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 bay leaf, optional
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon base
8 to 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
8 ounces wide egg noodles
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker.
2. Add the onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, kosher salt, black pepper, and bay leaf.
3. Spoon the chicken bouillon base over the ingredients.
4. Pour in the reduced sodium chicken broth and stir gently.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
6. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and shred it with two forks.
7. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
8. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
9. Stir in the egg noodles.
10. Cover and cook on LOW for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
11. Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper as needed.
12. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For firmer noodles, cook the egg noodles separately and add them to each bowl before serving.
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor.
Freeze the soup without the noodles whenever possible because cooked pasta can soften after thawing.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze cooled soup in freezer safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 245mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
Storage Instructions and Conclusion
Allow the soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate leftovers for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until the soup is hot throughout. For long term storage, freeze individual portions for up to three months. Adding freshly cooked noodles after thawing helps preserve the best texture and prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft.
Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is an easy homemade recipe that transforms everyday ingredients into a flavorful and comforting meal. The combination of slow cooked chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and tender noodles creates a satisfying soup that is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekends at home. Make a batch whenever you need a nourishing meal that is simple to prepare and full of homemade goodness.