There is nothing quite as comforting and heartwarming as a bowl of soup that feels like a hug in a bowl, and this Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe hits that spot perfectly. This recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a deliciously rich broth filled with tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, all with minimal effort and maximum love. Whether you’re battling a cold, craving something soothing on a chilly evening, or simply want a fuss-free meal that everyone will enjoy, this crock pot chicken noodle soup is your new best friend in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential, each ingredient in this recipe brings its own unique magic to the pot. From fresh veggies that add color and crunch, to herbs that infuse depth and aroma, every component contributes to the overall cozy feel and flavor of the dish.
- 1 cup celery, chopped finely: Adds crunch and a subtle peppery freshness that balances the broth.
- 1 cup onion, chopped finely: Builds the savory foundation with natural sweetness and depth.
- 1 ½ cups carrots, sliced in small circles: Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant orange color.
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced: Imparts warmth and a gentle kick that brightens every spoonful.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and juicy after slow cooking.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in perfect harmony.
- ½ teaspoon pepper: Adds a mild, comforting spice to keep things lively.
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped: Offers a fragrant, pine-like note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme: Gives an earthy, subtle herbal undertone.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a whisper of heat to balance the sweetness.
- 4 bay leaves: Provide a complex, almost floral depth that simmers perfectly with the broth.
- 8 cups chicken broth, low or no sodium: The soul of the soup, rich and savory, you can control saltiness with the broth choice.
- 3 ½ cups egg noodles (8 oz): The tender, comforting noodles that soak up all the flavors beautifully.
How to Make Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Ingredients
Start by tossing all your veggies, herbs, seasonings, and the chicken breasts into your crock pot. The magic begins here as these fresh components mingle and start to release their flavors, setting the stage for a rich, soul-soothing broth.
Step 2: Let It Slow Cook
Set your crock pot to low and let it work its magic for 6-8 hours or choose high for a shorter 3-4 hour cooking time. This slow cooking tenderizes the chicken and allows every herb, veggie, and spice to fully infuse the broth, creating layers of cozy flavor.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
About 20 minutes before mealtime, remove the chicken breasts and give them a good shred using two forks. Shredding at this stage ensures the chicken stays juicy and melts into the soup for comforting bites in each spoonful.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
After shredding, toss the chicken back into the pot and add your egg noodles. If you prefer a firmer noodle texture, boiling them separately on the stove is a great option. Set your crock pot to high and let the noodles cook within the soup, soaking up all that beautiful broth.
Step 5: Finish Cooking and Serve
Give it 15-20 minutes until the noodles are perfectly tender. This timing ensures the noodles aren’t mushy but just right, offering a wonderful texture contrast to the silky broth and tender chicken.
How to Serve Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and brightness. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also add a delightful zing that brightens the rich flavors perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with warm crusty bread or a side of garlic toast to help soak up every last drop of broth. If you’re craving something on the lighter side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette offers a fresh balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your soup in rustic mugs or mini crocks for a charming presentation that feels extra cozy. For a fun twist, try ladling it over a baked potato or stuffing into warm pita pockets for a handheld, comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your cozy chicken noodle soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 3-4 days, making it an easy go-to meal for busy days.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. However, it’s best to store the broth and chicken without the noodles if possible, as noodles tend to get mushy when frozen and reheated. Freeze in portion-sized containers for convenience.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding additional broth or water if it has thickened too much. If frozen with noodles, consider adding fresh noodles while reheating to preserve that perfect texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs work great and add a bit more richness to the broth due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times if needed to ensure they’re tender and easy to shred.
Is it okay to use store-bought broth?
Absolutely. Using a good-quality low sodium or no sodium chicken broth lets you control the saltiness and still delivers wonderful flavor. Homemade broth works great too if you have it on hand.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and swap chicken for hearty mushrooms or tofu. Keep the herbs and noodles for that comforting vibe!
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you enjoy a little heat, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving. Fresh jalapeño slices could also be added before cooking for a bolder spicy kick.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
You can still make this soup on the stove! Simmer everything except the noodles on low heat for about an hour, then shred the chicken, add noodles, and cook until tender.
Final Thoughts
This Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe is truly one of those soul-satisfying dishes that makes life easier and tastier. With simple ingredients and effortless preparation, it delivers big on comfort and flavor every time. I hope you’ll give it a try and find as much joy in each spoonful as I do – it’s pure, cozy happiness in a bowl!
Print
Cozy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing, hearty meal. Slow-cooked in a crock pot, the soup combines tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, and flavorful herbs, creating a rich broth served with soft egg noodles. Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on cooking, it yields six generous servings of classic homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, chopped finely
- 1 cup onion, chopped finely
- 1 ½ cups carrots, sliced in small circles
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
Chicken & Broth
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth, low or no sodium
Seasonings & Herbs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 bay leaves
Pasta
- 3 ½ cups egg noodles (8 oz)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your crock pot, add the chopped celery, onion, carrots, minced garlic, chicken breasts, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), bay leaves, and chicken broth. Ensure everything is well combined for even flavor.
- Slow Cook: Cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
- Shred Chicken: About 20 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred them using two forks until pulled apart into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Noodles and Heat: Turn the crock pot to high and add the egg noodles directly into the soup. Alternatively, you can cook the noodles separately on the stove if preferred.
- Cook Noodles: Let the noodles cook in the crock pot for 15-20 minutes, until tender. The soup will thicken slightly and be ready to serve once noodles are perfectly cooked.
Notes
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level, or omit them for a milder soup.
- Using low or no sodium chicken broth is recommended to better control salt levels in the soup.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other pasta types if desired, but cooking times may vary.
- If you prefer firmer noodles, cook them separately and add to bowls when serving rather than cooking in the crock pot.
- Leftovers taste great the next day and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
