Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Creating a soothing bowl of chicken noodle soup is a cherished memory for many of us. Growing up, I often curled up on the couch with a cozy blanket, a steaming bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup in hand, as winter’s chill seeped through the windows. Comfort food like this brings warmth not just physically, but it also creates a sense of security and home.

Nothing beats the satisfaction of simmering a fragrant broth filled with tender chicken and bright vegetables. With the slow cooker, crafting this classic dish transforms into a simple and relaxing experience. This soup nourishes both the body and the soul, making it an ideal choice for a family dinner or a night in.

What I love most about slow cooker chicken noodle soup is its versatility. You can adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand, while still achieving that beloved comforting flavor. The combination of chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles creates a harmonious balance that truly embodies home-cooked goodness.

This recipe for slow cooker chicken noodle soup not only celebrates simplicity but also invites you to embrace the magic of cooking at home. Let’s dive into the scrumptious steps of making this delightful soup, perfect for any occasion.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Fundamentals

Preparation/Setup

Preparing slow cooker chicken noodle soup begins with gathering your ingredients. A clean kitchen space makes a big difference, so take a moment to organize your tools and ingredients. For this recipe, you will need:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5 lbs
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Start by washing and prepping the vegetables. Dicing the onion and slicing the carrots and celery ensures that every bite of soup is packed with flavor. Mince the garlic to release its aromatic oils, adding depth to the dish.

Ingredients

Once all vegetables are prepped, you can assemble them in the slow cooker. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery first, followed by the minced garlic. These will provide a solid flavor base for your soup.

Next, pour in the chicken stock or broth. The liquid will help the chicken cook evenly while bringing all the flavors together. Time for the star of the show: the chicken breasts. Place them in the liquid, surrounded by the veg, and add the dried bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Lastly, season with salt and pepper, keeping in mind that you can adjust these flavors later.

Directions

With everything in the slow cooker, set it to low and let it do the hard work for you, simmering for 6-8 hours. The slow and steady cooking process allows the chicken to become tender and the vegetables to soften beautifully.

After this time, check that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the vegetables are tender. Carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them with two forks, incorporating them back into the soup. This step adds heartiness to each bowl.

To finish the dish, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Ensure the noodles are submerged in the delicious broth to cook properly. If you prefer, you can cook them separately on the stove until tender and then add them to the soup.

Finally, just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice and parsley to elevate the flavors.

Preparing Your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Technique

When making slow cooker chicken noodle soup, mastering a few fundamental techniques can elevate your cooking. One vital method is properly seasoning at various stages of cooking. Seasoning early builds layers of flavor, while finishing touches with fresh herbs and lemon juice brighten the final dish.

Another crucial technique is shredding the chicken effectively. Using two forks helps ensure even distribution of chicken in the soup. This technique results in tender pieces throughout each bowl, making it more enjoyable to eat.

Tips/Tricks

To ensure the best flavor, consider sautéing your onions, garlic, and carrots for a few minutes in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This extra step enhances the aromatics and deepens the overall taste of the soup.

Don’t rush the cooking process. Each slow cooker varies, so always gauge the doneness of both chicken and vegetables personally. Taste as you go, adjusting seasoning to create the perfect bowl of comfort.

If you’re looking to try variations, consider adding different vegetables like peas or green beans during the last half-hour of cooking. This inclusion can add color and texture to your soup and keep it exciting.

Perfecting Your Chicken Noodle Soup

Perfecting Results

Achieving a perfect bowl of slow cooker chicken noodle soup relies on a few key aspects. The texture of the noodles plays a significant role. Egg noodles should be added towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking or becoming mushy.

Monitoring the cooking time is essential. Use a meat thermometer to check when the chicken reaches 165°F, indicating it’s fully cooked. Keep in mind that some slow cookers may cook faster than others, so adjusting the cooking time based on your equipment is crucial.

Troubleshooting/Variations

In the event you find your soup too thick, simply add a little more broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can remove the lid and simmer on high for a short while to allow some liquid to evaporate.

If you prefer a creamier soup, consider stirring in a bit of cream or milk just before serving. This addition can enhance the richness of the dish, giving it a comforting appeal. Always remember, though, that these variations can divert from the traditional recipe.

Serving and Storing Your Soup

Serving/Presentation

When it comes time to serve your slow cooker chicken noodle soup, presenting it with a garnish of fresh parsley not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a burst of freshness. The vibrant green color contrasts beautifully with the golden broth and noodles, making your dish look inviting.

A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper can add a nice finishing touch. Serve the soup in cozy bowls with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad to complete your meal.

Pairings/Storage

When storing leftover soup, allow it to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. This soup lasts in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, store individual portions for easy reheating later.

Reheating your soup is simple. Just warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If it thickened in the fridge, add a little broth to loosen it before serving again.

Slow cooker chicken noodle soup evokes comforting memories while providing a nourishing meal for busy days. This recipe not only showcases the joy of home cooking but also embodies warmth and care. Embrace this classic and enjoy the bonding moment it creates with loved ones around the table.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 435 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

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Description

A comforting bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 medium carrots, sliced
• 4 stalks celery, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups chicken stock or broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Add the diced onions, sliced carrots, and celery to the slow cooker, followed by the minced garlic.
2. Pour in the chicken stock or broth, then add the chicken breasts, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours.
4. Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred or chop them before returning to the soup.
5. Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Make sure noodles are submerged in the broth.
6. Before serving, stir in the lemon juice and parsley.

Notes

For enhanced flavor, consider sautéing the onions, garlic, and carrots before adding them to the slow cooker. Adjust seasoning according to taste while cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 420 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken noodle soup, slow cooker, comfort food, family dinner, easy recipes