Comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups chicken broth - 2 cups water - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 celery stalks, diced - 1 medium onion, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced The chicken is the star of this dish. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding. The broth and water create a rich base. I always choose low-sodium broth to control salt levels. Fresh vegetables give great flavor and texture. Diced carrots, celery, and chopped onions bring sweetness and crunch. Minced garlic adds a nice kick. - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - 1 bay leaf - 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) - 1/2 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste) Herbs are key in this soup. Dried thyme and parsley add depth. The bay leaf gives a warm aroma. Salt and pepper are vital for flavor. Always taste and adjust these seasonings. A little tweak can make a big difference. - 2 cups egg noodles - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a fresh twist) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Egg noodles bring comfort to the soup. They soak up the broth and add heartiness. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. It adds a hint of tang. Lastly, fresh parsley as a garnish looks pretty and adds freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} Chopping Vegetables Start by washing and peeling your vegetables. Dice two medium carrots and two celery stalks. Chop one medium onion and mince three cloves of garlic. Make sure the pieces are small but not too tiny. This helps them cook evenly. Shredding Chicken Once the chicken is cooked, take it out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to mix back into the soup. Set it aside while you add the noodles. Layering in the Crockpot To begin, place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Pour four cups of chicken broth and two cups of water over the chicken. Add your chopped vegetables next. Stir in the dried thyme, parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Cooking Times Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and fully cooked. Adding Noodles After cooking, stir in two cups of egg noodles. Cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes. This will allow the noodles to soften and soak up the flavors. Adjusting Seasoning Before serving, add one tablespoon of lemon juice. This gives a fresh taste to the soup. Always taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Finally, remember to remove the bay leaf before serving. To make your soup taste great, use fresh ingredients. Fresh chicken gives a rich flavor. Use good quality chicken broth for depth. You can even add a splash of white wine for more taste. Let the soup simmer to blend all the flavors. Start by layering your ingredients right. Place the chicken at the bottom. Add the broth next, then the veggies. This keeps the chicken moist while cooking. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Be careful not to overcook your noodles. They can turn mushy. Add them in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. This keeps them firm and delicious. Don’t skip the salt and pepper! Seasoning boosts the soup’s taste. Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the seasoning as needed. A little lemon juice brightens the flavors too. Serve your soup with crusty bread. It soaks up the broth and adds a nice crunch. Garlic bread is a tasty choice too! Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. This adds color and flavor. For a fun touch, use a nice bowl. It makes the meal feel special. Pro Tips Use Bone-in Chicken: For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones add depth to the broth, making your soup even more comforting. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds more nutrition to your soup. Store Leftovers Properly: Cool the soup completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Always taste the soup before serving, as flavors can intensify during cooking. Adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a splash of vinegar for balance. {{image_2}} If you want to change up the chicken in your soup, you have options! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for quick prep. If you prefer dark meat, try chicken thighs instead of breasts. For a vegetarian twist, use chickpeas or tofu. These choices will add different flavors and textures. Feel free to mix your veggies. Green beans, peas, or corn can add color and taste. You might also add bell peppers for sweetness. Just remember to chop them small so they cook evenly. Adding more veggies makes your soup heartier and more nutritious. If you need a gluten-free dish, swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. You can also use zucchini noodles or rice. These options keep the soup tasty while meeting dietary needs. Always check labels to ensure the ingredients are gluten-free. For a low-sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth. You can also skip the added salt and let everyone season their bowl. Fresh herbs can add flavor without the salt. This way, you keep the taste without the extra sodium. Want more flavor? Try adding spices like cumin or paprika. A pinch of cayenne can give it a nice kick. You can also add more thyme or rosemary for a fresh herbal taste. Experimenting with spices keeps each batch unique and exciting. Herbs can change your soup's profile. Fresh dill or cilantro can brighten the flavors. You can also mix in basil or oregano for an Italian twist. Adding herbs at the end of cooking keeps their vibrant taste and aroma. - How to Store Leftovers: Once your soup cools, pour it into airtight containers. This keeps it fresh and prevents spills. - Storage Duration: You can keep the soup in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. - Freezing for Later: If you want to enjoy your soup later, pour it into freezer-safe bags. Make sure to leave some space as the soup expands when frozen. Label the bags with the date. - Reheating Tips: To reheat, let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight. You can also warm it up directly from the freezer on the stove or in the microwave. Stir often for even heating. - Thawing Guidelines: Always thaw soup in the fridge, not on the counter. This helps keep the soup safe to eat. - Best Practices for Reheating: Heat the soup to at least 165°F (74°C). Use a food thermometer to check if you are unsure. Stir well to ensure even heat. Refrigeration Time You can store your soup in the fridge for up to three days. Keep it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh and tasty. Freezing Duration If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup for up to three months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Make sure to leave some space for the soup to expand as it freezes. Options for Adding Veggies Yes! You can add many veggies like peas, corn, or green beans. Just chop them up and toss them in with the other ingredients. This adds color and nutrition to your soup. Impact on Cooking Time Adding more vegetables may change the cooking time slightly. You might need to cook them a bit longer if they are thick or tough. Check if they are tender before serving. Adding Dairy-Based Ingredients To make your soup creamier, add some heavy cream or milk. Stir it in just before serving for a rich taste. You can also use cream cheese for a lovely texture. Other Creamy Alternatives You can use pureed beans or blended cauliflower to add creaminess without dairy. This keeps the soup healthy while still tasting great. In this article, we explored the key ingredients for a tasty Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. We discussed how to prepare and layer your ingredients for the best flavor. You learned tips to avoid common cooking mistakes and ways to customize your soup. Lastly, we shared storage info to keep your leftovers fresh. Cooking should be fun, so don’t hesitate to experiment. Enjoy a warm bowl of soup, knowing you made it your own.$

Comforting Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

A warm and hearty chicken noodle soup made in a crockpot, perfect for chilly days.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 20

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1 leaf bay leaf
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
0.5 teaspoon pepper (adjust to taste)
2 cups egg noodles
1 tablespoon lemon juice (for a fresh twist)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
Pour the chicken broth and water over the chicken.
Add the diced carrots, diced celery, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
Stir in the dried thyme, dried parsley, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks.
Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot.
Stir in the egg noodles and cook on high for an additional 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Just before serving, stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then remove the bay leaf.

Notes

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve with crusty bread on the side for a complete meal!

Keyword chicken, comfort food, crockpot, soup