Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup – Homestyle Recipe

Homestyle Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homestyle slow cooker chicken noodle soup. This delightful recipe boasts a medley of flavors and textures, with tender chicken, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles that come together to create an aroma that fills your kitchen with whispers of home. As you step into the world of slow cooking, let the worries of the day melt away while you enjoy this nourishing dish that warms the heart and delights the palate. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you need a cozy meal, this chicken noodle soup is truly a culinary hug in a bowl.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (on low) or 3 hours (on high)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic. This ensures you have everything ready when you start cooking.

2. Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

3. Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Place the boneless chicken breasts on top.

4. Add Vegetables and Broth: Layer the sliced carrots and celery on top of the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This slow cooking method helps the flavors meld beautifully while keeping the chicken juicy and tender.

6. Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

7. Add Noodles and Peas: Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and the frozen peas. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

8. Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaf before ladling the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Quality Broth: The broth forms the backbone of your soup, so opt for a high-quality low-sodium chicken broth for the best flavor.

2. Don’t Skip the Aromatics: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the soup enhances the depth of flavor, creating a more delicious final dish.

3. Customize Texture with Noodles: You can adjust the cooking time depending on how firm or soft you like your noodles. If you prefer them with a little bite, add them towards the end of the cooking time.

4. Add Fresh Herbs: For a vibrant finish, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a handful of freshly chopped herbs just before serving to brighten the flavors.

5. Batch Cooking: This soup freezes beautifully. Make a double batch to have an easy meal ready for busy days.

Variations and Substitutions

• Whole Wheat Noodles: For a healthier option, substitute regular egg noodles with whole grain or gluten-free pasta.
• Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like corn, green beans, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker method; just mix it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a different flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the soup appears thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can definitely use boneless chicken thighs. They will add a richer flavor and remain tender during the slow cooking process.

2. What other seasonings go well in chicken noodle soup?
You can add a splash of soy sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or fresh lemon zest for an additional flavor dimension.

3. Is this soup healthy?
Yes! This chicken noodle soup is packed with lean protein from the chicken and various veggies, making it a nutritious option.

4. Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
Absolutely! Simply sauté the aromatics in a large pot, add all the ingredients (except the noodles and peas), and simmer for about 30-40 minutes. Add the noodles in the last 10 minutes of cooking.

5. How can I make this soup dairy-free?
This recipe is inherently dairy-free. Just ensure you are using broth that does not contain any dairy additives for it to remain dairy-free.

Nutrition Estimate per Serving

Each serving of this homestyle slow cooker chicken noodle soup is approximately 350 calories, with about 30 grams of protein, 40 grams of carbohydrates, and 10 grams of fat. Packed with nutrients, this comforting dish provides a hearty meal that’s deliciously satisfying without excess calories.

With its delightful combination of flavors, textures, and aromas, this homestyle slow cooker chicken noodle soup is sure to become a cherished recipe in your household. Perfect for gatherings or simply cozy nights in, dive into a bowl and enjoy the warmth it brings. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just yearning for the comforts of home, this soup has you covered.

Homestyle Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting and nourishing chicken noodle soup made in a slow cooker, featuring tender chicken, savory broth, and perfectly cooked noodles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Servings 5 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 medium carrots, sliced
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 leaf bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Gather all your ingredients. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery, and mince the garlic.

Sauté Aromatics

• In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sauté the chopped onion until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Load the Slow Cooker

• Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic into the slow cooker. Place the boneless chicken breasts on top.

Add Vegetables and Broth

• Layer the sliced carrots and celery on top of the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Add dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to taste.

Slow Cook

• Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.

Shred the Chicken

• Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Add Noodles and Peas

• Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker. Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and the frozen peas. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.

Final Seasoning and Serve

• Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Discard the bay leaf before ladling the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

This soup freezes beautifully. Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and warm as needed.

Keyword Chicken Noodle Soup, Comfort Food, hearty meal, Homestyle Soup, Slow Cooker Soup