As the days get cooler, there's nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. With this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, you’ll be able to savor delicious, flavorful soup without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is packed with tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and hearty noodles, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. Follow along to learn how to make this easy, hands-off recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight or lazy weekend. Read on to learn every detail you need for the perfect Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup!

What is Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a classic chicken soup made even easier by using a slow cooker. This recipe combines chicken breasts or thighs, fresh vegetables, savory herbs, and egg noodles in a rich broth. Instead of cooking on the stovetop, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to develop over hours for a soup that's warm, nourishing, and incredibly flavorful.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Essential Ingredients
- Chicken – 1 to 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Carrots – 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- Celery – 3 stalks of celery, sliced
- Onion – 1 medium onion, diced
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken Broth – 8 cups (low-sodium recommended)
- Egg Noodles – 3 cups (or your preferred noodles)
- Bay Leaves – 2 for added flavor
- Fresh Thyme – 2 to 3 sprigs, or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt & Pepper – to taste
Optional Ingredients
- Parsley – 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon for added brightness
- Frozen Peas – 1 cup for added color and flavor
- Butter or Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon for a richer flavor
Substitutions and Variations
Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is adaptable, allowing you to customize it according to dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some popular variations:
- Protein Alternatives – Substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey if that's what you have on hand.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta or rice noodles to make this soup gluten-free. Cook them separately and add them to the crockpot before serving.
- Low-Carb Option – For a low-carb version, replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or thinly sliced cabbage.
- Extra Vegetables – Feel free to add veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or kale to make the soup even more nutritious.
- Creamy Twist – Add 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half in the last 30 minutes for a creamy chicken noodle soup.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

To make this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup as easy as possible, follow these simple steps to prepare the ingredients and set up your slow cooker.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery, and dice the onion.
- Mince the Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves or use a garlic press for convenience.
- Set Up Your Crockpot: Place the chicken at the bottom of the crockpot, and layer the carrots, celery, and onion over the top.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the minced garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and Cook: Set the crockpot to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together.
How to Cook Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Add Chicken and Veggies: Place your chicken, carrots, celery, and onions in the crockpot. Add garlic and any other vegetables you’d like.
- Season Well: Add the thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper to taste. These herbs and spices help to enhance the flavor of your soup.
- Pour in Broth: Add the chicken broth, making sure it covers all the ingredients. If you want a thicker soup, use slightly less broth.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot with a lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred the Chicken: After the cooking time is up, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. Return it to the crockpot.
- Add Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the soup and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes on high, or until the noodles are tender.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Lemon: Add chopped parsley and a splash of lemon juice for brightness, if desired. Stir well before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding Noodles Too Early – If you add the noodles at the beginning, they’ll become mushy. Wait until the last 15-20 minutes to add them.
- Over-Salting – Chicken broth can be salty, so start with less salt and adjust at the end.
- Skipping the Shredding Step – Shredding the chicken gives the soup a better texture and ensures the flavors mix well.
- Overcrowding the Crockpot – Don’t overfill the crockpot; leave room for the ingredients to cook evenly.
- Using Too Much Thyme – Thyme is a strong herb. Too much can overpower the soup, so stick with the recommended amount.
Serving and Presentation Tips
To make your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup even more enjoyable, here are some presentation tips to impress your family and guests.
- Serve in Deep Bowls: Use deep bowls to keep the soup warm longer.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a few thyme leaves can make the dish look vibrant.
- Add Freshly Cracked Pepper: A touch of cracked black pepper just before serving adds a bit of spice and a professional touch.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair with a slice of crusty bread or baguette to soak up the broth.
- Lemon Wedge on the Side: A wedge of lemon on the side adds a pop of color and allows people to add more lemon juice if desired.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This hearty soup is perfect as a main course. Ladle it into bowls and serve with fresh bread, crackers, or even a small side salad. For a complete meal, add a side of garlic bread, or keep it light by pairing it with a crisp, green salad.
Presentation Ideas for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- Rustic Style: Serve in a rustic bowl with a few sprigs of thyme on top and a wooden spoon for a cozy, farmhouse look.
- Modern Touch: For a contemporary presentation, use white bowls with a drizzle of olive oil on the surface of the soup.
- Family Style: Serve the soup in a large tureen with a ladle, letting everyone help themselves at the table.
- Soup in a Jar: For meal prep or a casual presentation, ladle the soup into mason jars and store them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go meals.
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Tips
- Use Low-Sodium Broth – This allows you to control the salt level.
- Fresh Herbs Over Dried – If possible, use fresh thyme and parsley for the best flavor.
- Cook Noodles Separately for Leftovers – If you plan to have leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl before serving. This prevents the noodles from soaking up too much broth.
- Freeze the Soup Base – Make a double batch and freeze the soup without the noodles. When reheating, add fresh noodles.
- Adjust the Consistency – If you want a thicker soup, reduce the broth or add a cornstarch slurry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead? A: Yes, simply simmer the ingredients on low heat for 45-60 minutes on the stovetop, then add noodles towards the end.
Q: How do I store leftover soup? A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken? A: Absolutely! Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 15 minutes of cooking to warm it through.
Q: What kind of noodles work best? A: Egg noodles are traditional, but any pasta shape you prefer will work.
Q: How do I make the soup less salty? A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and adjust salt levels to taste at the end of cooking.
Conclusion
There’s no better way to embrace the comfort of a classic than with this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s warm, filling, and easy to make with minimal effort. From the rich broth to the tender chicken and satisfying noodles, this recipe brings together everything you love about chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup will be a favorite all season long. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade soup!
PrintCrockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a comforting classic loaded with tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles, all slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this soup is rich in flavor and nourishing, making it a must-have for cold seasons. Keyword: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: soup
- Method: slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the crockpot.
- Add egg noodles and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, use bone-in chicken.
- Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Add extra vegetables like peas or corn for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800 mg
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