Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s the kind of dish that makes me think of cozy winter evenings spent huddled under a blanket, savoring every spoonful. I remember the first time I made this soup; I was feeling under the weather, and all I wanted was something soothing and delicious. As the aroma of simmering chicken and fresh vegetables filled the kitchen, I felt my spirits lift. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way it brings people together. Whether it’s a chilly day or a casual family dinner, it never fails to warm the heart and soul.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

When it comes to crafting the perfect bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, the ingredients are what truly make this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role in creating a warm and hearty experience. The key players here are the chicken and an array of vibrant vegetables that blend beautifully to develop rich flavors.

• 1 cup celery, sliced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed, more or less to taste
• 1 tablespoon thyme, dried
• 1 teaspoon oregano, dried
• 1 teaspoon kosher or sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 6 cups chicken broth, low-sodium and fat free preferred
• 1 bay leaf
• 8 ounces whole wheat spaghetti, broken into small pieces
• 1/4 cup Italian parsley, fresh chopped to serve
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh-squeezed to taste

The Process for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is as easy as it is rewarding. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such a flavorful dish with a few steps. Let’s dive into the process together!

1. Start by placing the chopped celery, sliced carrots, and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layering helps to build a flavor foundation for your soup. The garlic should be fragrant and a bit sticky, while the vegetables should look fresh and vibrant.
2. Next, add the pieces of chicken on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle over the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper evenly across the meat. The spices will infuse the chicken with a lovely aroma as it cooks.
3. Now, pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring it covers the chicken entirely. Add the bay leaf at this point. The broth should create a soothing sound as it cascades into the pot.
4. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. During this time, you’ll want to check occasionally. The carrots should become tender, and the chicken should be easy to shred.
5. As the soup finishes cooking, skim off any foam that might form on the top, discarding it. This keeps your broth clear and appealing. You’ll notice the broth thickening slightly and becoming rich in color.
6. About 15 minutes before serving, cook the broken spaghetti according to the package directions on the stovetop. This step ensures the noodles don’t become mushy in the slow cooker.
7. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and then stir it into the slow cooker. Mix well, and you’ll see the broth mingle beautifully with the noodles.
8. Add in the chopped Italian parsley just before serving, which gives a fresh pop of color and flavor. Stir it in gently, letting the aromatic parsley release its fragrance.
9. Finally, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. This step is crucial as it brightens the flavors and adds a delightful zing. Taste the soup, and add more lemon juice if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal!

Tips for Success

Creating the perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup can be simple with a few helpful tips. These guidelines will enhance your cooking experience.

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container. It can last for up to three days in the fridge.
• Freezing: You can freeze this soup for up to three months. Just make sure to leave out the noodles if you plan to reheat it later.
• Pairing: Serve with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your heat preference.
• Make it Creamy: For a creamier texture, add a splash of cream or milk just before serving.
• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover chicken from a previous meal, feel free to add it to the soup, cutting down on prep time.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, the serving options are endless!

• Cozy Dinner: Serve it warm on a chilly evening for a comforting dinner.
• Lunch Delight: It makes for a great lunch option, filling and nutritious.
• Family Gatherings: Perfect for family gatherings or potluck dinners. Just double the recipe!
• Seasonal Pairing: Pair with a light salad in spring or with roasted vegetables in the fall for a complete meal.
• Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before transferring to containers and refrigerating.
• Freezing Portions: Consider freezing portions of the soup for quick meals on busy nights.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is truly a gem in the world of comfort food. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for cozy nights, family gatherings, or just a simple weeknight meal. I encourage you to give it a try and experience the warmth it brings to your table. You won’t regret having this recipe in your repertoire!

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty and warming dish perfect for chilly nights. Filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome noodles, this easy weeknight meal will have you craving more. Make it tonight for a dish that feels like a warm hug.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Soups

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup Celery sliced
• 4 Carrots sliced
• 1 Onion small, diced
• 2 Garlic Cloves minced
• 2 pounds Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs cut into 2 inch pieces
• 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes crushed, more or less to taste
• 1 tablespoon Thyme dried
• 1 teaspoon Oregano dried
• 1 teaspoon Kosher or Sea Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
• 6 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium and fat free preferred
• 1 Bay Leaf
• 8 ounces Whole Wheat Spaghetti broken into small pieces
• 1/4 cup Italian Parsley fresh chopped to serve
• 1-2 tablespoons Lemon Juice fresh-squeezed to taste

Equipment

• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Slow Cooker
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Start by placing the chopped celery, sliced carrots, and minced garlic at the bottom of your slow cooker. This layering helps to build a flavor foundation for your soup. The garlic should be fragrant and a bit sticky, while the vegetables should look fresh and vibrant.
2. Next, add the pieces of chicken on top of the vegetables. Sprinkle over the thyme, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper evenly across the meat. The spices will infuse the chicken with a lovely aroma as it cooks.
3. Now, pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring it covers the chicken entirely. Add the bay leaf at this point. The broth should create a soothing sound as it cascades into the pot.
4. Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook for 6 to 8 hours on low. During this time, you’ll want to check occasionally. The carrots should become tender, and the chicken should be easy to shred.
5. As the soup finishes cooking, skim off any foam that might form on the top, discarding it. This keeps your broth clear and appealing. You'll notice the broth thickening slightly and becoming rich in color.
6. About 15 minutes before serving, cook the broken spaghetti according to the package directions on the stovetop. This step ensures the noodles don’t become mushy in the slow cooker.
7. Once the spaghetti is cooked, drain it and then stir it into the slow cooker. Mix well, and you’ll see the broth mingle beautifully with the noodles.
8. Add in the chopped Italian parsley just before serving, which gives a fresh pop of color and flavor. Stir it in gently, letting the aromatic parsley release its fragrance.
9. Finally, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice. This step is crucial as it brightens the flavors and adds a delightful zing. Taste the soup, and add more lemon juice if desired. Enjoy this comforting meal!

Notes

• Tip 1: Breast meat tends to get dryer than thigh meat when cooked in the slow cooker.

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Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"