Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup (2024)

Few foods are more comforting, warming or wholesome than a hearty bowl of chicken soup. This Crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe boasts deep, slow-cooked flavors without a ton of pot watching. It’s all of the flavor and none of the fuss.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Ingredients

JENNIFER SCHWARZKOPF FOR TASTE OF HOME

• Garlic cloves
• Onion
• Celery ribs
• Carrots
• Bay leaves
• Mushrooms
• Dried thyme
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• Boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Chicken broth
• Low-sodium chicken broth
• Boxed or refrigerated noodles
• Garnish: cilantro, green onion, parsley

Directions

Step 1: Prep and slow-cook the soup

Chop your vegetables and measure out your seasonings.In a large slow cooker, add the vegetables, seasonings, chicken and broth. Cook on low for six hours or on high for four hours.

Step 2: Shred the chicken

Once the soup is done cooking, remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with a couple of forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the noodles

Stir your noodles of choice into the soup, replace the cover and set the heat to high. It will take approximately half an hour for the noodles to become tender.

Editor’s Tip: If the noodles stay in the Crockpot much longer, they’ll absorb too much of the liquid, leaving you with less broth for the soup. You may want to boil the noodles separately in a large pot of generously salted water until barely al dente; drain and set aside; then mix in just before serving. Keep in mind that they won’t be as flavorful since they were cooked in water, not broth.

Step 4: Serve

For each serving, make sure you have a good balance of chicken, broth and noodles. Top with chopped cilantro, parsley and/or chopped scallions.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Variations

To add more flavor, use one—or all—of the following tricks:

• Sear the outside of the chicken in a frying pan with butter, then add it to the Crockpot before cooking the soup.
• Add a strong fresh herb to the butter, like rosemary or oregano.
• Sprinkle in chicken bouillon, but remember that a little goes a long way.

How long will Crockpot chicken noodle soup last in the fridge?

This soup will last for approximately three to four days, as long as it’s stored properly in an airtight container.

Can you freeze Crockpot chicken noodle soup?

You can freeze your soup in an airtight container (make sure to press plastic wrap to the surface of the soup before putting on the lid of the container), or a plastic bag (with all of the air squeezed out before sealing). Freeze the soup as soon as it has cooled.Stored properly, your slow-cooker chicken noodle soup will last up to three months in the freezer.

To defrost the soup, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure the soup is safe to eat for another three to four days if it’s kept in the refrigerator. If you decide to defrost it in the microwave, heat and serve immediately.

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Tips

JENNIFER SCHWARZKOPF FOR TASTE OF HOME

What’s the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock?

Chicken stock is made with bones and other bone/cartilage-type parts (e.g., chicken feet, backbones). As a result, stocks are richer in mouthfeel and flavor due to the gelatin released during the slow and gentle simmering.

Chicken broth, on the other hand, is made with chicken meat. There may be some bones included, as well, along with mirepoix (onion, celery and carrots), seasoning (salt, perhaps pepper) and chicken meat.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Of course! Any herb is better than no herbs. While fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and texture, dried herbs hold up better in longer cooking scenarios, like soup.

You will notice fresh herbs as a garnish in this recipe. The cilantro and/or scallions will be lovely pops of color and flavor for the finished dish but will wilt if included for the full cooking time.

Do I cook the chicken before putting it in the soup?

We don’t recommend cooking the chicken through before adding it to the soup. You don’t want to prevent the development of that signature chicken broth flavor.

What should I serve with Crockpot chicken noodle soup?

The best accompaniment to a fresh, hot bowl of soup is a delicious loaf of fresh sourdough, focaccia or a rustic Italian loaf or baguette. Offer salted butter with the bread for a hearty meal.

Watch how to Make Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup