I’ve been on the hunt for the perfect chicken noodle soup, and this crockpot version might just be the winner. There’s something magical about coming home to a kitchen filled with those comforting aromas—tender chicken, aromatic herbs, and savory broth all mingling together. What makes this recipe special isn’t just its incredible flavor, but how ridiculously simple it is to throw together. Just toss everything in, walk away, and let your crockpot do the heavy lifting. But what exactly gives this soup its soul-warming quality?
Why You’ll Love this Soothing Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
When you’re feeling under the weather or just craving something warm and comforting, nothing hits the spot quite like homemade chicken noodle soup.
This crockpot version? A game-changer for busy folks like us.
The magic happens while you’re away, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic broth that hugs those tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked veggies.
No standing over a hot stove, no constant stirring.
Just toss everything in, go about your day, and return to that unmistakable smell of comfort wafting through your home.
Isn’t that what we all need sometimes?
What Ingredients are in Soothing Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?
The beauty of this chicken noodle soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that transform into something magical after simmering in the crockpot for hours.
- 1–1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2–4 cups chopped carrots
- 2–3 ribs celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½–1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (optional)
- 1–2 bay leaves
- 6–8 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Feel free to adjust the quantities to your taste—maybe you’re a carrot enthusiast who wants to load up on that sweet veggie flavor, or perhaps you prefer a more herb-forward soup with extra thyme and rosemary, which can really elevate the aromatic profile of your comfort bowl.
How to Make this Soothing Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Prepare and Add All Base Ingredients
Add 1–1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup chopped onion, 2–4 cups chopped carrots, 2–3 ribs of chopped celery, and 3 cloves of minced garlic to your crockpot.
These form the hearty foundation of your soup that will develop deep flavor during cooking.
Step 2: Season the Soup
Sprinkle in ½–1 teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary (if using), 1–2 bay leaves, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
The herbs are what transform this from just chicken and vegetables in broth to a properly aromatic, soul-warming soup.
Step 3: Pour in the Broth
Add 6–8 cups of chicken broth to the crockpot, making sure all ingredients are submerged.
The amount you use will determine how brothy versus chunky your final soup will be—I tend to go with the full 8 cups for a more soup-like consistency.
Step 4: Set Your Cooking Time
Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6–8 hours or high heat for 3–4 hours.
You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is tender enough to shred easily and the vegetables have softened but still retain some texture.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts from the soup and shred them using two forks.
The meat should pull apart effortlessly after its long, slow cook in the flavorful broth.
Step 6: Return Chicken and Add Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add 8 ounces of egg noodles.
Turn the heat to high and cook for 10–20 minutes until the noodles reach your desired tenderness.
Step 7: Final Adjustments
Remove the bay leaves (nobody wants to bite into one of those), taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
For a different cooking method that yields crispy results rather than tender soup, you might consider using a professional kitchen fryer instead of a crockpot for other recipes.
For those who like a touch of brightness, a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders here.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
The vibrant green adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, savory soup beneath it.
What to Serve with Soothing Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Nothing beats a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup for dinner on a chilly evening.
For the perfect meal, pair it with a crusty piece of sourdough bread or some buttery garlic bread for dipping into that savory broth. A simple side salad with light vinaigrette adds freshness that balances the soup’s warmth.
For something more substantial, grilled cheese sandwiches are the classic soup companion—who doesn’t love that gooey cheese pull?
If you’re serving drinks, a crisp apple cider or chamomile tea complements the soup’s comforting qualities.
And for a little something extra, set out a small bowl of oyster crackers or croutons for people to sprinkle on top of their soup as they wish.
Soothing Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Substitutions and Variations
This soup is wonderfully adaptable to whatever you have on hand. Don’t worry if your pantry doesn’t match the recipe exactly!
- Protein options: Use rotisserie chicken to save time, turkey breast for a different flavor, or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
- Gluten-free needs: Swap egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini. Remember to add GF pasta during the last 20 minutes only.
- Herb variations: Fresh herbs work beautifully—try 1 tablespoon fresh thyme instead of dried, or add a small bunch of dill for brightness.
- Flavor boosters: A splash of lemon juice before serving brightens everything, while a parmesan rind simmered in the broth adds amazing depth.
- Veggie swaps: No carrots? Try parsnips or butternut squash. Spinach or kale can be stirred in during the final minutes for extra nutrients.
- Winter comfort: Stir in a spoonful of miso paste or a dash of turmeric for extra immune-supporting goodness when cold season hits.
Leftovers and Storage for this Soothing Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup actually tastes even better the next day when all those flavors have had time to mingle and get friendly with each other.
Here’s how to make the most of your leftovers:
- Refrigerator storage: Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Pro tip: store noodles separately if possible to prevent them from absorbing all the broth.
- Freezer magic: For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. The noodles might soften a bit upon thawing, but the flavor remains delicious.
- Reheating right: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until just simmering. Microwaving works too—just use medium power and stir halfway through.
- Refresh before serving: Add a splash of fresh broth when reheating if it’s thickened up, and perhaps a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten things up again.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably magical about a homemade chicken noodle soup that simmers away in the crockpot, filling your home with those nostalgic aromas of herbs and savory broth. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between convenience and comfort, allowing the slow cooker to do all the heavy lifting while transforming simple ingredients into something truly nourishing. It’s the ideal meal prep solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekend afternoons when you want something wholesome without being tethered to the stove. On chilly evenings or when someone’s feeling under the weather, a steaming bowl of this soup offers both physical warmth and emotional comfort—a timeless remedy wrapped up in a delicious package.