Slow Cooker Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

I absolutely adore this recipe because it’s the ultimate comfort food that warms my soul with its rich flavors and tender chicken, all effortlessly cooked in a slow cooker. Plus, the combination of fresh herbs and a hint of lemon juice gives it that perfect, fresh zing that makes even a simple soup feel gourmet.

The following is a rephrasing of the text in question. I cherish preparing my Slow Cooker Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup on frigid days, when its warm and nourishing character is most appreciated.

But while simple enough that even the clumsiest of cooks can pull it off, there is nothing rudimentary about the profoundly rich flavors of this dish, which come from tender chicken breasts, low-sodium chicken broth, and an aromatic medley of veggies and herbs, most notably thyme and rosemary. Egg noodles play a supporting role in what I deem a “noodle soup.”

Ingredients

Chicken Breasts: A source of lean protein; promotes health in muscles.

Fiber and beta-carotene are what you get when you eat carrots.

These two nutrients offer up some support for your body.

“They help with digestion,” says Rachael Hartley, a registered dietitian and owner of Rachael Hartley Nutrition.

“And beta-carotene is such a well-known nutrient for eye health that it kind of makes carrots the poster child for good vision.

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Celery: Has a low caloric content; superb for hydration and antioxidant consumption.

Garlic: Boosts immune system; contains allicin, which enhances flavor.

Thyme is an aromatic herb that provides earthy flavor and digestive benefits.

Noodles made from eggs: Supply carbs; bestow a pleasing mouthfeel.

Optional for tang, lemon juice adds a brightness and vitamin C to the dish.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups chopped carrots
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

1. Put the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker.

2. Place the following ingredients on top: chicken broth, carrot (chopped), celery (chopped), onion (chopped), garlic (minced), thyme (dried), rosemary (dried), and bay leaves.

3. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and stir to combine.

4. Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or to high for 3-4 hours. Choose either setting and let the cooker do its magic. After the appropriate amount of time has passed, the chicken should be thoroughly cooked, and the veggies should be tender enough to eat.

5. Take the chicken breasts out of the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken.

6. Place the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.

7. The egg noodles go into the slow cooker next, closely followed by a vigorous stirring to guarantee that they are seeing-eye-to-eye with the broth and are clearly submerged in it.

8. Cook on high for an extra 15-20 minutes, covered, or until the tender egg noodles are tender.

9. Just before serving, mix in the freshly chopped parsley and the lemon juice, if you are using it.

10. Adjust the taste and seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then remove bay leaves and serve piping hot.

Equipment Needed

1. Slow cooker
2. Cutting board
3. Chef’s knife
4. Garlic press (optional, for mincing garlic)
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Mixing spoon
8. Forks (for shredding chicken)

FAQ

• Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?Absolutely, bone-in chicken is an option. Just ensure that the bones are removed prior to serving.
• Can I add other vegetables to this soup?Definitely! You can incorporate such vegetables as peas, corn, or green beans for an extra burst of flavor and a nutritional boost.
• How can I make this soup gluten-free?A gluten-free alternative can be used to replace the egg noodles. Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of the egg noodles.
• Is there a substitution for dried herbs?Should you like it even more fresh, you are welcome to prefer using herbs that have just been plucked from their parent plants. One tablespoon of fresh thyme and rosemary in lieu of dried herbs makes this dish even tastier.
• Can I make this soup ahead of time?Of course. You can make the soup ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator for no more than three days, and reheat it before serving.
• How do I store leftovers?An airtight container is where you should place leftover soup. Then refrigerate it, and you’ve got soup ready to eat for up to three days. If you want to preserve it longer, though, you can freeze it. That version of the soup is good for up to three months.
• What if I don’t have a slow cooker?The soup can be simmered on the stovetop over low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is done and tender.

Substitutions and Variations

1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for a richer flavor
For a vegetarian option, use 8 cups of vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
2 cups parsnips instead of carrots for a slightly sweeter taste
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning in place of thyme and rosemary for a flavor that’s not the same old, same old.
Noodles made from whole wheat or gluten-free ingredients instead of egg noodles for the dietary preferences of consumers

Pro Tips

1. Sear the Chicken First Before placing the chicken in the slow cooker, consider searing it in a hot pan with a bit of oil. This will enhance the flavor by adding a nice caramelization to the exterior.

2. Use Fresh Herbs if Available While dried herbs work, using fresh thyme and rosemary can provide a brighter, more aromatic flavor. Add these towards the end of cooking to preserve their freshness.

3. Customize the Noodles If you prefer a firmer texture for your egg noodles, cook them separately according to the package instructions and add them to the soup just before serving.

4. Enhance the Broth Depth For a richer broth, add a teaspoon of soy sauce or a small piece of Parmesan rind at the beginning of the cooking process. These will intensify the umami flavors.

5. Use Homemade Broth for Added Flavor If you have the time, consider making your own chicken broth beforehand. It adds an additional layer of depth and freshness to the soup.