If you’re looking for a comforting and hearty meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe is absolutely for you. It’s a perfectly balanced blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, delicate herbs, and rich, creamy broth that simmers slowly to develop deep, cozy flavors. Best of all, the Crock Pot does the heavy lifting, so you come home to a delicious, homemade soup without the fuss. This recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a soul-soothing meal that will quickly become a favorite for chilly evenings or when you simply need a little comfort food magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each one is thoughtfully chosen to bring texture, flavor, and vibrant color to your creamy chicken noodle soup. From fragrant herbs to tender vegetables, each element plays an important role in crafting a soup that’s both nourishing and irresistibly tasty.
- Celery (1 cup, chopped finely): Adds a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness that brightens the soup.
- Onion (1 cup, chopped finely): Provides a sweet base note that balances the earthiness of the herbs.
- Carrots (1 ½ cups, sliced): Bring natural sweetness and beautiful color to your broth.
- Garlic (½ tablespoon, minced): Offers a punch of warmth and depth, essential for an inviting soup.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lbs): Tender protein that soaks up the broth’s flavors perfectly when slow-cooked.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances every flavor without overwhelming the delicate balance.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle heat that rounds out the flavor profile.
- Fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon, chopped): Infuses a piney, fragrant layer of flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon): Brings an earthy, herbal undertone to the mix.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick of spice if you like things a little zesty.
- Bay leaves (4): Slowly release their complex flavor, making the broth richer and more aromatic.
- Chicken broth (8 cups, low or no sodium): The heart of the soup that brings everything together harmoniously.
- Egg noodles (3 ½ cups or 8 oz): Tender and perfect for soaking up the creamy broth, providing the classic noodle soup texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Start by adding all the ingredients except the egg noodles to your crock pot. This includes the chopped celery, onion, carrots, minced garlic, chicken breasts, herbs, spices, and chicken broth. The slow cooker will gently meld these flavors together while keeping the chicken tender and moist.
Step 2: Let It Cook Slowly
Set your Crock Pot to low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows the vegetables to soften perfectly and the chicken to absorb all the herbaceous aromas, creating a flavorful broth that’s far from ordinary.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
About 20 minutes before serving, take out the chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. This step helps the chicken absorb the creamy broth fully and distribute evenly throughout the soup for an unbeatable consistency.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Switch your crock pot to high and stir in the egg noodles. If you prefer, you can cook the noodles separately on the stove and add them just before serving to avoid over-softening. The noodles will cook in the hot broth and soak up that creamy goodness in just 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are tender, your soup is ready to dive into! The broth should be creamy and rich, with perfectly tender chicken and vegetables creating a bowl of pure comfort.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup, consider fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or chives. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of grated Parmesan adds a delightful finishing touch. For extra indulgence, a swirl of cream or a pat of butter on top makes every spoonful luxurious.
Side Dishes
This creamy chicken noodle soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm, buttery dinner rolls for dipping. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables on the side can add a refreshing contrast and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, turning your meal into a delightful edible experience. You can also layer it in clear glass mugs for a visually appealing presentation that shows off the colorful vegetables and noodles.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from absorbing all the broth.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to leave the noodles out when freezing. Store the broth and chicken mixture separately so that when you’re ready to eat, you can add freshly cooked noodles to keep the texture perfect.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat to avoid breaking down the noodles or curdling the creaminess. Stir occasionally until warmed through, then add cooked noodles if you froze the soup without them.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra richness and tend to stay juicier when slow-cooked, giving your soup a more intense flavor and tender texture.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit any cream additions and use coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative to keep the soup creamy without dairy.
What if I don’t have fresh rosemary?
Dried rosemary works just fine—just reduce the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated. You can also experiment with other herbs like sage for a different but delicious flavor.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Sure! Use the sauté function to cook the vegetables first, then pressure cook with the chicken and broth for about 12 minutes. Add noodles after and use the manual setting to cook them quickly before serving.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
The best way is to add the noodles towards the end of cooking or cook them separately and add just before serving. This keeps them perfectly al dente and your soup from becoming too thick.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings comfort and joy to the kitchen and dinner table. Easy to prepare, full of wholesome goodness, and deeply satisfying, this soup is the ultimate friend on chilly days or whenever you need a little extra love in your meal. Once you make it, it’s bound to become a go-to recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
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Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crock Pot Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Noodle Soup slow-cooked to perfection with tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and egg noodles. This classic soup is perfect for cozy meals and easy to prepare in a crock pot.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, chopped finely
- 1 cup onion, chopped finely
- 1 ½ cups carrots, sliced in small circles
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
Protein
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 bay leaves
Liquids & Grains
- 8 cups chicken broth, low or no sodium
- 3 ½ cups egg noodles (8 oz)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your crock pot, combine all ingredients except for the egg noodles. This includes the celery, onion, carrots, garlic, chicken breasts, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and chicken broth.
- Slow Cook: Cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.
- Shred Chicken: About 20 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot, shred them finely with forks, and return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Noodles: Turn the crock pot to high heat and add the egg noodles directly to the soup. Alternatively, you can boil the noodles separately on the stove if preferred.
- Cook Noodles: Let the noodles cook in the crock pot for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Once the noodles are cooked through, your chicken noodle soup is ready to serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lower sodium version, use low or no sodium chicken broth.
- If you prefer firmer noodles, boil them separately and add just before serving.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a slight kick but can be omitted for a milder soup.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
