– **Title**: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
– **Ingredients**:
– 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 6 cups chicken broth
– 1 medium onion, chopped
– 3 carrots, sliced
– 3 celery stalks, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and add chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
3. Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
5. Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
6. Add the egg noodles to the crockpot and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
7. If using spinach, add it a few minutes before serving to wilt it down.
8. Remove the bay leaf, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your comforting bowl of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juicy flavor, but chicken breasts work fine too. For a lighter option, you can also use turkey meat.
Broth: Store-bought chicken broth is super convenient, but homemade broth adds more flavor. If you’re short on time, vegetable broth can also work well for a lighter soup.
Veggies: Carrots and celery are traditional here. You can swap in frozen mixed veggies if you’re in a rush. Additionally, adding peas or corn can bring a lovely sweetness.
Pasta: While egg noodles are classic, you can use any pasta you like. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also be a good alternative. Just follow cooking times as per the package to avoid mushiness.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
The key to delicious, easy shredding is to ensure that your chicken is cooked thoroughly and tender. Following these steps will help you get it just right:
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to cool slightly. This will make it easier to handle.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently. Aim for long, shreds rather than small pieces for a great texture.
- Make sure to return the chicken to the soup immediately so it absorbs all that flavorful broth.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Noodles:
- 2 cups egg noodles (or your choice of pasta)
For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This cozy chicken noodle soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You will need to let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. After that, you’ll cook the noodles for about 30 minutes more. In total, you’re looking at a satisfying meal in about 7-8 hours!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Add the Chicken and Vegetables:
Start by placing the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot. Next, pour in the chicken broth, then add in the diced carrots, diced celery, diced onion, and minced garlic. Sprinkle in the dried thyme and parsley, and finally, add salt and pepper. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the ingredients well.
2. Cook the Soup:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. If you have time, set it on low for 6-7 hours, or if you need it faster, cook on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and super tender by the end of this time.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into smaller pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, making sure it mixes well with the soup.
4. Add the Noodles:
Now it’s time to add your egg noodles. Stir them into the soup mixture, then cover the crockpot again. Cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.
5. Final Touches:
Once everything is cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve your delicious chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a lovely finish. Enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! There’s no need to thaw the chicken beforehand. Just place the frozen chicken directly in the crockpot, and increase the cooking time by about an hour on low or 30 minutes on high to ensure it’s fully cooked and tender.
What Can I Substitute for Egg Noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as fusilli or rotini. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly depending on the type of pasta you choose. Be sure to check for doneness about 5 minutes before the suggested cooking time for the noodles.
How to Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then heat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If the soup thickens in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out when reheating.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables such as peas, corn, or green beans. Just be sure to add them in the last hour of cooking to keep them crisp and vibrant. This is a great way to customize the soup to your taste!
