Name: Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-491555H2M13S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts; 1 small yellow onion; 3 medium carrots; 3 celery stalks; 3 large garlic cloves; 2 fresh rosemary sprigs; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; 6 cups chicken broth; 6 ounces fusilli noodles; Fresh chopped parsley (optional for serving)

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The enticing aroma of comforting soup fills your home, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. Picture this: tender pieces of chicken mingling with soft carrots and aromatic herbs, all simmered to perfection in a rich, savory broth. This is the magic of Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s a cozy dish that doesn’t just fill your belly but also embraces your spirit, making it the ultimate meal on chilly days or when you’re in need of a little TLC.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

I vividly remember those winter days as a kid when my mom’s chicken noodle soup would bubble away in the kitchen, the steam fogging up the windows while I waited impatiently for dinner. Each spoonful felt like a warm hug—simple yet satisfying. Now, I love to recreate this classic, letting my slow cooker do the heavy lifting while I carry on with my day. So grab your apron and get excited to whip up a batch of this Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours—without all the fuss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep takes just 15 minutes! Throw everything in the crockpot and let it work its magic.
Irresistible Flavor: The hearty blend of tender chicken, fresh herbs, and savory broth creates a symphony of taste in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the carrots, celery, and herbs make this soup as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or meal prep for busy weeks ahead.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by switching to gluten-free noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 ½ pounds chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken ensures a tender texture. You can also use thighs for added moisture.
1 small yellow onion: Diced onion brings depth and sweetness to the broth. Yellow onions are ideal, but white or red can work, too.
3 medium carrots: Peeled and cut, their natural sweetness balances the savory notes. Feel free to swap in baby carrots or even sweet potatoes.
3 celery stalks: Sliced, they add crunch and flavor to the soup. Leeks can be an interesting substitute if you want a milder taste.
3 large garlic cloves: Finely minced, garlic adds warmth and character. Fresh garlic is a must; jarred won’t provide the same zing.
2 fresh rosemary sprigs: Rosemary imparts a beautiful fragrance. If you don’t have fresh, 1 teaspoon of dried works well.
1 bay leaf: Adds a subtle herbal note. Don’t forget to remove it before serving!
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Helps enhance all the flavors. If you’re using table salt, reduce the amount slightly, as it’s stronger.
½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a touch of warmth. Adjust according to your spice preference.
6 cups chicken broth: A rich base for the soup. Homemade is best, but store-bought works fine—look for low-sodium options to control saltiness.
6 ounces fusilli noodles: These curly noodles hold the broth well; egg noodles are a fantastic alternative if you prefer.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional for serving): A sprinkle adds brightness and color just before serving.

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Add Ingredients: Begin by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the diced onions, carrots, celery, minced garlic, rosemary sprigs, bay leaf, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Carefully pour in the chicken broth, covering all the ingredients. Use a gentle stir just to combine everything and ensure the chicken is submerged under the broth for maximum flavor.

Cook Low or High: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours. The goal here is to cook until the chicken is tender and easily shreds, and the veggies are soft yet still hold their shape. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing as it cooks!

Shred Chicken: Once the cooking time is done, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker using tongs. Place the chicken on a cutting board, letting it cool slightly. Then, shred the chicken using two forks—it should fall apart easily. Toss out the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs before proceeding to the next step.

Cook Noodles Separately: In a pot on the stovetop, bring water to a boil and cook the fusilli noodles according to package instructions until al dente. This keeps them from absorbing too much broth. After draining, set the noodles aside; they’ll mingle with the soup in just a moment!

Combine Everything: Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot, adding the cooked fusilli noodles. Give the mixture a good stir to combine everything nicely. Let it cook on warm just for about 5 more minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and heat through without overcooking the noodles.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle your **Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup** into bowls. If desired, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. This classic dish is best enjoyed warm and shared with loved ones!

Storing & Reheating

For any leftover Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, allow it to cool completely before storing. You can keep it at room temperature for up to two hours, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to four days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option—just store it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind that the noodles might soak up some broth during storage, so you may want to add a splash of water or broth to refresh the soup’s texture.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking the chicken; it should be tender but not mushy. Monitor the cooking time carefully if you’re using a different model of the slow cooker.
For creamier soup, blend part of the soup with an immersion blender before returning the shredded chicken.
Timing matters! If you’re in a rush, opt for the high setting, but the low and slow method yields a more developed flavor.
Not a fan of fusilli? Feel free to swap in any pasta shapes you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to package instructions!
You can make this soup ahead of time; the flavors deepen and improve after a day in the fridge.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the crockpot! Just remember to add an extra hour to the cooking time, giving the chicken ample time to cook through safely. Just make sure not to add any additional frozen ingredients, as they may affect the cooking time.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular fusilli. Look for rice or corn-based pasta that won’t break apart easily when cooked. Ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, like peas or corn. Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time slightly so they don’t overcook. Adding fresh spinach at the end can also add a lovely color and nutrition boost!

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

If you don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth is a fantastic alternative. It provides a lighter flavor but still elevates the soup. Water can work as a last resort, but consider seasoning it with additional herbs or spices to keep the flavor robust.

This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. With its simple ingredients and delightful flavors, it’s bound to become a staple during your fall and winter months—or any time you crave coziness. Enjoy making it, sharing it, and most importantly, savoring every spoonful!