slow cooker chicken noodle soup

When the weather gets chilly or you’re simply craving something warm and soothing, Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect go-to dish.

This hearty, flavorful soup is packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta – all simmered together to create the ultimate comfort meal.

Plus, making it in a slow cooker means minimal effort on your part while the flavors meld together beautifully over time.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Before we dive into the simple preparation process, let’s gather everything you’ll need to make this comforting chicken noodle soup.

Soup Ingredients:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 cups chicken stock
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 carrots, peeled and diced
• 3 ribs celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into thirds
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need:

To make the cooking process as smooth as possible, you’ll need just a few essential kitchen tools:

1. Slow Cooker (6-quart capacity): This is the star of the show. A reliable slow cooker ensures the chicken and vegetables cook to perfection without any babysitting.
2. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the onion, carrots, and celery, as well as mincing the garlic.
3. Tongs or Forks: You’ll need these to shred the chicken after it’s cooked.
4. Measuring Cups & Spoons: For accuracy when measuring out seasonings and ingredients.

These tools will set you up for success and make the process easy and efficient!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Now that we have everything prepped and ready, let’s dive into the simple yet satisfying steps to make this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. With minimal effort and a little patience, you’ll have a bowl of warm, comforting soup in no time.

1. Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with a generous amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning adds flavor directly to the chicken, setting the stage for the entire soup to be full of savory goodness.

2. Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Once your chicken is seasoned, place it directly into your slow cooker. Add the chicken stock, diced onion, diced carrots, diced celery, minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves. Season the mixture with more salt and pepper, to taste. Give everything a quick stir to combine the ingredients.

The combination of fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and chicken stock will create the base for a deeply flavorful soup.

3. Set Your Slow Cooker

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop, and the chicken becomes incredibly tender. If you’re short on time, you can set it to cook on high heat for about 4-5 hours, though low heat yields better flavor.

4. Shred the Chicken

Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker using tongs or a slotted spoon. Place them on a cutting board and shred the chicken using two forks. It should shred easily due to the long, slow cook time.

Continuing with the Soup

At this point, we’re getting closer to enjoying your homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. Now that the chicken is shredded, it’s time to finish off the soup and add those perfect pasta noodles.

5. Add the Pasta

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and give it a quick stir to combine with the broth and vegetables. Now, add the broken-up pieces of spaghetti (8 ounces). This is where the soup turns into a classic chicken noodle soup! Stir the pasta into the broth and cover the slow cooker again.

Cook on low heat for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. You can also check the pasta’s doneness by taking a small bite – it should be al dente, or just firm enough to give a slight resistance.

6. Final Seasoning

Once the pasta is tender, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped fresh parsley. The lemon juice adds a refreshing, bright kick that balances out the richness of the chicken and broth. The parsley not only adds color but a touch of freshness to each bite.

Taste your soup, and if necessary, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper.

Serving Your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Now that your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is all ready, it’s time to serve and enjoy this comforting bowl of goodness. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a meal to share with friends, this soup will never disappoint!

7. Serving Suggestions

Ladle the warm soup into bowls, ensuring each one gets a generous portion of chicken, vegetables, and pasta. To elevate your soup even further, you can:

• Add a dollop of sour cream: For an extra creamy texture and a slight tang.
• Top with grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of Parmesan adds a savory, cheesy depth to the soup.
• Serve with crusty bread: A warm slice of toasted bread or garlic bread pairs perfectly with this hearty soup.

8. Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this soup is so delicious!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the soup over low heat on the stove or in the microwave.

9. Freezing for Later

If you want to enjoy this soup later, you can also freeze it! Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup to bring comfort and warmth to your day. With its tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked pasta, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s easy to make, requires minimal prep, and the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or preparing a big batch for the week ahead, this soup is a versatile, satisfying meal that never goes out of style.

So, grab your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and let the flavors come together effortlessly. Once you taste that first spoonful, you’ll understand why this soup is a timeless classic!