How to Make Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

I love chicken noodle soup (even when it’s canned chicken noodle soup)! There’s nothing more comforting or reminiscent of a mother’s love for a sick child than chicken soup.

This Crock-Pot chicken noodle soup recipe has deep, slow-cooked flavor without a ton of pot watching. You can live your life and still come home to a dinner your whole family will love.

Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

This slow-cooker recipe was inspired by Hearty Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, originally shared with us by Norma Reynolds of Overland Park, Kansas.

Ingredients

• 2 garlic cloves, sliced or minced
• 1 onion, diced
• 5 celery ribs cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 5 carrots, bias-cut into 1/4 inch slices
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (to start); later, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 pound thin boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 32 ounces regular chicken broth
• 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 package (9 ounces) boxed or refrigerated noodles

Garnish:

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced green onion
• Chopped parsley

Directions

JENNIFER SCHWARZKOPF FOR TASTE OF HOME

Step 1: Prep ingredients

Chop your vegetables and measure out your seasonings. (This is called mise en place and it’s a wonderful culinary school cooking secret.) Make sure you have all of the chicken set aside; package, date and label any extra portions to store in the freezer.

Step 2: Fill the Crock-Pot

In a large slow cooker, add the vegetables, seasonings, chicken and broth. Set the slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.

Step 3: Shred the chicken

Once the soup is done cooking, remove the chicken to a cutting board and shred with your hands or a couple of forks. Place the chicken back into the slow cooker.

Step 4: Add noodles

Put your noodles of choice into the slow cooker and set on high. It will take approximately half an hour for the noodles to become tender. (If using boxed noodles, cooking time will be a bit longer.)

Editor’s Tip: If the noodles stay much longer, they will absorb too much of the liquid, leaving you with less broth for the soup. Keep this in mind! To avoid the broth displacement, boil the noodles separately in a large pot of generously salted water until barely al dente; drain and set aside; then mix in just before serving.

Step 5: Serve

For each serving, make sure you have a good balance of chicken, broth and noodles. Top with some chopped cilantro, parsley and/or chopped scallions. Serve hot with fresh homemade bread on the side.

Tips for Making Crock-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

JENNIFER SCHWARZKOPF FOR TASTE OF HOME

What’s the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock?

Chicken stock is made with bones and other bone/cartilage-type parts (e.g., chicken feet, backs). As a result, stocks are richer in mouthfeel and flavor due to the gelatin released during the slow and gentle simmering.

Chicken broth, on the other hand, is made with chicken meat. There may be some bones included, as well, along with mirepoix (onion, celery and carrots), seasoning (salt, perhaps pepper) and chicken meat.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?

Of course! In my book, any herb is better than no herbs. While fresh herbs add a vibrant flavor and texture to fresh dishes, I generally find that dried herbs hold up better in longer cooking scenarios, like soup.

You will notice I only listed fresh herbs as a garnish. The cilantro and/or scallions will be lovely pops of color and flavor for the finished dish but will wilt if included for the full cooking time.

Do I cook the chicken before putting it in the soup?

I do not recommend cooking the chicken through before adding it to the soup. You don’t want to prevent the development of that signature chicken broth flavor.

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes—but be sure the chicken reaches a temperature of at least 165° before you shred it. Use an instant-read thermometer to test for doneness.

How do I add even more flavor to Crock-Pot chicken noodle soup?

To add more flavor, use one—or all—of the following tricks:

• Sear the outside of the chicken in a frying pan with butter, then add it to the crock
• Add a strong fresh herb to the butter as well, like rosemary or oregano
• You can add chicken bouillon, but watch the salt levels

What should I serve with slow-cooker chicken noodle soup?

I find the best accompaniment to a fresh, hot bowl of soup is a delicious loaf of fresh sourdough, focaccia or a rustic Italian loaf or baguette. Offer salted butter with the bread for a hearty meal.

You can also make a delicious sandwich, whether you prefer grilled cheese, a baguette with melted brie and jam or a whole grain bread with hummus and fresh veggies. You really can’t go wrong! Check out our most popular sandwich recipes for inspiration.

How long will this Crock-Pot soup last in the fridge?

This soup will last for approximately 3-4 days, as long as it’s stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I freeze this chicken noodle soup?

You can freeze your soup in an airtight container (make sure to press plastic wrap to the surface of the soup before putting on the top of the container), or a plastic bag (with all of the air squeezed out before sealing); freeze the soup as soon as it has cooled. You always want to avoid having food for any amount of time in the “danger zone” between 40° and 140° F.

Stored properly, your slow-cooker chicken noodle soup will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

How do I thaw and reheat slow-cooker chicken noodle soup?

For best results, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator. This will ensure the soup is safe to eat for another 3-4 days if it is kept in the refrigerator. If you decide to defrost in the microwave, heat and serve immediately.

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Go to Recipe Editor's Tip: If you've been wondering: "how can you thicken soup?"—we have a few tips. The easiest fix is to remove the slow-cooker lid near the end of cooking. This will allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. You could also whisk together a slurry of equal parts water and thickener (such as cornstarch or flour), then stir it into your soup. 

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Editor's Tip: Can you overcook soup in a slow cooker? It's a common question—and the short answer is yes. Ingredients like veggies, pasta and rice can get very mushy if left in the slow cooker too long. Many meats will toughen, too. Play it safe by following your recipe's cooking instructions closely.

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Slow-Cooked Mexican Beef SoupMy family loves this soup, and I'm happy to make it since it's so simple! You can serve with cornbread instead of corn chips to make it an even more filling meal. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

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Split Pea Soup with Ham & JalapenoTo me, this spicy pea soup is total comfort food. I cook it low and slow all day, and it fills the house with a yummy aroma. It's so good with a nice, crispy baguette. —Chelsea Tichenor, Huntington Beach, California

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Spicy Cowboy ChiliToasting the peppers for this cowboy chili releases their earthy flavors. I recommend wearing gloves when handling dried peppers and seeds. —Rachel Sprinkel, Hilo, Hawaii

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Taste of Home

Red Bean Vegetable SoupCajun seasoning boosts the flavor of this brothy soup. The easy recipe makes a big batch that's loaded with beans and fresh veggies. —Ronnie Lappe, Brownwood, Texas

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Slow-Cooker Sweet Potato SoupI love that I can top this creamy soup with anything my heart desires, which means I can eat it several days in a row without ever having to have it the same way twice. You can substitute fresh onions and celery in this recipe if you prefer, but using the dried version makes it easy to throw together on a weekday morning. —Colleen Delawder, Herndon, Virginia

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Hearty Slow-Cooker ChiliWhen it’s time to build my zesty chili, I combine everything the night before. In the morning, I load the slow cooker and let it do the work. —Molly Butt, Granville, Ohio

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Taste of Home

Mango & Coconut Chicken SoupI love preparing dinner in a slow cooker because it's "carefree cooking." This chicken dish uses ingredients that I love, such as coconut milk, edamame and fresh ginger. The Asian-style entree is perfect for a potluck party. —Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

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English Pub Split Pea SoupThis family favorite is the same recipe my grandmother used. Now with the magic of the slow cooker, I can spend 15 minutes putting it together, walk away for five hours, and come back to "soup's on." Finish it with more milk if you like your soup a bit thinner. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida

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