There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup. It’s the kind of dish that warms your soul, soothes your body, and brings people together. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a hearty meal, this slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the perfect solution. Packed with rich flavors from chicken thighs and sautéed vegetables, it offers a made-from-scratch, homemade taste that’s hard to beat. With just a little bit of prep work, the slow cooker does the rest, making it ideal for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
This recipe isn’t just about convenience—it’s about flavor and comfort. The combination of tender shredded chicken, aromatic veggies, and delicious egg noodles creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nostalgic. Here are some reasons why this soup is a must-try:
- Comforting: Chicken noodle soup is the ultimate comfort food, packed with aromatic veggies, fresh herbs, tender shredded chicken, and delicious egg noodles.
- Easy: Once the prep work is done, the crockpot does all the work.
- Perfect for busy schedules: The soup cooks for 6 hours, so it’s perfect for those days when you don’t have a ton of time to cook.
The Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Soup
The secret to a great chicken noodle soup lies in the ingredients. Each component plays a role in building layers of flavor:
- Skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs: These add a ton of flavor, especially since they’re seared in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Mirepoix: A classic base for any chicken soup recipe, consisting of chopped onion, celery, and carrots.
- Garlic: Adds another layer of flavor.
- Tomato paste: Enhances the umami depth of the soup.
- Spices: Fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and bay leaves bring warmth and complexity.
- Egg noodles: Wide egg noodles provide that old-fashioned chicken soup feel, but regular egg noodles or other pasta types can be used as well.
- Chicken broth: Acts as the base for the soup and helps create the broth.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup From Scratch
Making homemade chicken noodle soup is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor:
- Brown the Chicken: Start by drying and seasoning the chicken thighs, then cook them in a skillet until they’re nice and brown on both sides, then remove the skin.
- Sauté the Veggies: Toss the onion, celery, and carrots into the skillet and let them soften up. This is where all that good flavor really starts to come together.
- Add Flavor and Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Add the garlic, tomato paste, thyme, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Then add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the skillet and scrape up any brown bits. Transfer everything to the slow cooker with the remaining chicken broth and the chicken. Let it cook on low heat.
- Shred and Add Noodles: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it and toss it back into the slow cooker with the cooked noodles. Give it a good stir, and it’s ready to serve!
Tips to Save Time
If you're short on time, here are a few tips to streamline the process:
- Prep ahead: Chop up the veggies beforehand and store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days. You can also buy pre-chopped mirepoix at your local grocery store.
- Pasta prep: Boil the noodles and store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days before adding them to the soup. You may need to run them under some water to break up the noodles before adding them to the crockpot.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings as desired.
Substitutions and Additions
This recipe is versatile, allowing for various substitutions and additions:
- Chicken broth: Instead of regular, you can use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Herbs: Add a few sprigs of fresh rosemary along with the thyme for an even earthier flavor. If you don’t have fresh herbs, you can use dried, but the flavors might not be as intense.
- Chicken: You can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
- Veggies: Add more veggies like fresh chopped spinach during the last hour or so of cooking.
Storage and Leftovers
Proper storage ensures your soup stays fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 6 months. Let the soup thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a timeless classic that brings comfort and joy to any meal. Whether you're serving it on a chilly evening or using it as a quick lunch, it's a dish that never disappoints. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a family favorite. So, grab your ingredients, get your slow cooker ready, and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness that will warm your heart and satisfy your appetite.
