Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that is perfect for any time of the year. It’s a staple in many households, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit any taste. One of the best ways to make chicken noodle soup is in a slow cooker, which allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker, including the ingredients you’ll need, the steps to follow, and some tips and variations to make the recipe your own.
Ingredients
To make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
Instructions
To make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker, follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and measure out the chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Add the chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure that all the ingredients are covered.
Step 3: Cook the Soup
Cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You can cook it for a shorter or longer period of time, depending on your schedule and preferences.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve the soup, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread or crackers.
Tips and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to make the recipe your own:
Use Different Types of Noodles
You can use different types of noodles, such as rice noodles, udon noodles, or even gluten-free noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Add Some Heat
If you like spicy food, you can add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos to the soup. You can also add some diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms for extra flavor.
Make it Creamy
If you want a creamy soup, you can add some heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of cooking time. You can also add some grated cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
Use Leftover Chicken
If you have leftover chicken, you can use it to make the soup. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the slow cooker with the other ingredients.
The Benefits of Cooking Chicken Noodle Soup in a Slow Cooker
Cooking chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker has several benefits. Here are some of the advantages of using a slow cooker:
Convenience
A slow cooker is a convenient way to cook chicken noodle soup because it allows you to cook the soup while you’re busy with other things. You can add the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a delicious, hot meal.
Easy to Make
Cooking chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker is easy because it requires minimal effort. You just add the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
Tender Chicken
A slow cooker is great for cooking chicken because it makes the chicken tender and juicy. The low heat and moisture of the slow cooker help to break down the connective tissues in the chicken, making it tender and easy to shred.
Flavorful Soup
A slow cooker is great for making flavorful soup because it allows the flavors to meld together. The long cooking time helps to extract the flavors from the ingredients, making the soup rich and delicious.
Conclusion
Cooking chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker is a delicious and easy way to make a classic comfort food. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy. With its convenience, ease of use, and flavorful results, a slow cooker is a great way to make chicken noodle soup. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, a slow cooker is a great way to make a delicious, hot meal with minimal effort.
What are the benefits of cooking chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?
Cooking chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker offers several benefits. One of the main advantages is that it allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can prepare the ingredients, add them to the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. This is especially convenient for busy people who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Another benefit of cooking chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker is that it helps to tenderize the chicken and extract the flavors from the vegetables and spices. The low heat and long cooking time break down the connective tissues in the chicken, making it tender and juicy. Additionally, the slow cooker helps to meld the flavors together, creating a rich and savory broth.
What type of chicken is best for slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
The best type of chicken for slow cooker chicken noodle soup is boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Chicken breast is leaner and will result in a lighter-colored broth, while chicken thighs are fattier and will give the soup a richer flavor. You can also use a combination of both breast and thighs for a more complex flavor profile.
It’s also important to note that you can use frozen chicken in the slow cooker, but it’s best to thaw it first. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Additionally, you can also use chicken drumsticks or wings, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and may need to remove the bones before serving.
Can I add other vegetables to the slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables to the slow cooker chicken noodle soup to make it more nutritious and flavorful. Some popular vegetables that go well in chicken noodle soup include carrots, celery, potatoes, and peas. You can also add other vegetables like diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or chopped zucchini.
When adding other vegetables, make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Some vegetables like carrots and potatoes take longer to cook, while others like peas and spinach cook quickly. You can also add frozen vegetables like peas and carrots, which will cook quickly and add flavor to the soup.
How long does it take to cook chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for slow cooker chicken noodle soup can vary depending on the type of chicken and vegetables you use, as well as the desired level of doneness. Generally, it takes 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat to cook the chicken and vegetables until they’re tender.
If you’re using frozen chicken or adding other vegetables, you may need to adjust the cooking time. It’s always best to check the chicken and vegetables periodically to ensure they’re cooked through. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should be at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
Can I make slow cooker chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken noodle soup ahead of time, which is one of the benefits of using a slow cooker. You can prepare the ingredients and add them to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious and ready-to-eat meal.
You can also cook the soup ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. If you’re refrigerating the soup, make sure to reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving. If you’re freezing the soup, make sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving.
How do I store leftover slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
Leftover slow cooker chicken noodle soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. If you’re refrigerating the soup, make sure to store it in a covered container and reheat it to an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) before serving.
If you’re freezing the soup, make sure to cool it to room temperature first, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it before serving. You can also freeze individual portions of the soup for a quick and easy meal.
Can I make slow cooker chicken noodle soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken noodle soup gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and being mindful of the other ingredients. Some chicken broths and soups may contain gluten, so make sure to choose a gluten-free option or make your own broth from scratch.
You can also use gluten-free spices and seasonings to add flavor to the soup. Additionally, make sure to check the ingredients of any store-bought chicken or vegetables you use to ensure they’re gluten-free. With a few simple substitutions, you can enjoy a delicious and gluten-free slow cooker chicken noodle soup.