There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul and satisfy the appetite. And when it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s even easier to enjoy this classic dish without spending hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll explore the simple steps to make delicious chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal.
The Benefits of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why slow cooker chicken noodle soup is such a great option. Here are just a few benefits:
- Convenience: Slow cookers are designed to make cooking easy and hands-off. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the slow cooker do the work for you.
- Tender Chicken: The low heat and long cooking time of a slow cooker make it perfect for cooking chicken until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
- Rich Flavor: The slow cooker allows the flavors of the soup to meld together and intensify, creating a rich and satisfying broth.
- Easy to Customize: You can customize your slow cooker chicken noodle soup to suit your tastes by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, and spices.
Basic Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker chicken noodle soup, you’ll need the following basic ingredients and equipment:
- 1 lb 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 oz of egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Optional Ingredients
You can also add other ingredients to customize your slow cooker chicken noodle soup. Some options include:
- Diced bell peppers
- Sliced mushrooms
- Diced potatoes
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions for making slow cooker chicken noodle soup.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Soften the Vegetables
Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until they’re softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Add the browned chicken, softened vegetables, chicken broth, thyme, basil, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Cook the Soup
Cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 6: Add the Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 20-25 minutes.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the slow cooker chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when making slow cooker chicken noodle soup:
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content of the soup.
- Add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to increase the nutritional value of the soup.
- Use different herbs and spices, such as paprika or cumin, to give the soup a unique flavor.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers for a filling and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Information
Here is the nutrition information for slow cooker chicken noodle soup:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 per serving |
| Protein | 30g per serving |
| Fat | 10g per serving |
| Sodium | 400mg per serving |
| Carbohydrates | 20g per serving |
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. With its tender chicken, rich flavor, and easy customization options, it’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend meal. By following the simple steps outlined in this article, you can make a delicious and satisfying slow cooker chicken noodle soup that’s sure to become a family favorite.
What are the main ingredients in slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
The main ingredients in slow cooker chicken noodle soup include boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, noodles, vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, and chicken broth. You can also add other ingredients like garlic, herbs, and spices to give the soup more flavor. The slow cooker is ideal for cooking tougher cuts of meat, so you can use chicken thighs if you prefer.
You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. For example, you can add diced potatoes or other root vegetables to make the soup heartier. You can also use low-sodium chicken broth or add more herbs and spices to reduce the salt content. The slow cooker allows you to cook the ingredients slowly, which helps to extract the flavors and make the soup more delicious.
How long does it take to cook slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
The cooking time for slow cooker chicken noodle soup can vary depending on the slow cooker model and the ingredients used. Generally, it takes around 6-8 hours to cook the soup on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. You can cook the soup while you are at work or running errands, and it will be ready when you come home.
It’s essential to check the soup periodically to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender. You can also cook the soup on low heat overnight and wake up to a delicious, hot meal. The slow cooker is ideal for busy people who want to come home to a ready-to-eat meal.
Can I use frozen chicken in slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in slow cooker chicken noodle soup. However, it’s essential to thaw the chicken first before adding it to the slow cooker. You can thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator or thaw it quickly by submerging it in cold water.
Using frozen chicken can be convenient, especially if you don’t have fresh chicken available. However, it’s crucial to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure food safety. You can check the chicken’s internal temperature using a food thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked through.
How can I make slow cooker chicken noodle soup more flavorful?
There are several ways to make slow cooker chicken noodle soup more flavorful. One way is to add aromatics like onions, garlic, and celery to the slow cooker. You can also add herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves to give the soup more flavor.
Another way to add flavor is to use chicken broth instead of water. You can also add a splash of wine or lemon juice to give the soup a bit of acidity. Additionally, you can sauté the vegetables and chicken in a pan before adding them to the slow cooker to create a richer flavor.
Can I make slow cooker chicken noodle soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker chicken noodle soup ahead of time. In fact, the soup tastes better the next day, as the flavors have had time to meld together. You can cook the soup and refrigerate or freeze it for later use.
To reheat the soup, simply place it in the slow cooker and cook it on low heat for a few hours. You can also reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you’re freezing the soup, make sure to label it and store it in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn.
Is slow cooker chicken noodle soup healthy?
Slow cooker chicken noodle soup can be a healthy meal option, depending on the ingredients used. The soup is a good source of protein, vegetables, and whole grains. However, it can be high in sodium, especially if you use store-bought chicken broth.
To make the soup healthier, you can use low-sodium chicken broth or make your own broth from scratch. You can also add more vegetables and whole grains to increase the nutrient content. Additionally, you can use lean protein sources like chicken breast or turkey to reduce the fat content.
Can I serve slow cooker chicken noodle soup with other dishes?
Yes, you can serve slow cooker chicken noodle soup with other dishes. The soup is a versatile meal option that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include crusty bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
You can also serve the soup with some crackers or croutons for added texture. If you want to make the meal more substantial, you can serve it with some grilled cheese sandwiches or a side of rice or pasta. The soup is also a great option for a weeknight dinner or a weekend lunch.