There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup to soothe the soul and cure what ails you. And when it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s even easier to enjoy this classic comfort food. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a delicious and hearty slow cooker chicken noodle soup that’s perfect for a chilly day or a sick day.
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 of the benefits:
- Easy to make: Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
- Hands-off cooking: No need to constantly stir or monitor the soup, just set it and forget it.
- Tender and juicy chicken: The slow cooker ensures that the chicken is cooked to perfection and falls apart easily.
- Nutritious and comforting: Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that’s also packed with nutrients to help you feel better.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make slow cooker chicken noodle soup, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 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)
Equipment needed:
- Slow cooker (at least 6 quarts in size)
- Large bowl or container for prep work
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to choosing the right chicken for your slow cooker chicken noodle soup, you have a few options. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Here are some pros and cons of each:
- Chicken breast: Leaner and lower in fat, chicken breast is a great option if you’re looking for a healthier soup. However, it can be prone to drying out if overcooked.
- Chicken thighs: Higher in fat and more moist than chicken breast, chicken thighs are a great option if you want a richer, more flavorful soup.
Preparing the Vegetables
Before adding the vegetables to the slow cooker, you’ll need to prep them. Here’s how:
- Dice the onion: Use a large knife to dice the onion into small pieces.
- Mince the garlic: Use a garlic press or a microplane to mince the garlic.
- Slice the carrots and celery: Use a large knife to slice the carrots and celery into thin pieces.
Instructions for Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Now that we have all the ingredients and equipment, let’s move on to the instructions. Here’s how to make slow cooker chicken noodle soup:
Step 1: Add the Chicken and Vegetables to the Slow Cooker
Add the chicken, onion, garlic, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Add the Chicken Broth and Spices
Pour in the chicken broth and add the thyme, basil, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook on Low for 6-8 Hours
Cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Add the Egg Noodles
About 30 minutes before serving, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best slow cooker chicken noodle soup ever:
- Use low-sodium chicken broth: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the salt content of the soup.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapenos to the soup for an extra kick.
- Use different vegetables: Feel free to customize the soup with your favorite vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms.
- Add some creaminess: Stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half to give the soup a rich and creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making slow cooker chicken noodle soup:
- Overcooking the chicken: Make sure to cook the chicken until it’s tender and falls apart easily, but avoid overcooking it.
- Not seasoning the soup: Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and other spices to the soup to give it flavor.
- Not stirring the soup: Stir the soup occasionally to prevent the vegetables from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly day or a sick day. With its tender and juicy chicken, flavorful vegetables, and rich broth, it’s a soup that’s sure to become a favorite. By following the recipe and tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to make a delicious and satisfying slow cooker chicken noodle soup that’s sure to warm your heart and soul.
What are the benefits of using a slow cooker for chicken noodle soup?
Using a slow cooker for chicken noodle soup is beneficial because it allows for hands-off cooking, making it perfect for busy days. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal.
The slow cooker also helps to tenderize the chicken and extract flavors from the vegetables, resulting in a rich and satisfying broth. Additionally, slow cookers are great for cooking tougher cuts of meat, making them ideal for using affordable and nutritious ingredients.
Can I customize the recipe to suit my dietary needs?
Yes, you can customize the recipe to suit your dietary needs. For example, if you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free noodles or substitute with rice or quinoa. If you’re low-sodium, you can reduce the amount of salt used in the recipe or omit it altogether.
You can also add or substitute different vegetables to suit your taste preferences. Some options include diced carrots, sliced mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers. Additionally, you can use bone broth or low-sodium chicken broth to make the soup more nutritious and flavorful.
How long does it take to cook the chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker?
The cooking time for chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker can vary depending on the temperature setting and the size of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes 6-8 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat.
It’s essential to check the chicken for tenderness and the noodles for doneness before serving. If the chicken is not tender or the noodles are not cooked through, you can cook the soup for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I make the chicken noodle soup ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it?
Yes, you can make the chicken noodle soup ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it. In fact, the flavors of the soup often meld together and become more intense after refrigeration or freezing.
To refrigerate, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What type of noodles is best for slow cooker chicken noodle soup?
The best type of noodles for slow cooker chicken noodle soup is a matter of personal preference. However, egg noodles or wide egg noodles are popular choices because they hold their shape well and have a mild flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables.
Other options include rice noodles, udon noodles, or even orzo. Avoid using very thin noodles, such as angel hair or capellini, as they may become mushy during cooking.
Can I add other protein sources to the chicken noodle soup?
Yes, you can add other protein sources to the chicken noodle soup. Some options include diced ham, sliced sausage, or cooked bacon. You can also add beans, such as kidney beans or black beans, for a plant-based protein source.
When adding other protein sources, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For example, if you add raw sausage, you may need to cook the soup for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour to ensure the sausage is cooked through.
How can I make the chicken noodle soup more flavorful?
To make the chicken noodle soup more flavorful, you can add aromatics such as onions, garlic, and celery to the slow cooker with the chicken and vegetables. You can also add herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, or paprika, to give the soup a boost of flavor.
Another option is to use homemade chicken broth or stock instead of store-bought broth. This will add a rich, depth of flavor to the soup. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.