Setitandforgetit Comfort Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Recipe Introduction: Cure All Comfort Food

Fancy a proper, warming hug in a bowl? Ever get that craving for something utterly comforting? You know? Well, let's talk about Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup .

Honestly, is there anything more satisfying? This is proper soul food.

Why This Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soups Rocks

This isn't just any old soup, mind you. It's your shortcut to a classic. The slow cooker does all the work! Plus, the thyme and rosemary create the most incredible, aromatic flavour.

A Bit About This Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe

Chicken noodle soup is, like, basically a food group in some families. It's been around for ages. Probably since people figured out chicken and noodles were a top combo.

This version? Dead easy. Prep it in 15 minutes. Then let the slow cooker work its magic. Six to eight servings? Perfect for a family tea!

The Magic of Best Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

This recipe is proper good for you. It's packed with protein and vitamins. Also, it is the cure for what ails you.

Feeling a bit under the weather? Boom, Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup healthy . It's also brilliant for a relaxed weeknight dinner.

Coming home after a long day at work? This will be waiting for you! What makes it special? The fact that it's almost entirely hands off.

Plus, using bone-in, skin-on chicken gives it so much more flavour than just chucking in chicken breasts.

Now, let's have a gander at what you'll need, shall we?

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Soup Started!

Alright, fancy making a Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup ? This Set-It-and-Forget-It Comfort recipe is a doddle. Even I, someone who once set fire to toast (honestly!), can manage it.

This is going to be the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Soup ever.

Main Ingredients: The Soup's Stars

Here's the lowdown on what you'll need. Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward.

• Chicken: 1.4 kg (3 pounds) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Or a whole chicken. Aim for decent quality, free range if you can.
• Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) . This is for searing, but optional .
• Onion: 1 large (about 150g), chopped.
• Carrots: 2 (about 100g), peeled and chopped.
• Celery: 2 stalks (about 100g), chopped.
• Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. The fresher the better, mate.
• Chicken Broth: 8 cups (1.9 litres) . Low sodium is best, so you can control the salt.
• Dried Thyme: 1 tsp .
• Dried Rosemary: 1/2 tsp .
• Black Pepper: 1/4 tsp .
• Bay Leaf: 1 . Don't eat it!
• Egg Noodles: 225g (8 ounces) . Broad or medium, whatever floats your boat.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (60ml) , chopped. For garnish.
• Salt: To taste.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Bombs

Spice things up without going too mad. This is comfort food, after all. Thyme and rosemary? Bangin' combo. A bay leaf adds depth.

Don't have rosemary? A pinch of oregano will do the trick. For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup .

This easy Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe is designed to be a healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup easy and Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup healthy alternative to your usual Crock Chicken Noodle Soup .

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need the kitchen sink to make this Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soups

• Slow cooker (6-quart or larger). This is kinda essential.
• Cutting board.
• Chef's knife.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Ladle. For serving your masterpiece!.

Don't have a fancy knife? A bread knife will work in a pinch. No slow cooker? You're making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch , borrow one!

Set-It-and-Forget-It Comfort: Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Fancy a Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup that's proper lush and tastes like a hug? Honestly, who doesn’t? I've messed around with this recipe for ages, and this version is, dare I say, perfect .

So, ditch the ready meals, because this is Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup easy even after a long day.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place , my friends. Chop your 1 large onion, 2 carrots, and 2 celery stalks.

Mince 2 cloves of garlic. Having everything ready saves so much time. Trust me. If you're searing the chicken, get that skillet out too.

Regarding safety, just remember usual knife smarts. No need to lose a finger over soup!

step-by-step to Soupy Heaven

Right, let's get this show on the road:

1. (Optional, but seriously, do it .) Sear 1.4 kg chicken thighs in olive oil until golden. Flavour bomb alert.
2. Chuck chopped onion, carrots, and celery into your slow cooker. Think of it as building your flavour base.
3. Nestle seared chicken on top of the veggies. Pour in 1.9 litres of chicken broth.
4. Sprinkle in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp dried rosemary, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and a bay leaf.
5. Cook on low for 6- 8 hours or high for 3- 4 hours . Chicken should shred easily.
6. Shred the chicken and discard skin and bones.
7. Stir in 225g egg noodles and shredded chicken.
8. Cook on high for 15- 20 minutes , or until noodles are tender.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Soup Game

Don't skip searing the chicken thighs! It makes a massive difference. Also, add the noodles towards the end, else, you'll end up with mushy noodles! Eww.

A common mistake is using too much salt. Low-sodium broth and season at the end, yeah?

And there you have it! A cracking Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup family meal that's proper comforting.

Recipe Notes for the Best Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Right, let's talk shop about this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup . Honestly, it's so easy, it's practically foolproof. But, like any good recipe, a few tips and tricks can take it from "meh" to magnifique !

Plating and Presentation for your Chicken Noodle Soup Crock Pot Recipe

Okay, so we're not aiming for Michelin stars here. But a little care goes a long way. Ladle your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup into nice bowls.

Sprinkle with that fresh parsley. A swirl of cream can also look pretty fancy. Serve with a hunk of crusty bread for dunking.

Trust me, it elevates the whole thing.

What to Serve with your Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soups

This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup family meal is a meal on its own. But a side salad never hurts.

Think something simple, like a green salad with a light vinaigrette. Crackers are always a good shout too. Want to be extra? Grill some cheese toasties, chef kiss .

Storing That Leftover Crock Chicken Noodle Soup

We all love batch cooking. Right? Once cool, store your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing is an option, but be warned: the noodles might get a bit mushy. Reheat gently on the hob. Give it a good stir.

Add a splash of broth if needed.

Quick Freezer Chicken Noodle Soup Reheating

Frozen soup lasts ages. Right?. Thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave's defrost setting. Simmer on the stove until heated through. Avoid boiling to protect the noodles.

Dietary Adaptations for your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup easy

Need a Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup healthy option? Use wholewheat noodles. Or try courgetti, but add them very late in cooking.

For a gluten-free version, swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. Easy peasy.

Switching Up the Flavors

Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. Or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

In winter, try adding some parsnips. A good alternative is mushrooms. Autumnal magic!.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch: Nutrition 101

Let's keep it simple. This soup is packed with protein from the chicken. Lots of vitamins from the veggies. The noodles provide carbs for energy.

Watch the salt levels. That Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup weeknight dinner is a pretty balanced meal.

So there you have it! A cracking Chicken And Noodle Soup Crockpot recipe with all the insider info. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Now, get cooking and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup with frozen chicken, or do I need to defrost it first?

While you can technically cook frozen chicken in a slow cooker, it's generally not recommended for food safety reasons. It takes too long for the chicken to reach a safe temperature, potentially allowing bacteria to grow.

For the best and safest Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, defrost your chicken in the fridge overnight before adding it to the slow cooker.

My noodles always turn to mush when I make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup! How can I avoid this?

Ah, the dreaded mushy noodle situation! The key is timing. Add the noodles during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, right before serving, on high heat. This ensures they cook through without becoming overcooked and disintegrating. Think of it like making a proper cuppa timing is everything!

What are some good variations or additions I can make to this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup recipe to spice things up a bit?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Loads of options! For a spicy kick, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can also brighten the flavor. If you're feeling adventurous, throw in some different veggies like parsnips or mushrooms.

Think of it as putting your own spin on a classic!

How long does Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup last in the fridge, and what's the best way to store it?

Properly stored, your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. The best way to store it is in an airtight container. Keep in mind that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so it might thicken up a bit. Adding a splash of broth when reheating can help restore the original consistency.

If you wish to store the soup longer, consider freezing it without the noodles, then add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat it for the best texture.

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup, or does it have to be thighs?

You absolutely can use bone-in chicken breasts! The cooking time will be similar. Chicken thighs have more fat than breasts, that's why they are used in this recipe, which means they are likely to result in a more flavourful soup and will remain more tender during the slow cooking process, but the choice is up to you.

Whichever you choose, remember to remove the bones and skin after cooking and before adding the chicken back to the soup. This recipe is all about making the most of what you've got!