Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Update : November 26, 2025

Why Make This Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish that brings warmth to any meal. It is perfect for cold days or when you are feeling under the weather. The combination of tender chicken, nourishing vegetables, and hearty egg noodles makes it a wholesome option for your family. One of the best parts is that it cooks effortlessly in a slow cooker, allowing you to go about your day while it simmers away.

This recipe uses simple ingredients that are often found in most kitchens. It is not only easy to make, but it is also a great way to use up leftover chicken if you have any. Plus, the smell that fills your home while it cooks is just irresistible! You can customize it according to your taste or dietary needs, making it a versatile meal for everyone. Making Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch is also much healthier than store-bought options, which may contain preservatives or excess sodium.

In addition to being delicious, this recipe is a great way to get more veggies into your diet. The onion, carrots, and celery provide essential vitamins and minerals. The broth helps to hydrate and nourish, making it an excellent choice for immunity. It’s a soul-soothing meal that you can feel good about serving. Every bowl of this soup provides comfort, warmth, and nourishment.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Making Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is very straightforward, and it requires minimal cooking skills. If you can chop vegetables and set a slow cooker, you can make this delicious soup! Below are step-by-step instructions on how to create this comforting dish.

Ingredients

1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 medium carrots, sliced into rounds or half moons
4 stalks celery, sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
8 cups chicken stock or broth, low sodium preferred
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1.5lbs
2 dried bay leaves
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and pepper, to taste
8 ounces egg noodles
1/2 lemon, juiced
3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by preparing all of your ingredients. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic. Make sure your chicken breasts are thawed if they were frozen.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: In a large slow cooker, add all the prepared ingredients except for the fresh parsley, lemon juice, and egg noodles. Pour in the chicken stock or broth. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Cook the Soup: Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6-8 hours. During this time, the chicken will become fully cooked, and the veggies will become tender. Remember, cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model and the size of your chicken and diced vegetables.
Shred the Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to chop or shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
Add the Noodles: Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir well, making sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Replace the lid and allow the soup to cook on low for another 5-10 minutes. You want the noodles to be just tender but not mushy. Alternatively, if you prefer, you could cook the noodles separately in a pot of boiling water on the stove.
Finish the Soup: Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. This step enhances the soup with fresh flavor and adds a pop of color.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve your warm, nourishing chicken noodle soup in bowls. You can garnish it with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy every spoonful of this warm and comforting dish!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is easy and can be done in various ways. A warm bowl of soup can be the perfect main dish, especially on a cold day. You can serve it with:

Crusty Bread or Rolls: A slice of fresh bread or a warm roll pairs nicely with the soup, great for dipping.
Salad: A light salad on the side can add a refreshing touch to the meal.
Crackers: A bowl of crunchy crackers can add extra texture and flavor.
Garnishes: A sprinkle of extra parsley or a dash of pepper can make the presentation more appealing.

Feel free to be creative with your serving ideas. The goal is to create a heartwarming meal that makes everyone feel at home.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

To keep any leftover soup safe and tasty:

Let it Cool: Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before storing it.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the soup into airtight containers. You can use glass or plastic containers with lids.
Refrigerate: Store the containers in the refrigerator. The soup will last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

If you want to keep it for a longer period:

Freeze the Soup: You can freeze chicken noodle soup for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes.
Thawing: When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or broth if it seems too thick.

Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Here are some useful tips to enhance your chicken noodle soup:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables will always give you the best flavor. The more colorful your veggies, the better your soup will look and taste.
Adjust Seasoning: Don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings. Taste the soup before serving to see if it needs more salt, pepper, or herbs.
Alternative Noodles: If you’re gluten-free, consider using gluten-free noodles. You can also try different types of noodles like rice noodles or whole wheat noodles for a unique twist.
Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn to the mix for extra nutrition.
Make it Creamy: If you like a creamy soup, you can stir in a bit of cream or milk at the end before serving for a richer flavor.

Variations

This recipe is very versatile, and you can customize it in many ways:

Herbs: Try adding different herbs like parsley, dill, or oregano for added flavor.
Spicy Version: Add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: You can make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Replace it with chickpeas or extra beans for protein.
Different Proteins: You can use shredded rotisserie chicken or cooked turkey instead of raw chicken breasts.

FAQs

Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
- Yes, you can. Sauté the vegetables in a large pot, add broth and seasonings, and then add the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked. Cook the egg noodles separately and combine before serving.
How can I make this soup healthier?
- To make it healthier, use low-sodium chicken broth, and add more fresh veggies. You can also reduce the number of noodles or replace them with whole grain or veggie-based noodles.
Can I use frozen chicken?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure they are fully cooked during the cooking time. You may need to increase the cooking time by an hour or so, depending on your slow cooker.

By following this guide, you can create a delicious and nostalgic bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup that your whole family will love. So gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy the delightful smells and flavors that fill your kitchen!