A Little History of Chicken Soup
Chicken soup has been cherished across cultures for centuries as a healing, comforting dish. Ancient Greeks praised its restorative properties, while Jewish tradition honored it as “Jewish Penicillin” for its ability to soothe colds and nourish the body. Over time, slow-cooking methods, like today’s crockpot, made it even easier to create this wholesome classic.
Crockpot Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This crockpot chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and flavorful. Made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles, it’s perfect for chilly fall evenings, cozy winter nights, or when you need a nourishing pick-me-up. What makes this recipe special is its hands-off simplicity: just toss the ingredients into the slow cooker, let it simmer, and enjoy a satisfying, homemade meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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8 cups chicken broth
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3 carrots, sliced
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3 celery stalks, sliced
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1 onion, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp dried thyme
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1 tsp dried parsley
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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2 cups egg noodles
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Place chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in the crockpot.
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Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until chicken is tender.
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Remove chicken, shred with forks, then return to the pot.
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Stir in egg noodles and cook on HIGH for 20–25 minutes, until noodles are tender.
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Remove bay leaves, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut—add in the last 30 minutes
Swap egg noodles for rice or gluten-free pasta if desired.
Add a squeeze of lemon for extra freshness.
Common Questions About Crockpot Chicken Soup
1. Can I make this chicken soup ahead of time?
Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep. Simply cook it as directed, then store in the fridge or freezer. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers even better.
2. Can I use frozen chicken in the crockpot?
Absolutely, but extend the cooking time by 1–2 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
3. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
For best results, add the noodles in the last 20–25 minutes of cooking. If you’re planning to freeze the soup, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating.
