There’s something about the way a bowl of chicken noodle soup wraps you in warmth that makes any day feel a little softer. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is exactly that kind of comfort — the kind that bubbles away gently while you get on with your day, filling your home with rich aromas that sneak in through every corner.
I remember one evening when I tossed everything into the slow cooker before running out to grab a few things. The house smelled like a kitchen should — a little like garlic and thyme and those cozy vegetables simmering slowly. Later, when I came back, the chicken was so tender it almost fell apart at the slightest touch, and the noodles were perfectly cooked, soaking up all that savory broth. I wasn’t careful at first, and some of the noodles stuck together, but honestly, it only made it feel more homemade — like it was made with a little bit of hurry and a lot of heart.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hands-off cooking means you can prep in the morning and come home to dinner ready to go.
- The slow simmer develops deep, rich flavors that feel like a warm hug in a bowl.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just pure comfort.
- The egg noodles add a tender bite that soaks up broth perfectly, though they’re best added near the end to avoid mushiness.
- Using fresh vegetables and herbs gives this soup a lively, homemade feel that frozen mixes just can’t match.
If you’re a little skeptical about slow cooker soups, this one might surprise you. I usually worry about noodles getting mushy, but adding them at the end keeps them just right, and you can always adjust the seasoning to your taste once it’s done.
PrintSlow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
A comforting and hearty slow cooker chicken noodle soup made with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles simmered to perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
8 cups low sodium chicken broth
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, sliced
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, sliced carrots, sliced celery, chicken broth, dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Stir the soup well, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot.
Kitchen Notes: I find a slow cooker with a simple dial or digital timer makes this soup especially easy — no need to hover over it. Serving this soup with a crusty bread or a light salad turns it into a satisfying meal. If you want to switch things up, sometimes I swap the egg noodles for whole wheat or even gluten-free varieties, but I haven’t tested how that affects the cooking time exactly. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of parmesan on top can brighten the flavors, though that’s up to your mood. For a twist, a handful of spinach stirred in at the end adds a fresh pop without any fuss.
FAQ:
Can I freeze this soup? It’s best not to freeze once the noodles are added; they tend to get mushy. You can freeze the broth and chicken separately and add fresh noodles when reheating.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? You could make this on the stove, but the slow cooker gives it that slow, tender flavor that’s hard to replicate.
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Sure! Just add it towards the end with the noodles to warm through.
Whenever the weather nudges you towards something warm and easy, this slow cooker chicken noodle soup is waiting. Give it a try, save the recipe, and maybe print it out to keep on hand — comfort is just a bowl away.