This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is hearty and comforting, yet incredibly easy to make! No need for a can of soup, homemade is the best!
Is there anything more comforting than a big bowl of hearty soup? There’s something so natural about it, and it brings you right back to childhood.
If the only chicken noodle soup you’ve ever had is a can of good ol’ Campbells, then simply put… you NEED to try a homemade version! The flavor is so rich, so complex, and it’s incredibly easy to make at home.
Normally I think of chicken noodle soup as “sick food”… something you eat when you’re under the weather. And don’t get me wrong, this easy crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe is FABULOUS for that, but it’s also fantastic on a night when you’re looking for some comfort food. Paired with a green salad, it’s a great light meal as well!
I love cooking soups in the slow cooker because it adds great flavor plus I love coming home to dinner ready to go. If you’re in a rush, I make an amazing stove top Chicken Noodle Soup in about 20 minutes too!
IS CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP REALLY GOOD FOR YOU?
It depends on the ingredients you use to make the soup, and when you use quality ingredients, yes! Plus the soups steam warms you and eases any congestion, and the warm brothy soup helps ease a sore throat. There’s a reason it’s the universal soup for when you’re under the weather!
I also like to buy reduced sodium chicken broth, so I can control the amount of salt in the dish.
If you’re wondering what are the best noodles for chicken noodle soup, I prefer to use wide egg noodles. They tend to keep their shape and texture in soup compared to other types of noodles.
Some people make crockpot chicken noodle soup with rotisserie chicken, but this slow cooker chicken noodle soup makes it so easy to use fresh chicken. After a long, hard day, a big bowl of this soup is the cure!
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CHICKEN BROTH AND CHICKEN STOCK?
Is there a difference between broth and stock? Yes, there is! Traditionally, chicken broth is made from simmering meat, whereas chicken stock is made from simmering bones. Chicken stock has a richer flavor, due to the gelatin released from the bones as they cook, and broth is much lighter, in color and mouth feel. Since crockpot chicken and noodle soup is traditionally a brothy soup, with a relatively “clear” broth, I always use chicken broth instead of stock, but you can use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
CROCKPOT SOUP RECIPES AND IDEAS TO ENJOY
- Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup
- CrockPot Lasagna Soup
- Crock Pot Cabbage Roll Soup
- Slow Cooker Cajun Bean Turkey Soup Recipe
WHAT HERBS ARE USED IN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP?
In this, the best crockpot chicken noodle soup, I’ve used dried rosemary and thyme, with some fresh minced parsley as a garnish. Some dried tarragon, or using fresh herbs would be great additions and substitutions as well. While not exactly herbs, we’ve also used the classic “mirepoix” or “holy trinity” of diced onions, carrots and celery. These vegetables are used very frequently to start off just about any soup by adding amazing flavor and aromas.
Looking for more fantastic soup recipes? Try my Copycat Olive Garden Zuppa Toscana, and hearty Slow Cooker Minestrone!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large yellow onion diced
- 3 large carrots peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 ribs celery sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced, more to taste
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf optional
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon I use Better Than Bouillon brand, optional
- 8 to 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles wide or extra wide
- chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- To the bottom of a 6 quart or larger slow cooker, add trimmed chicken breasts. Top with onion, carrots, celery, garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt and pepper, and bay leaf (if using).
- Dollop chicken base over the top, then pour in chicken broth. Gently stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken from slow cooker to a large mixing bowl. Shred chicken. Discard bay leaf (if using), and return shredded chicken back to slow cooker.
- Cook egg noodles al dente according to package directions.
- Add egg noodles to soup and cook on LOW for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
- Serve garnished with minced fresh parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Chicken, Lunch, Main Course, Soup
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Repin this Crockpot Soup Recipe
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Do not cook the noodles in the soup. It results in a white pasty liquid that’s like drinking pasta starch and the noodles turn to mush! Other than that it started out great.
How disappointing Cassie, sorry the noodles didn’t work out for you.
Just put my down the garbage disposal. Adding the noodles turned mine into a disgusting crockpot full of mush. Definitely looking for a new recipe.
How disappointing Katie, I’m sorry this didn’t work out for you. Some brands don’t seem to work as well in the slow cooker. We have updated the recipe.
Made it tonight and it was awesome! Super easy to follow! Much appreciated! I did do the noodles separate!
So glad you loved it Gabriella!
I just wanted to leave a quick comment. I found this recipe, started it, and then saw two bad reviews and was very afraid it wouldn’t turn out. So I wanted others to know. I made this and it came out wonderfully and so tasty. No issues what so ever and was super simple! I’ll be adding it to my book of found recipes to remake! :)
So glad you loved it Michelle, thank you for taking the time to come back and leave a review! ❤️
Very flavorful, but not nearly enough broth. Your broth to noodle ratio MUST be off. Also, definitely cook the noodles first, otherwise they dissolve into mush.
We haven’t found the ratio to be off Shawn. I wonder if you possibly used regular noodles rather than egg noodles? They would soak up more of the liquid and also not hold their shape and texture as well as egg noodles.
Not sure what I did wrong. The noodles are soggy and gross. I cooked them just as long as I was supposed to. I’m so defeated. Now I wasted 8 hours of my day and have no idea what to make for dinner.
I’m sorry to hear that Aimee. We’ve made this many times and haven’t had that happen. Did you use egg noodles? They tend to hold their texture best for this soup.
Yes, I used wide egg noodles. I’m just going to cook them separate and then add them when it’s time to eat the soup.
Different noodles can cook differently, so that’s a great idea Aimee.
Just made this. Worst soup I ever made. I will be throwing it out as soon as it cools. I am going back to the way my dad used to make it. This soup Was a waste of my time and money
What problems did you have with this soup? We love this dish and most readers have had great success with this recipe!
Thank you for the recipe. It is delicious and so easy. Best chicken soup I’ve made.
You’re welcome Ann! Glad to hear you love the soup!
This recipe is absolutely AMAZING. I was looking for a chicken soup recipe that was
“different” and this fit the bill. My goodness, I could bathe in this (tho I promise I won’t) Thank you for posting this.
LOL! So glad you loved it Kate!
What would you suggest instead of egg noodles? Those tend to bother my stomach.
You can substitute other noodles. They will not hold their shape and texture as well as the egg noodles. Enjoy Michelle!
Thank you so much! Making this soup was a perfect way to spend a day off from work. Cozy and delicious!
So glad you loved it Erin!
Yes i want to make the chicken noodle soup. But i want to cook the stock with the bone in it… So what d you suggest chicken bones like the neck …
Hi Wanda, I cover this in depth in my post about making chicken stock!
Most Flavorful Chicken Noodle recipe I’ve ever used! My whole family loves it, I also brought my friend a bowl to try and she agrees most flavorful Chicken Noodle recipe ever!! Will forever make my soup using this recipe thank you!!!!
So glad you love the soup so much Ashley! Thank you for sharing it with your friends :)
Hello! Can this recipe be used in a Dutch oven on stovetop instead of crock pot? If so, what directions do you suggest for stovetop Dutch oven ? Thanks!
Yes, this recipe can be made on the stovetop. I would suggest cooking the onion in a little bit of olive oil until slightly tender. Add the remaining ingredients (except noodles) and simmer about 15-20 minutes or until tender. Shred the chicken, add the noodles and simmer until tender.
Eek. I just realized I need to double this recipe for the carry-in I signed up for. Do you think i can make it in one 6qt crock pot? Or should i make 2 separate batches in 2 crock pots? Only 1 of my crock pots has the lid that latches, and since I I have to transport it, I’d really prefer to only use that crock pot! :)
Thanks for your assistance!
I suggest using 2 Crock Pots. You could also bring one batch in a separate container!
What is the serving size? P.s. I LOVE the macro breakdown you add to the nutritional facts!!
So glad you find the nutritional info helpful. The servings will vary a bit based on the size of veggies but it’s approx. 1.25 cups. Enjoy!
This was my first time making soup. This recipe is delicious and easy to follow. My family loved it!
your site is my go-to recipe book when I need to find a good recipe quick and I know it’s going to be good.
Thank you for sharing!
You’re welcome Geoge! So glad your family love it. I’m happy to know you are enjoying the recipes on the blog.
I just put mine in the crockpot ; hopefully it turns out… I realized I had vegan chicken stock instead of broth and I somehow am out of garlic and onion so I used some onion soup that I keep on hand for a quick dip… with the store is 30 min from me I’m just crossing my fingers lol.
I’m sure it’ll taste delicious! That’s the thing about soup, you can use what you have on hand. Enjoy Amber!
If you use rotisserie chicken, when do you put chicken into the crockpot?
I would add cooked chicken in at the same time as adding the egg noodles.
yes good morning my name is Teresa Sullivan I have a question about homemade chicken noodle soup if I don’t have chicken broth or chicken stock should I use water
Water will not have very much flavor, you would need to add some bouillon if you were to use just water.
I love this recipe so easy and delicious. However, I didn’t use boneless and skinless chicken breast for my soup instead, I used skinless thigh fillets with the bone-in and added a diced potato. It turned out great. Thanks.
Great additions Harriet, thank you for sharing!