SLOW COOKER CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup to soothe your soul on a chilly day. This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, allowing you to toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you carry on with your day. Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of chicken, herbs, and vegetables simmering away, ready to wrap you in culinary warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is a game-changer for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—just set it and forget it. It’s packed with nutritious ingredients and offers a depth of flavor from the classic mirepoix and aromatic herbs. Plus, the addition of lemon juice and fresh parsley at the end adds a refreshing zing that’s sure to brighten your day.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- 6-qt slow cooker
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Two forks for shredding chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and diced
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into thirds
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Place chicken into a 6-qt slow cooker.
- Stir in chicken stock, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours.
- Remove chicken from the slow cooker and shred, using two forks.
- Stir pasta and chicken into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for an additional 30-40 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
- Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
For the best results, be sure to season your chicken generously before placing it in the slow cooker. If you prefer a stronger herbal flavor, feel free to increase the amount of thyme and rosemary. Adding lemon juice at the end brightens the soup, so don’t skip this step!
Additional Tips or Variations
If you’re planning to freeze the soup, omit the noodles to prevent them from becoming mushy. You can cook fresh noodles separately when you’re ready to serve. For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
This soup is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the vegetables, making it a balanced and wholesome meal option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What can I add for extra flavor?
Enhance the flavor by increasing the amounts of garlic, thyme, and rosemary. The lemon juice and parsley added at the end provide a refreshing touch.
Is this chicken noodle soup freezer friendly?
Yes, the soup can be frozen without the noodles. Once cooled, store it in freezer bags for up to 3-4 months. When ready to eat, thaw, reheat, and prepare fresh noodles to add to the soup.
Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup ahead of time but either cook the noodles fresh when serving or slightly undercook them if added to the crockpot, as they will soften further when stored with the soup.
Conclusion
Now that you know how easy and delicious this Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is, it’s time to give it a try. Let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting while you enjoy the comforting aromas filling your kitchen. We’d love to hear about your experience making this recipe, so feel free to share your thoughts and any creative variations you come up with!