There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup to comfort you on a chilly evening. This crockpot chicken soup recipe takes all the effort out of creating that classic, wholesome flavor. Forget the canned versions; our easy slow cooker method lets you enjoy rich, savory soup with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a hearty, nourishing meal ready and waiting.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Soup
This simple approach to making chicken soup is a game-changer for any home cook. You will adore this recipe for many great reasons:
- Effortless: Simply add your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it do all the hard work.
- Hearty & Comforting: Enjoy deep, savory flavors that simmer to perfection, creating a truly satisfying meal.
- Nourishing & Wholesome: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, it’s a healthy choice for the whole family.
- Customizable: Easily adapt ingredients to fit your dietary needs or personal preferences.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: Prepare a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for future quick dinners.
Easy Crockpot Chicken Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
- Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic on top.
- Sprinkle in thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf if using.
- Pour in chicken broth and chicken bouillon. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.
- Discard the bay leaf. Cook egg noodles separately according to package directions and drain.
- Add the noodles to the soup, stir, and cook on LOW for an additional 5 minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and black pepper.
Notes
Ingredients
This crockpot chicken soup recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have on hand.
- Protein:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (trimmed)
- Vegetables:
- 1 large yellow onion (diced)
- 3 large carrots (peeled, sliced into coins)
- 2 ribs celery (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced, or more to taste)
- Liquids:
- 8 to 9 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon (optional, e.g., Better Than Bouillon brand)
- Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- Pasta:
- 8 ounces egg noodles (wide or extra wide)
- Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adjust this slow cooker chicken soup to suit your pantry or preferences. Feel free to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. For vegetables, add a cup of frozen peas, corn, or diced potatoes during the last hour of cooking. If you prefer a richer flavor, use chicken stock instead of broth. Fresh herbs like a sprig of thyme or rosemary work wonderfully; just double the quantity of dried herbs. For different noodles, try gluten-free pasta, or serve over cooked rice for a hearty alternative.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start makes cooking a breeze. You’ll need a 6-quart or larger slow cooker to accommodate all the ingredients for this nourishing soup. A large mixing bowl helps when shredding the chicken, and a cutting board with a sharp knife is essential for preparing your vegetables. Finally, measuring cups and spoons ensure accurate seasoning.
Instructions
Creating this comforting crockpot chicken soup recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious, hearty meal.
- Prepare Vegetables: First, dice your yellow onion, slice the carrots into neat coins, and chop the celery ribs. Mince your garlic cloves.
- Add Chicken & Vegetables: Place the trimmed boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the bottom of your 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Layer the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic over the chicken.
- Season: Sprinkle the dried thyme, dried rosemary, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients. Add the bay leaf if you are using it.
- Add Liquids: If using, dollop the chicken bouillon base over the top. Then, carefully pour in 8 to 9 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth, ensuring all ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Combine & Cook: Gently stir all the ingredients in the slow cooker to combine them well. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreddable.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Discard Bay Leaf: Locate and discard the bay leaf from the soup base in the slow cooker.
- Return Chicken: Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker, stirring it into the flavorful broth and vegetables.
- Cook Noodles Separately: While the soup finishes, cook the egg noodles al dente according to the package directions on your stovetop. Drain them well.
- Add Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the soup in the slow cooker. Stir gently to incorporate them.
- Final Simmer: Cook on the LOW setting for an additional 5 minutes. This allows the flavors of the noodles and soup to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Ladle the hot crockpot chicken soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper before serving.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect bowl of slow cooker chicken soup is simple with a few key tricks. To prevent mushy noodles, always cook them separately on the stovetop and add them to the soup only when you are ready to serve or during the last few minutes of cooking. Always adjust seasoning to your taste after the soup has cooked; a little extra salt or pepper can make a big difference. For a thicker soup, ladle out about a cup of broth, whisk it with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch, then return it to the slow cooker and stir until thickened. Ensure your chicken doneness by checking that it shreds easily with two forks. For optimal vegetable texture, cut your carrots, celery, and onions into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile crockpot chicken soup recipe is perfect for any occasion. Serve your comforting soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping, a fresh green salad, or simple crackers. For storage, place any leftover soup in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. If you plan on freezing, freeze the soup without the noodles for the best texture; you can cook fresh noodles when you reheat it. To make ahead, prepare the soup as directed and add freshly cooked noodles just before serving.
Try these simple variations: add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a creamy texture. You can also experiment with other proteins like shredded turkey or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Nutrition
Enjoying a bowl of this homemade slow cooker chicken soup offers a nutritious meal. This crockpot chicken soup recipe is packed with lean protein and wholesome vegetables, making it a healthy choice for your family.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 258 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 33g |
| Protein | 22g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 80mg |
| Sodium | 332mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients used.
FAQ
Got questions about making the best slow cooker chicken soup? We have answers!
Is crockpot chicken soup healthy?
Yes, this homemade version is very healthy. You control the fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients, avoiding excess sodium and preservatives often found in store-bought options.
What’s the difference between chicken broth and chicken stock?
Chicken broth is typically made from meat and vegetables, offering a lighter flavor. Stock uses bones, resulting in a richer, gelatinous liquid that adds more body to your crockpot chicken soup recipe.
What kind of noodles are best for chicken noodle soup?
Wide egg noodles are ideal because they hold their shape and absorb flavor well. You can also use small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni, but consider cooking them just before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on low, or 30 minutes to 1 hour on high, ensuring the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How long does chicken soup last in the fridge?
Properly stored in an airtight container, your homemade chicken soup will last safely in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot chicken soup recipe delivers comforting, homemade goodness with minimal effort. It’s the perfect solution for busy parents and beginners looking for a nourishing, flavorful meal. The simplicity of the slow cooker allows you to “set it and forget it,” resulting in a hearty soup that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. We encourage you to try this comforting dish; share your experience and rate this recipe in the comments below!
For instance, the protein and vitamins in chicken soup can help boost immunity and stimulate digestion, as noted in various health resources. Chicken soup’s potential health benefits make it a popular choice for well-being.
