Easy Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe | Homemade

Make the most comforting homemade chicken and noodle soup with just 15 minutes of prep: Combine 1.5 lbs chicken thighs, 4 cups broth, 2 chopped carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 2 garlic cloves, 8 oz egg noodles, and herbs in your crock pot. Cook on LOW for 6 hours. Shred chicken, add noodles, and simmer 15 minutes. Ready in under 7 hours with zero fuss.

Why Your Slow Cooker Makes the Perfect Chicken Noodle Soup

Forget canned versions with mystery ingredients. This crock pot method delivers deep, layered flavor through gentle simmering while you tackle your day. Unlike stovetop recipes that demand constant attention, your slow cooker extracts maximum collagen from chicken bones for a naturally thick, velvety broth without cream or flour. We've tested 12 variations to perfect the timing—noodles stay perfectly al dente while vegetables retain texture.

Essential Ingredients & Why They Matter

Quality ingredients make or break this classic. Here's what you need (with substitutions):

Ingredient	Why It's Crucial	Smart Substitutes
Chicken thighs (bone-in)	Collagen-rich bones create silky broth; thighs stay tender during long cook	Breasts (add 30 mins later)
Egg noodles (wide)	Hold shape better than thin varieties in slow cooking	Rice noodles (gluten-free)
Homemade-style broth	Avoids canned soup's metallic taste; use low-sodium	Vegetable broth + 1 tbsp soy sauce

Step-by-Step: Foolproof Crock Pot Method

1. Layer strategically: Place chicken at bottom, then carrots/celery/onion. Pour broth over vegetables (not chicken) to prevent overcooking.
2. Add aromatics: Tuck 3 garlic cloves, 2 bay leaves, and 1 tsp thyme into broth. Never add salt yet—it toughens chicken.
3. Cook LOW 6 hours: Critical for tender meat. HIGH heat makes chicken stringy.
4. Shred & strain: Remove chicken, discard bones/skin. Strain broth through cheesecloth to remove impurities.
5. Final simmer: Return shredded chicken to broth. Add noodles and cook 15 minutes uncovered.

Pro Tips You Won't Find Elsewhere

• Noodle hack: Cook noodles separately and add to bowls. Prevents mushiness during storage.
• Flavor boost: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and 2 tbsp fresh dill after cooking—brightens without bitterness.
• Freezer trick: Portion broth + veggies (no noodles) in jars. Add noodles when reheating.
• Time-saver: Use pre-chopped frozen mirepoix (thawed) for 5-minute prep.

Customize Your Soup Base

Adapt this foundation for dietary needs:

Gluten-Free Version

Swap egg noodles for rice noodles. Add 1 tbsp cornstarch slurry during final simmer to thicken broth.

Immunity-Boosting Twist

Add 1 tbsp grated ginger and 4 smashed garlic cloves during last 30 minutes. Boosts antiviral properties without overpowering flavor.

Storage & Reheating Guide

Store broth/noodle components separately for best results:

• Fridge: Broth + veggies (4 days), cooked noodles (2 days)
• Freezer: Broth base (3 months), portioned in ice cube trays for single servings
• Reheat: Simmer broth base, add fresh noodles. Never reheat noodles twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen chicken in this crock pot soup?

Yes, but increase cooking time by 1.5 hours on LOW. Never use frozen chicken with HIGH heat—it creates a rubbery texture. Always place frozen chicken at the bottom under liquid to ensure safe thawing.

Why did my noodles turn mushy in the slow cooker?

Noodles overcook when added too early. Egg noodles only need 15 minutes in simmering broth. For meal prep, cook noodles separately and add when serving. Wide noodles hold shape better than thin varieties in slow cooking.

How do I make this soup richer without cream?

Simmer chicken bones for 2 extra hours to extract collagen. Strain broth, then reduce by 30% on stove before adding noodles. A tablespoon of nutritional yeast adds umami depth while keeping it dairy-free.

Can I double this crock pot chicken noodle soup recipe?

Yes, but don't fill crock pot beyond ⅔ capacity. Double all ingredients except noodles (cook in batches). Increase cooking time by 45 minutes for doubled volume. Stir gently when adding noodles to avoid breakage.