Indulge in the symphony of flavors with this wholesome Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, a culinary masterpiece that melds minimal effort with exquisite taste. Unravel the layers of tender chicken, al dente noodles, and a broth that whispers of comfort in every spoonful. Elevate your soup game with this classic recipe that marries simplicity and decadence.
Why You’ll Fall in Love
Embark on a culinary journey with a soup that’s not just a meal but a warm embrace. The simplicity of this homemade slow cooker chicken noodle soup recipe, composed of basic yet quality ingredients, allows you to revel in a dish that practically prepares itself within the confines of your crockpot.
The Healthy Elixir
This soup is not just a feast for the taste buds but a balm for your well-being. Packed with wholesome goodness, it boasts tender chicken, a medley of fresh veggies, and a broth that sings with health. Perfect for the chill of winter, a bowl of this chicken soup becomes your ally against the cold, nourishing both body and soul.
The Make-Ahead Marvel
This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a one-night wonder. The magic intensifies as it rests, making it a champion for make-ahead meals. Let it linger in the fridge for days or immortalize it in your freezer. The soup, like a fine wine, matures with time, ready to be relished at your convenience.
Essential Ingredients:
Olive Oil: Infuse a burst of flavor with olive oil, though any vegetable oil can play the supporting role.
Onion: The unsung hero that adds depth and richness to the soup.
Carrots: A touch of sweetness that balances the savory symphony.
Celery: A trio with onion and carrots, forming the backbone of this soup.
Chicken: Whole chicken breasts with bones and skin, or opt for the convenience of skinless boneless chicken breasts or thighs.
Vegeta: The Mediterranean seasoning that elevates the taste, or its substitutes like chicken base or bouillon cubes.
Salt: A pinch to awaken the flavors.
Black Pepper: Whether freshly ground or regular, it brings a peppery note.
Water: The canvas upon which the soup paints its flavors.
Bay Leaves: A fragrant touch essential in most chicken soup compositions.
Rosemary: Dried rosemary for an additional herbal layer.
Egg Noodles: Wide and welcoming, the perfect companion for chicken noodle soup.
Parsley: Fresh parsley to crown the soup, adding a final layer of freshness.
How To Make
Step 1: Start the Soup
Effortlessly assemble the ingredients—olive oil, onion, carrots, celery, chicken, Vegeta, salt, black pepper, water, bay leaves, and dried rosemary—within the sanctuary of your slow cooker. Stir, cover, and let the symphony begin. Cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours, allowing the flavors to dance and meld.
Step 2: Shred the Chicken
Once the symphony has reached its crescendo, remove the onion and chicken. Tenderly strip away the skin and bones, then use the harmony of two forks to shred the chicken. Let the melody of shredded chicken return to the crockpot, merging seamlessly with the broth.
Step 3: Add the Noodles
As the composition takes shape, introduce the wide egg noodles to the ensemble. Stir gently, cover, and let the performance continue for another hour on high, until the noodles are perfectly tuned and cooked.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
As the final notes of the symphony play, ladle this homemade masterpiece into your favorite bowls. Crown it with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and let the crescendo of flavors serenade your taste buds. Accompany with saltine crackers for a perfect culinary symphony.
Pro Tips
Vegeta or Bouillon: If the original maestro, Vegeta, is unavailable, let chicken base or a bouillon cube step in. The absence of these could render the soup a bit too timid.
Noodle Caution: Like a delicate musical composition, the noodles require precise attention. A mere hour is their stage time; overindulgence could lead to a mushy encore.
Creamy Cadence: For those who crave a creamy cadence, introduce a dash of heavy cream when the noodles are about 15 minutes away from their final note.
Storing the Symphony
This opus of flavors, when stored in an airtight container, will grace your refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For an encore performance, let it freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, maintaining its charm for 4 to 6 months.
Frequently Harmonized Questions
Do You Cook Pasta Before Adding to Soup?
No, let the dry, uncooked egg noodles waltz into the soup during the final hour of cooking, absorbing the symphony of flavors.
Do You Defrost the Chicken Before Putting in The Slow Cooker?
In the harmony of slow cooking, it’s advisable to thaw frozen poultry beforehand, either in the microwave or fridge, to ensure a safe and savory finale in your crockpot.