Chicken noodle soup saves the day every time I’m feeling rough or, honestly, even just chilly. You know that “I have no energy but want real food” feeling? Or when you come home late and want to feel human again. Homemade chicken noodle soup in the crock pot is an easy win. It’s like a big hug in a bowl, except there’s way less awkward arm involvement. 
What Type of Noodles?
Alright, noodle time. This bit gets people talking (and judging a little). Some people swear by egg noodles for chicken noodle soup. I get why. They soak up the broth and stay all bouncy. Regular pasta? Sure, it works in a pinch. Just don’t grab spaghetti. Trust me, it’s weird in soup tried it, regretted it. I even had one neighbor use tiny shells and, well, I’ll admit the broth clung to ‘em pretty nice.
What I’m saying is… don’t stress too much here. Egg noodles hit the classic mark but whatever short pasta you have will do the trick. Heads up toss them in at the end so they don’t end up weirdly mushy. My cousin once put them in with the chicken and, yep, noodle sludge. We still ate it though, ‘cause that’s what you do. 
About the Chicken Stock
Here’s the thing about chicken stock it matters, but not as much as you think if you’re throwing this together quickly. Of course, homemade chicken stock in your chicken noodle soup is gold. But I get it, sometimes you have a carton from the store. Use it.
Real talk, though starting with whole chicken or bone-in pieces gives so much more flavor, almost like you’re cooking at a five-star restaurant. You chuck ‘em in the crock pot with some veggies and water. The result? Broth that tastes like you worked for hours (you kinda did, but the crock pot handled most of it. Shhh).
People argue over clear broth vs. cloudy. I say, as long as it’s got flavor and it warms your soul, you are winning.
“Switched from canned stuff to making chicken noodle soup in the crock pot last winter. My kids actually ask for seconds now! No joke, they say it tastes like ‘real homemade food’.” – Barb S.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Here’s how it plays out for me on a Sunday: I toss in three chicken thighs (with bones), rough-chopped carrots, celery, and onion. Few shakes of salt and pepper. Sometimes a bay leaf if I’m feeling fancy, but that usually means I found one in a drawer.
Alright, here’s what you do:
- Throw the chicken and chopped veggies into your crock pot.
- Pour in chicken stock cover everything, but don’t overdo.
- Add garlic, a little thyme, maybe parsley.
- Set it on low for 6-7 hours, then pull out the chicken bones and shred up that chicken meat.
- Add your noodles in for the last 20-30 minutes. (TDLR: If you add sooner, you’ll regret it. Mush-town.)
- Taste, salt more if needed. Bam. Done.
If you like, drop a handful of frozen peas at the end for color and pop.
Is Chicken Noodle Soup Healthy?
I’m no doctor but, from experience and what my grandma swore by, chicken noodle soup is basically the OG comfort food. Loads of veggies. Lean protein. If you take it easy on the salt, you’re doing your body a solid unless you’re living on potato chips and soda, in which case, one bowl won’t save you, friend.
For cold weather, when everyone’s sniffling and coughing? There’s science behind the magic. Something about amino acids and warm steam helping you breathe. I just know my family perks up with a hot bowl.
It’s not a diet food (hello, noodles) but it is wholesome and will stuff you up in a good way. Grandma always said it “puts the meat back on your bones.” Maybe a little dramatic but I’ll allow it.
What Can I Add to Chicken Soup to Give It Flavor?
Okay, here’s where you get creative. Chicken noodle soup is basically your flavor playground.
- Add a splash of lemon right before serving for a fresh kick.
- Toss in herbs like thyme, dill, or rosemary, especially if they’re wilting in your fridge anyway.
- Bay leaves add a subtle background taste. Don’t forget to fish ‘em out.
- Some folks like a touch of garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
You can also add a spoonful of hot sauce if you’re wild like me (wakes you up right quick). Use leftovers hiding in your fridge green beans, corn, even torn kale leaves work. Basically, don’t be shy. Chicken noodle soup loves a makeover every now and then.
Print
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 435 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A comforting homemade chicken noodle soup made in a crock pot, filled with tender chicken and fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 3 chicken thighs (bone-in)
- 2 carrots, rough-chopped
- 2 celery stalks, rough-chopped
- 1 onion, rough-chopped
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1–2 bay leaves (optional)
- 3 cups egg noodles (or short pasta of choice)
- Handful of frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chicken thighs and chopped veggies into the crock pot.
- Pour in the chicken stock, covering everything.
- Add minced garlic, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper.
- Set the crock pot on low for 6-7 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken bones and shred the chicken meat.
- Add the noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Optionally, add a handful of frozen peas before serving.
Notes
For added flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice, fresh herbs, or a pinch of red pepper flakes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 420 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Common Questions
Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: 100 percent yes! Just add it near the end and let it heat through.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Pop leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Noodles get softer, but it still tastes great.
Q: Can I freeze chicken noodle soup?
A: Yes and no freezes fine without the noodles. If you freeze with noodles, they can turn mushy when thawed.
Q: Got ideas for what to serve with chicken noodle soup?
A: For sure. Try a grilled cheese, crackers, or a quick salad. You can even dip fresh bread right in messy but worth it.
Q: Any dairy or weird stuff in your version?
A: Nope. Pure chicken, veggies, and noodles. Keep it simple!
Soup Night Just Got Better
Alright, so that’s my big secret. Homemade chicken noodle soup in the crock pot isn’t fussy, fancy, or time-consuming. The steps are easy. The result tastes homemade because well, it is. Get brave with your seasonings. Try local veggies or different noodle shapes. Your kitchen, your rules.
Oh, and if you ever want more cozy classics (or just wanna nerd out on why soup is so good for you), check out some solid resources over at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics or the National Chicken Council. Go on, give it a whirl. Let the soup do its magic.
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Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.
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