If you are craving something warm, comforting, and utterly delicious, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a must-try. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day, combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and silky noodles all swimming in a rich, creamy broth. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it melds simple ingredients into a luxurious experience that warms both your heart and your belly. Whether you’re nursing a cold or simply looking for a wholesome meal, this soup promises to satisfy and soothe with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, keeping the soup wholesome, fresh, and packed with flavor. From the crisp celery and sweet carrots to the aromatic herbs, every element adds a new layer of texture or taste to this creamy dream.
- Celery (1 cup, chopped finely): Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle depth to balance the creaminess.
- Onion (1 cup, chopped finely): Builds a savory foundation with its natural sweetness.
- Carrots (1 ½ cups, sliced): Contribute texture and a hint of sweetness that brightens the soup.
- Garlic (½ tablespoon, minced): Infuses a warm, aromatic punch that elevates every bite.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 ½ lbs): The star protein that becomes tender and juicy as it cooks slowly.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick and complexity.
- Fresh rosemary (1 teaspoon, chopped): Offers a piney, fragrant herb note for added depth.
- Dried thyme (¼ teaspoon): Complements the rosemary with subtle earthiness.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): For those who love a little warmth beneath the surface.
- Bay leaves (4): Infuse the broth with delicate, herbal complexity.
- Chicken broth (8 cups, low or no sodium): The creamy soup’s flavorful liquid base.
- Egg noodles (3 ½ cups or 8 oz): Tender and slurp-worthy, these noodles soak up all the delicious broth.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by placing all of your chopped vegetables, herbs, bay leaves, broth, and chicken breasts into your crock pot. This simple mixing is where the magic begins, as the ingredients slowly mingle together to build a rich, layered flavor base that’s unforgettable.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crock pot to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours, and let the soup work its slow-cooking magic. This gentle heat will make the chicken incredibly tender while allowing the broth to absorb the freshness of the vegetables and herbs, creating a deep, comforting taste.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
About 20 minutes before serving, take out the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This part is so satisfying because the shredded chicken pieces are perfectly juicy and ready to add back into the soup, infusing every bite with heartiness.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Return the shredded chicken to your crock pot, turn the heat to high, and stir in the egg noodles. You can also cook the noodles separately on the stove if you prefer them a bit firmer or want to avoid any starch thickening the broth too much.
Step 5: Final Cooking and Serve
Let the noodles cook for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re tender and have soaked up some of that rich broth. Once they’re done, your creamy chicken noodle soup is ready to serve. Get your spoons ready because this bowl of warmth is pure joy!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or additional rosemary bring an inviting pop of color and fresh flavor. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few Parmesan shavings can add an elegant touch that makes every serving feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with a crusty loaf of bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the soup’s richness by balancing the meal with crisp, bright bites.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or just to impress family, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a side of garlic toast. You could also ladle the soup into individual bread bowls for an eye-catching presentation that makes the meal feel like a celebration of comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the soup sits, the flavors deepen, making the next-day meal just as delightful, if not better, than fresh from the pot.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes well, but it’s best to leave out the noodles when freezing to prevent them from becoming mushy. Freeze the soup in portions and add freshly cooked noodles after reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add any reserved or freshly cooked noodles once the soup is hot to maintain that perfect tender bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic in this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, feel free to swap in any pasta you love such as rotini, macaroni, or even gluten-free options to suit your preferences.
Is it possible to make this recipe on the stovetop instead of a crock pot?
Yes, you can simmer the ingredients in a large pot over low heat for about an hour until the chicken is cooked and tender. Just follow the same sequence of shredding chicken and adding noodles toward the end for the best results.
How do I make the soup creamier?
If you want to amp up the creaminess even further, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or stirring in some cream cheese when you add the noodles. Be sure to adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the flavors balanced.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Definitely! If you have cooked chicken on hand, add it in with the noodles during the last step and reduce cooking time since the chicken is already cooked. This is a great shortcut for a weeknight version.
What can I do if my soup is too thick?
Simply stir in some extra chicken broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency. Warm gently and taste to ensure the seasoning is still spot-on.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe captures everything that makes homemade soup so comforting—tender chicken, fresh veggies, flavorful herbs, and satisfying noodles in a luscious broth. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep coming back to because it tastes like warmth and happiness in every bite. So grab your ingredients, get cozy with your crock pot, and let this soup become your new kitchen favorite. You deserve a bowl of pure deliciousness.
Print
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 40 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Noodle Soup made easy with a slow cooker, packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and classic egg noodles. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a soothing homemade meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery, chopped finely
- 1 cup onion, chopped finely
- 1 ½ cups carrots, sliced in small circles
- ½ tablespoon garlic, minced
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 bay leaves
Liquids and Pasta
- 8 cups chicken broth, low or no sodium
- 3 ½ cups egg noodles (8 oz)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In your crock pot, add all the ingredients except the egg noodles: celery, onion, carrots, garlic, chicken breasts, salt, pepper, rosemary, thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir gently to mix.
- Cook Soup: Cover the crock pot and cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to allow flavors to meld and chicken to become tender.
- Shred Chicken: About 20 minutes before serving, remove the chicken breasts carefully. Use two forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return Chicken: Add the shredded chicken back into the crock pot, stirring well to combine with the broth and vegetables.
- Add Noodles: Turn the crock pot to high heat and add the egg noodles directly into the soup. Alternatively, cook the noodles separately on the stove if preferred.
- Cook Noodles: Allow the noodles to cook in the crock pot for 15-20 minutes until they are tender but not mushy.
- Serve: Remove bay leaves, give the soup a final stir, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a clearer broth, skim off any foam or fat that rises to the surface before adding the noodles.
- Adding red pepper flakes is optional and adds a subtle spicy kick; omit if you prefer a milder soup.
- Use low or no sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content in the soup.
- Egg noodles can be substituted with other pasta types like rotini or shells based on preference.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high) plus 20 minutes for noodles
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
