Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Crockpot (Easy, Cozy, Simple) If you want a warm, comforting meal with very little effort, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Crockpot recipe is a great choice. It is packed with tender chicken breast, soft carrots, flavorful veggies, and a rich broth (you can use bone broth for extra flavor). It is simple, easy, and perfect for busy days because the crockpot does most of the work.
This is the kind of soup you can make for family dinner, meal prep, or cold weather comfort food.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Easy crockpot recipe with quick prep
- Uses simple pantry and fridge ingredients
- Made with tender chicken breast and classic veggies
- Great for meal prep and leftovers
- Cozy homemade comfort food without a lot of work
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on LOW (or 3 to 4 hours on HIGH)
- Total Time: About 6 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
Main Soup Ingredients
- 1.5 to 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 8 cups chicken broth or bone broth
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 to 2 cups other veggies (optional), such as peas, corn, or green beans
- 1 tsp salt (start with less if your broth is salty)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1 bay leaf
Noodles
- 6 to 8 oz egg noodles (or your favorite noodle)
Finish (Optional but Recommended)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (brightens flavor)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Best Broth Choice
You can use regular chicken broth, but bone broth gives the soup a richer taste and deeper color. It also makes the soup taste more homemade and hearty.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Add everything except noodles
Add these to the crockpot:
- chicken breast
- broth or bone broth
- carrots
- celery
- onion
- garlic
- salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, oregano (if using)
- bay leaf
Stir gently.
Step 2: Slow cook
Cover and cook until the chicken is tender:
- LOW: 6 to 7 hours
- HIGH: 3 to 4 hours
The chicken should be fully cooked and easy to shred.
Step 3: Shred the chicken
Remove the chicken breast and place it on a plate or cutting board.
Shred with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
Tip: You can also chop it into small bite-sized pieces if you prefer.
Step 4: Add noodles
Add the egg noodles to the crockpot and cook until tender:
- HIGH: 15 to 25 minutes (most common)
- Stir once halfway if needed
Keep an eye on the noodles so they do not overcook.
Step 5: Final seasoning
Remove the bay leaf.
Taste the soup and adjust:
- more salt if needed
- more pepper for warmth
- lemon juice for a fresher flavor
Stir in fresh parsley before serving.
Important Chef Tip for the Best Texture
If you are making this soup for meal prep or leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl when serving.
Why this helps:
- noodles stay firm
- soup does not get too thick in the fridge
- leftovers taste better the next day
How to Serve
Serve hot with:
- crusty bread
- garlic toast
- crackers
- side salad
For extra richness, add a small spoon of butter to the bowl right before serving.
Easy Variations
1) More Veggies
Add extra veggies like:
- peas
- corn
- spinach
- zucchini
Add soft veggies near the end so they do not get mushy.
2) Chicken Thigh Version
Use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast for a richer flavor.
3) Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or a little cream cheese at the end for a creamy version.
4) Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free noodles and check that your broth is gluten-free.
Storage and Reheating
Fridge
Store in an airtight container for 3 to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze without noodles for best results, up to 2 months.
Reheat
Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding noodles too early (they get mushy)
- Too much salt at the start (broth can already be salty)
- Overcooking chicken on HIGH too long (can dry out breast meat)
- Not tasting at the end (final seasoning makes a big difference)
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes. Add shredded rotisserie chicken in the last 30 minutes and cook only until heated through. Then add noodles.
Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Yes, but make sure it cooks fully to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Cooking time may increase slightly.
Can I make it quick?
For a more quick version, use pre-cut veggies and rotisserie chicken.
What noodles are best?
Egg noodles are classic, but you can use rotini, spaghetti broken into pieces, or even ramen noodles (without seasoning packet).
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Crockpot recipe is the perfect mix of easy, simple, and comforting. With tender chicken breast, carrots, flavorful veggies, and rich bone broth, it is a reliable recipe you will come back to again and again.
