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Hearty Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup - Comforting, Simple, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds chicken (bone-in thighs or breasts for best flavor; boneless thighs also work)
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus more to taste)
  • 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, lightly crushed (or 1 tablespoon fresh, minced)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • 8 ounces egg noodles (wide or homestyle)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (optional, for sautéing)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Method
 

  1. Prep the veggies: Slice carrots and celery, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Keep them in evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.
  2. Optional sauté: For deeper flavor, sauté the onion, carrots, and celery in olive oil or butter for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Transfer to the crock pot.
  3. Load the crock pot: Add vegetables, chicken, broth, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–7 hours or on High for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
  5. Shred the chicken: Remove chicken to a plate. Discard skin and bones if using bone-in. Shred meat with two forks and return it to the crock pot.
  6. Add noodles: Stir in egg noodles. Cook on High for 15–20 minutes, or until noodles are just tender. Check early; overcooked noodles turn mushy.
  7. Finish and season: Stir in lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaves.
  8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley. Add a splash of extra hot broth if you prefer it soupier.