When the weather cools or you’re simply craving comfort, nothing satisfies quite like a warm bowl of slow cooker chicken noodle soup. This timeless dish has been a go-to for generations—nourishing, soothing, and incredibly easy to make. You can toss everything into your slow cooker in the morning and come home to a house filled with the savory aroma of homemade soup. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, sick days, or when you just need a hug in a bowl. And the best part? You barely have to lift a finger.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker chicken noodle soup isn’t just cozy—it’s downright crave-worthy. Here’s why you’ll want to bookmark it:

Simple & Hands-Off: Toss the ingredients in your crockpot and let it work its magic.
Rich Flavor: The slow cooking process deepens the savory broth for that homemade taste.
Versatile: Swap in gluten-free noodles or extra veggies to fit your needs.
Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday pantry staples and affordable ingredients.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this soup hits all the marks.

The Story Behind Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s a little backstory on slow cooker chicken noodle soup to enjoy while it simmers:

Rooted in Tradition: Chicken soup has been a global comfort food for centuries, from Jewish penicillin to Asian congee.
The Slow Cooker Twist: Popularized in the 1970s, slow cookers made homemade soup easier than ever.
Feel-Good Favorite: Known for its soothing qualities, it’s the go-to remedy during cold and flu season.
Endlessly Adaptable: Cultures around the world have their own version, tailored with local herbs and noodles.

Key Ingredients in Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken Thighs or Breasts – Adds juicy, tender protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
Carrots & Celery – The aromatic base that brings classic flavor and a slight sweetness.
Onion & Garlic – Adds savory depth and comforting aroma.
Chicken Broth – The soul of the soup, carrying all the flavors with richness.
Egg Noodles – Hearty, slurpable, and filling—classic in chicken noodle soup.
Fresh Herbs (like parsley or thyme) – Brightens and freshens the entire pot.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Prep the Base
Dice carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Layer them at the bottom of your slow cooker for even cooking.
Add the Chicken
Place chicken breasts or thighs over the veggies. Season with salt, pepper, and a few sprigs of thyme or parsley.
Pour in the Broth
Cover everything with chicken broth—homemade or store-bought both work. Leave some room for noodles later.
Set It and Forget It
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Your home will smell amazing!
Shred the Chicken
Once tender, remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Return it to the soup.
Add the Noodles
Stir in egg noodles and cook on HIGH for 15–20 minutes until al dente. Don’t overcook or they’ll turn mushy.
Taste and Adjust
Add more salt, pepper, or fresh herbs to taste. A squeeze of lemon can brighten it up too!
Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Tips and Twists

Maximize Flavor and Try New Takes

Top Tips:

Use bone-in chicken for richer broth.
Sauté the onions first for extra depth.
Add a parmesan rind while cooking for umami.
Stir in spinach at the end for color and nutrients.
A splash of lemon juice enhances the broth.

Tasty Variations:

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream before serving.
Low-Carb: Swap noodles for spiralized zucchini or riced cauliflower.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

Keep Your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Fresh

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it thickens.
Make-Ahead: Prep all ingredients the night before and store in a zip bag. Just dump into the crockpot in the morning!

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Pair your soup with:

Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A toasty, melty companion.
Simple Avocado Toast with Egg – Add protein and creamy texture. Try it here
Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – A healthy side that complements the soup’s flavors. Get the recipe
Crusty Focaccia Bread – Perfect for soaking up every last drop. Make it at home
Lemonade or Iced Tea – Light, refreshing drinks that cleanse the palate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add it during the last 30 minutes so it doesn’t overcook.

What noodles work best?
Egg noodles are classic, but rotini or bowtie pasta also work well.

Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze without noodles—add fresh ones when reheating to prevent sogginess.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Just use gluten-free noodles and check your broth label.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes! Use vegetable broth and sub in chickpeas or tofu for protein.

Enjoy Your Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ve made a soup that warms the body and heart. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the kind of meal you’ll find yourself making again and again—especially when you need something healing, hearty, and wholesome. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping lunches for the week, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your rotation. So grab a bowl, cozy up, and enjoy every spoonful.

Explore More Recipes

Loved this comforting bowl? Here are more cozy recipes you’ll enjoy:

Craving a twist? Try our Chicken Alfredo Lasagna for a creamy, comforting casserole.
For another slow cooker hit, don’t miss our Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken Meatballs packed with Italian flavor.
Need a quick lunch idea? These Grilled Chicken Wraps are easy, tasty, and portable.
Try a warm dessert like Easy Pecan Pie Cobbler to finish your meal on a sweet note.
Looking for a side dish? Our Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits are ready in 30 minutes and go perfectly with soup.

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Made Easy

This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the ultimate cozy meal—simple, hearty, and perfect for busy days. Packed with flavor and easy for beginners, it’s a classic you’ll make on repeat.

Course Main Course, Soup

Cuisine American

Keyword crockpot chicken noodle soup, easy chicken soup, easy comfort food, homemade soup, slow cooker chicken noodle soup

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6 15

Servings 6 servings

Calories 285kcal

Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 carrots peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks sliced
1 small onion diced
3 garlic cloves minced
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
2 bay leaves
2 cups egg noodles
1 tbsp olive oil optional, for sautéing
Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Juice of ½ lemon optional

Instructions

Add carrots, celery, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Place chicken over the veggies and season with salt, pepper, thyme, and bay leaves.
Pour in the chicken broth until ingredients are just covered.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, and return to the pot.
Stir in egg noodles and cook on HIGH for another 15–20 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning. Add lemon juice for brightness if desired.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

For richer flavor, sauté onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker. To make it creamy, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end. This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is easy to adapt!