Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

I’ve made this crockpot chicken noodle soup many times during busy weeks, cold evenings, and sick days. The slow cooker does the work for you, and the result is a rich, soothing soup with tender chicken, soft veggies, and broth that tastes like it simmered all day.

This crockpot chicken noodle soup delivers everything you crave: tender chunks of chicken, perfectly softened vegetables, and slurp-worthy noodles swimming in a golden, flavorful broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, whether you’re battling a winter cold, feeding hungry kids after school, or simply craving something that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This chicken noodle soup recipe, prepared in a crockpot, is ideally suited for:

• Busy weeknights when you have zero time to cook
• Cold, rainy days that call for serious comfort food
• Anyone feeling under the weather
• Meal preppers who want easy leftovers all week
• Families who need a crowd-pleasing dinner everyone will actually eat

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Why This Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Works

The slow cooker is honestly the secret weapon for making exceptional crockpot chicken noodle soup. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant attention, your crockpot does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day. The low, gentle heat breaks down the chicken until it’s fall-apart tender and infuses every vegetable with deep, savory flavor. The long cooking time allows the herbs and seasonings to meld together beautifully, creating a broth that tastes like it simmered for hours (because it did, but you barely lifted a finger).

Here’s what makes this crockpot chicken noodle soup so foolproof:

The ingredients are straightforward—no hunting down specialty items at three different grocery stores. We’re talking basic chicken, classic vegetables like carrots and celery, good broth, and your favorite noodles. Everything you probably already have or can grab in one quick shopping trip.

The set-and-forget style means you can start this crockpot chicken noodle soup in the morning before work, run errands all afternoon, or even prep it the night before. Simply combine all the ingredients, start the timer, and let it cook unattended. No babysitting required.

Plus, you get that classic chicken noodle soup flavor without standing over a hot stove for an hour. The crockpot does the work of developing rich, comforting taste while you focus on literally anything else. Similar to how our crockpot chili builds incredible depth of flavor with minimal effort, this soup proves that slow cooking creates magic.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

For the Soup Base:

• 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for richer flavor)
• 4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Noodles:

• 2 cups egg noodles (or your preferred pasta shape)

Optional Fresh Toppings:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Fresh dill, chopped
• Squeeze of lemon juice
• Crusty bread for dipping
• Oyster crackers

Step-By-Step Instructions for Making Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Load Your Crockpot

Start by adding your diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery to the bottom of your slow cooker. Toss in the minced garlic. Place the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables—they’ll stay moist as they cook above the veggies. Pour in all 6 cups of chicken broth, then add your bay leaves, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to distribute the seasonings.

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover with the lid and set your crockpot to low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low setting is ideal if you’re starting this crockpot chicken noodle soup in the morning before work. The high setting works great when you’re starting in the afternoon and need dinner by evening. Either way, resist the urge to lift the lid and peek—every time you do, you add about 20 minutes to the cooking time.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

When the timer goes off, carefully remove the chicken breasts using tongs and place them on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It should pull apart easily if it’s cooked through. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot and stir it into the broth.

Step 4: Add Your Noodles

Now comes the noodle moment. Add your egg noodles directly to the crockpot and stir them in. Cover and cook on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on them during this stage—overcooked noodles can turn to mush quickly in your crockpot chicken noodle soup.

Step 5: Final Seasoning Adjustments

Taste your crockpot chicken noodle soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. This is the time to add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten everything up. Remove the bay leaves before serving. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh herbs if you’re using them.

Tips for Better Flavor in Your Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Timing Your Noodles is Everything

The biggest mistake people make with crockpot chicken noodle soup is adding noodles too early. Noodles absorb liquid and get soggy when cooked for hours. Always add them in the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, or better yet, cook them separately and add just before serving if you’re planning to store leftovers.

Boost Your Broth Game

Use good quality chicken broth as your foundation—it makes a noticeable difference in your crockpot chicken noodle soup. For even deeper flavor, add a parmesan rind while the soup cooks (remove before serving), a splash of white wine, or a tablespoon of chicken bouillon paste. You can also use half broth and half water if you prefer a lighter soup.

Keep Vegetables from Going Too Soft

Cut your carrots and celery into slightly larger chunks so they hold their shape during the long cooking time. If you want them firmer, you can add them halfway through cooking instead of at the beginning. Mushrooms and zucchini are best added in the last hour of making your crockpot chicken noodle soup.

Brighten It Up at the End

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds incredible brightness and makes all the flavors pop in your crockpot chicken noodle soup. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill stirred in at the last minute taste so much better than dried herbs alone. These finishing touches transform good soup into restaurant-quality soup.

Variations to Try with Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Swap to Chicken Thighs

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay even more moist and add richer flavor than breasts in your crockpot chicken noodle soup. They’re more forgiving if you accidentally overcook them too. Use the same amount and cooking time.

Load Up on Extra Veggies

Make this crockpot chicken noodle soup heartier by adding diced potatoes, parsnips, green beans, peas, or corn. Frozen vegetables work beautifully—just add them in the last hour of cooking so they don’t turn to mush.

Experiment with Different Noodles

Egg noodles are classic for crockpot chicken noodle soup, but you can use rotini, shells, or even rice instead. For a low-carb version, try zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles added at the very end. Gluten-free noodles work perfectly too—just follow the same timing.

Add Gentle Heat

For a mild kick to your crockpot chicken noodle soup, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You could also add a can of diced green chiles for southwestern flair without overwhelming the classic comfort vibe.

Make It Kid-Approved

Kids often prefer simpler versions of crockpot chicken noodle soup. Skip the onions and garlic if yours are picky, use fun pasta shapes like alphabet noodles or stars, and cut the veggies smaller so they’re less noticeable. Just like our creamy crockpot mac and cheese, sometimes simple is best for little ones.

Storage and Reheating Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Refrigerator Storage

This crockpot chicken noodle soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for 4-5 days in an airtight container. The flavors actually get better as they sit, making it perfect for meal prep. Just note that the noodles will continue absorbing broth, so you may need to add a splash of water or extra broth when reheating your crockpot chicken noodle soup.

Freezing Instructions

Here’s the trick: freeze your crockpot chicken noodle soup WITHOUT the noodles. The soup base (chicken, vegetables, and broth) freezes perfectly for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some headspace for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge, reheat on the stove or in the microwave, then cook fresh noodles and stir them in. This way you avoid mushy, waterlogged noodles.

Reheating Tips

Reheat individual portions of crockpot chicken noodle soup in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For larger amounts, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of extra broth or water to thin it out if needed since the noodles will have absorbed liquid during storage.

Adding Fresh Noodles Later

If you’re meal prepping your crockpot chicken noodle soup, consider storing the noodles separately. Cook them fresh when you’re ready to eat and add them to your reheated soup. This keeps everything tasting just-made instead of reheated.

Common Questions About Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup

Ready to Experience Ultimate Comfort with Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup?

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup, especially when your slow cooker does most of the work. This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with almost zero effort, making it perfect for those days when you need comfort food without the fuss.

Don’t let another busy week go by without easy, delicious dinners waiting for you. Save this crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe, gather your ingredients, and set your crockpot to work its magic. Your future self (and your family) will thank you when you come home to the most welcoming aroma and a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Try this crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe this week and share your results! Leave a comment below telling us your favorite variation or any tweaks you made. Did you add extra veggies? Use a different noodle? We’d love to hear how your crockpot chicken noodle soup turned out for you.

Want more effortless crockpot recipes? Browse our collection of slow cooker meals that make weeknight dinners a breeze. From hearty main dishes to creamy sides, we’ve got your meal planning covered.

Last Updated on December 26, 2025 by recipes by meals