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Welcome to the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself! This incredible creamy crockpot chicken noodle soup is your new go-to recipe for effortless weeknight meals. The slow cooker does all the hard work, simmering rich flavors to perfection while you go about your day. You’ll love coming home to this hearty, creamy goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This recipe perfectly embodies simplicity and heartwarming flavors, making it a household favorite. Here’s why you’ll adore making this creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot style:
- Effortless Slow Cooker Preparation: Simply toss most of the ingredients into your slow cooker. It’s incredibly hands-off, letting the appliance work its magic.
- Rich, Comforting, Homemade Taste: Every spoonful delivers a deeply savory and wonderfully creamy broth, reminiscent of classic homemade comfort food.
- Perfect for Busy Weeknights: Prepare it in the morning and return to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. It’s a lifesaver for hectic evenings.
- Feeds a Crowd Easily: This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for family dinners, meal prep, or sharing with friends.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using basic pantry staples, you create a complex and satisfying taste that everyone will love.
Many sources highlight that slow cooking helps preserve nutrients that can be lost with high-heat cooking methods.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple ingredients to create your next favorite creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building the soup’s rich flavor profile.
- 3 celery stalks, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, whole and raw
- 1/2 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken stock, preferably low sodium
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups dried penne noodles (or preferred pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own!
For a richer flavor and different texture, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts. Just note that cooking times may vary slightly. If you prefer other noodle types, egg noodles, rotini, or even small shells work wonderfully in this soup. Just be sure to add them uncooked towards the end of the cooking process. For a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream, try using full-fat canned coconut milk or a suitable dairy-free cream substitute for similar richness. Feel free to boost the vegetable content by adding diced potatoes, corn, or green peas during the last hour of cooking.
Essential Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing this creamy crockpot chicken noodle soup a breeze. You likely already own most of these kitchen essentials.
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker: This ensures ample space for all the ingredients to simmer perfectly.
- Small saucepan: Essential for preparing the smooth, flavorful roux that thickens the soup.
- Whisk: A whisk is crucial for preventing lumps when making the roux and blending it into the soup.
- Shredding forks: Two forks make quick work of shredding the tender cooked chicken right in the slow cooker.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup in Your Crock Pot
Making this comforting soup is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot meal every time.
First, combine the diced celery, carrots, whole chicken breasts, chicken stock, thyme, basil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in your slow cooker. Ensure all ingredients are submerged in the liquid. Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. This allows the chicken to become incredibly tender and the vegetables to soften beautifully.
After 3 hours (if cooking on high) or 6 hours (if cooking on low), carefully pull 2 cups of the hot liquid from the slow cooker. Set this flavorful broth aside for the next step. Meanwhile, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until it forms a smooth paste, cooking for about one minute to create a roux.
Next, slowly add the reserved liquid from the crockpot to the roux in the saucepan. Begin by adding about 2 tablespoons at a time, whisking continuously until each addition is fully incorporated and smooth before adding more. This gradual process prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture. The entire addition of liquid should take you more than 30 seconds, but less than 2 minutes for best results.
Once the roux and liquid are fully combined and smooth, add this thickened mixture back into the slow cooker. Stir well to fully combine it with the soup. Add in the uncooked penne noodles and turn the slow cooker setting to high. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the noodles to become perfectly tender.
Turn off the slow cooker and carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it back into the rich, creamy broth. Finally, stir in the heavy cream just before serving. This ensures the cream maintains its smooth texture and does not curdle. Serve your delicious creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot hot and enjoy!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot is easy with a few simple tricks. Keep these tips in mind for consistently delicious results every time.
Do not overcook the noodles; they can become mushy if left in the slow cooker for too long. Add them only during the final 30 minutes of cooking. Properly temper the cream by stirring it in at the very end, off the heat, to prevent it from curdling. If your soup seems too thick, you can easily adjust the consistency by stirring in a little extra chicken stock until it reaches your desired texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Adding cream too early: This can cause the cream to curdle, resulting in a grainy texture. Always stir it in at the very end.
- Using pre-cooked noodles: Pre-cooked noodles will absorb too much liquid and become mushy in the slow cooker. Always use dried pasta.
- Not making a proper roux: A well-made roux ensures a smooth, lump-free, and perfectly thickened soup. Take your time whisking it.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
This versatile creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot is fantastic on its own, but can also be customized. Here’s how to enjoy it best and make it your own.
Serve your warm, hearty soup with a side of crusty bread or warm dinner rolls for dipping into the rich broth. A simple side salad also makes a great accompaniment. Store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if it has thickened too much. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
Delicious Variations to Try
- Herb Boost: Enhance the aromatic profile by adding different fresh or dried herbs. Try a sprig of fresh rosemary or a pinch of dried sage.
- Extra Veggies: Incorporate more greens and color by stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or green peas during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Bright Zest: A small squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the overall flavor of your creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot.
Nutrition Information
This estimated nutrition information is provided for convenience. Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes.
| Serving Size | Calories | Fat (g) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 of recipe | 460 | 26 | 32 | 28 |
Please note: This table provides estimated nutritional values for informational purposes only. Consult a registered dietitian for personalized advice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making this comforting creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot recipe.
Can I freeze this soup?
We don’t recommend freezing this soup if it contains noodles or dairy, as both can change texture when thawed. The noodles become mushy, and the cream might separate.
What kind of noodles are best?
Medium-sized pasta like penne, rotini, or egg noodles work well. Avoid very small pasta that can disappear, or very large pasta that may not cook evenly.
How to thicken a runny soup?
If your soup is too thin, you can create a small slurry of cornstarch and water, then stir it into the simmering soup until thickened. This is a quick fix.
Can I use raw chicken thighs?
Yes, you can absolutely use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will yield a slightly richer flavor and stay incredibly moist.
Conclusion
This creamy crockpot chicken noodle soup truly is the ultimate easy comfort meal. With minimal effort, you create a hearty, flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out. The simplicity of using a slow cooker, combined with the rich, creamy broth and tender chicken, makes this recipe an instant family favorite. Give this delightful creamy chicken noodle soup crock pot recipe a try tonight and discover the magic of effortless, homemade comfort food.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker For simmering all ingredients
- small saucepan For preparing roux
- whisk For smooth roux blending
- Two forks For shredding chicken
Ingredients
- 3 stalks celery, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, whole and raw
- 0.5 tbsp dried thyme
- 0.5 tbsp dried basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups chicken stock, preferably low sodium
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 0.33 cup all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups dried penne noodles (or preferred pasta)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Add celery, carrots, whole chicken breasts, chicken stock, thyme, basil, garlic, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours.
- After cooking time, remove 2 cups of broth from the slow cooker and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then whisk in flour to form a roux. Cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk reserved broth into the roux, 2 tablespoons at a time, until smooth and thickened. Then stir this mixture back into the slow cooker.
- Stir in uncooked penne noodles. Cook on HIGH for 30 minutes, or until pasta is tender.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to soup. Stir in heavy cream just before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot.
