Chicken noodle soup: because sometimes, only a bowl of carbs and comfort will do.
Chicken noodle soup: the ultimate cure for whatever ails you—whether it’s a cold, a bad day, or the deep, emotional trauma of realizing you’ve run out of snacks. With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and broth that’s basically a warm hug in a bowl (no actual hugs, we promise), this soup is here to save the day. Just don’t ask why there are so many dishes after—it’s part of the experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra flavor)
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles (or your favorite noodles)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional, for a fresh kick)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the Crockpot
- You can also cook bacon in the oven at 350 degrees on a sheet pan until it gets crispy as well. That is my preferred method, for easy cleanup. You would still remove the bacon from the sheet pan, once cooked, and set on a paper towel to drain.
- Throw the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper into the crockpot like you’re casting a magical spell for comfort. Pour in the chicken broth and give it a little stir. (Feel free to say “Abracadabra” for good measure.)
- Cook Low and Slow. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender, and the veggies nice and soft. While your crockpot works its magic, you can kick back and relax (or deal with laundry, but let’s pretend it’s the first option).
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a hand mixer for quick shredding. Pop the chicken back into the pot to rejoin its veggie and broth buddies.
- Turn the crockpot to high and toss in your noodles. Cook for another 20-30 minutes until the noodles are al dente. Keep an eye on it—no one likes soggy noodles!
- Add a Splash of Lemon (Optional). For a fresh, zesty finish, stir in some lemon juice before serving. It brightens up the broth and adds a little zing.
- Serve and Enjoy. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy the warm, cozy embrace of homemade chicken noodle soup.
Optional Add-ins/Add-ons:
- Add spinach, or tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Swap out the noodles for rice and have chicken and rice soup for something different.