Step into the heart of comfort food with Grandma's Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup—an all-time favorite that warms the soul and fills the belly! Imagine coming home to the tantalizing aroma of tender chicken and fresh vegetables simmering away, creating a bowl of pure bliss that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you're feeling under the weather. This easy, hands-off recipe yields a generous 8 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead. Ready to discover the secret to this heartwarming dish? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 4 carrots, chopped
- 4 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon parsley
Instructions
- Remove giblets from whole chicken and rinse chicken thoroughly under cold water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Place the whole chicken in the slow cooker, positioning it at the bottom of the pot.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and onion around and on top of the chicken.
- Pour chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring the chicken is mostly covered.
- Sprinkle thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the whole chicken from the slow cooker using tongs and transfer to a cutting board.
- Using two forks, shred the chicken meat, discarding the skin and bones.
- Return the shredded chicken meat back to the slow cooker.
- Add egg noodles to the soup and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips
- Choose the Right Chicken: For the best flavor, opt for a whole chicken rather than pre-cut pieces. The bones add richness to the broth, making your soup even more delicious.
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This will save you time in the morning and make it even easier to get the soup started.
- Season to Taste: Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning! Taste the broth before adding the noodles, and feel free to add more herbs or spices to suit your palate.
- Noodle Timing: To prevent mushy noodles, add the egg noodles towards the end of the cooking time—10 to 15 minutes before you’re ready to serve. This will ensure they are perfectly tender.
- Leftover Magic: If you have any leftover soup, it freezes beautifully! Just make sure to leave the noodles out if you plan to freeze it, as they can become mushy when thawed.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley right before serving adds a pop of color and freshness, making your soup not only tasty but visually appealing too!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 70mg
