Are you craving a warm, comforting meal that's also incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This chicken noodle crockpot recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Forget about slaving over a hot stove – let your slow cooker do the work while you relax. This recipe delivers a delicious, healthy, and satisfying meal, perfect for the whole family. It's one of those easy recipes that always hits the spot, especially when you need a quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
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Sear the Chicken (Optional but Recommended): Start by searing the chicken breasts in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the finished dish. Don't worry if it's not completely cooked through at this stage; the slow cooker will take care of that.
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Layer the Ingredients: Transfer the seared chicken to your slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
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Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Stir in the dried thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
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Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds.
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Add Noodles: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the egg noodles. Allow them to cook in the broth until tender.
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Shred and Serve: Once the noodles are cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious homemade cooking creation!
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Bone-in Chicken: For even richer flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. Just be sure to increase the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetable Variety: Feel free to add other vegetables like diced potatoes, green beans, or peas.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Homemade Broth: Using homemade chicken broth will elevate the flavor significantly.
Delicious Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Lemon Chicken Noodle Soup: Add the zest and juice of one lemon during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Chicken Noodle with Wild Rice: Substitute 1 cup of wild rice for half of the egg noodles for added texture and nutrition.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-40g
This easy crockpot recipe is a perfect example of delicious dishes that are also healthy meals. It's a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes, providing a quick and satisfying dinner solution for any night of the week. Enjoy!