There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. It’s the universal symbol of comfort, a go-to meal for chilly evenings, and the first thing we crave when we’re feeling under the weather. This crockpot chicken noodle soup recipe takes that classic comfort and makes it ridiculously easy. Weโre talking a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that fills your home with an incredible aroma and delivers a perfectly cooked, soul-soothing soup every single time.
Forget standing over a hot stove. With your slow cooker, you can create a rich, flavorful broth and incredibly tender chicken with minimal effort. Plus, weโre sharing the one simple secret that guarantees your noodles will be perfectly al dente, never mushy. Get ready to make the best, easiest chicken noodle soup of your life.
Why This is the BEST Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
While there are many slow cooker soup recipes out there, this one stands out for a few key reasons. We’ve tested and perfected it to ensure it’s not just easy, but absolutely delicious.
- The No-Mushy Noodle Guarantee: We cook the noodles separately at the end. This simple step is a game-changer, preserving their texture and preventing that dreaded mushy, starchy result.
- Deep, Slow-Simmered Flavor: The low-and-slow cooking method of the crockpot allows the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and herbs to meld together into a broth that tastes like itโs been simmering all day long.
- Incredibly Tender Chicken: The gentle, consistent heat of the slow cooker makes the chicken so tender it practically shreds itself.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Reward: Just a few minutes of chopping is all it takes to get this soup going. Your crockpot does all the heavy lifting!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely have most of these on hand already. It’s a classic combination that delivers timeless flavor.

- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work wonderfully. Thighs will provide a slightly richer flavor, but breasts are a fantastic lean option.
- Mirepoix: The classic trio of diced onion, carrots, and celery forms the aromatic base of our soup.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent, savory depth.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality low-sodium chicken broth or stock. This allows you to control the saltiness of the final soup.
- Herbs: A combination of dried thyme and a bay leaf infuses the broth with a classic, savory aroma. Fresh parsley adds a bright, fresh finish.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are the traditional choice, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape.
- Salt and Pepper: To season and enhance all the other flavors.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Soup in the Crockpot (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is as simple as “dump and go.” Hereโs how you bring this comforting soup to life with just a few easy steps.
- Layer the Base: Place the chopped onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and the bay leaf on top.
- Add Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and very tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaf from the crockpot.
- Cook The Noodles: While the chicken rests, cook your egg noodles separately in a pot of salted, boiling water according to the package directions. This is our key step! Drain them well.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the fresh parsley. To serve, place a portion of the cooked noodles into each bowl and ladle the hot soup over the top. This keeps the noodles perfectly textured.
The Secret to Perfect, Not Mushy, Noodles
Have you ever made a big batch of soup only to have the noodles turn into a soft, starchy mess by the next day? The culprit is allowing the noodles to sit in the hot broth, where they continue to absorb liquid and overcook. Cooking them separately and adding them directly to each bowl just before serving is the foolproof way to avoid this. It ensures every single bowl of soup has perfectly cooked noodles, whether you’re eating it fresh or enjoying leftovers.

Tips and Tricks for Success
A few simple tips can elevate your crockpot chicken noodle soup from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Sautรฉ the Veggies First (Optional): For an even deeper flavor profile, take 5 extra minutes to sautรฉ the onion, carrots, and celery in a skillet with a bit of olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. This caramelizes the vegetables and adds a rich, savory note.
- Use Chicken Thighs: While chicken breasts are great, boneless, skinless chicken thighs offer more flavor and fat, resulting in a richer broth and incredibly moist meat that never dries out.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: If you have fresh thyme, use 2-3 sprigs instead of the dried version. Always finish with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness that brightens the entire dish.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Check the chicken at the lower end of the cooking time. Itโs done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) and shreds easily.
Recipe Variations to Try
This classic recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
- Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup: For a richer, creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add a cup of frozen peas or corn at the end of the cooking time. A few handfuls of fresh spinach stirred in until it wilts is also delicious.
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: In a hurry? You can use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat and add it to the crockpot for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it absorb the flavors of the broth.
- Gluten-Free Version: Easily make this soup gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and cooking it separately, just as instructed.
If you enjoy this kind of set-it-and-forget-it meal, you’ll absolutely love this hearty Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings (coming soon). Itโs another level of comfort food!
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
One of the best parts about this soup is the leftovers! Hereโs how to store it properly to keep it tasting great.
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup (broth and chicken/veggies) to cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is highly recommended to store the cooked noodles separately in their own airtight container to maintain the best texture.
Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! However, do NOT freeze it with the noodles. They will break down and become very mushy upon reheating. To freeze, let the soup base cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, reheat on the stove, and serve with freshly cooked noodles.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. Avoid boiling it. Serve over freshly cooked noodles or your separately stored leftover noodles.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but itโs even better with a simple side. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping, saltine crackers, or a simple grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort meal. For something lighter, a fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette is a perfect pairing. This soup is just as comforting and easy as our fan-favorite creamy Crockpot Potato Soup (coming soon).
Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Cozy Recipe
Method
- Place the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add the dried thyme and the bay leaf.
- Lay the chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over everything. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. Remove and discard the bay leaf from the soup.
- About 15 minutes before serving, cook the egg noodles in a separate pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain well.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the fresh parsley. To serve, place a portion of cooked noodles in each bowl and ladle the hot soup over them.
Nutrition
Notes
Flavor Boost: For a richer broth, sautรฉ the onions, carrots, and celery in a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until softened before adding to the crockpot.
Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for an even more flavorful and moist result.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. You may need to add about 1-2 hours to the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through to an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) before shredding.
The best way to prevent mushy noodles is to cook them separately on the stovetop according to package directions just before serving. Then, add the cooked noodles directly to each individual bowl before ladling the soup over them.
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great choice. They contain more fat, which adds extra flavor and moisture to the soup, and they are less likely to dry out during the long cooking process.
When stored in an airtight container, the soup will last for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. For best results, store the cooked noodles separately from the soup broth to maintain their texture.
Yes! To make a creamy version, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk during the last 15-20 minutes of cooking, after you’ve returned the shredded chicken to the crockpot. Allow it to heat through but do not let it boil.
More Cozy Crockpot Meals to Love
Your slow cooker is a magic tool for creating effortless, delicious meals. If you loved the simplicity and flavor of this soup, be sure to check out some of our other favorite crockpot recipes. From a show-stopping Crockpot Pot Roast to other hearty soups, there’s always something new to try.
We hope this crockpot chicken noodle soup becomes a new family favorite! If you make it, please leave a comment and a rating below. We love hearing from you! And don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!