Chicken noodle soup is a classic dish. It warms you up. It is easy to make. Using a slow cooker makes it even simpler. This dish is good for lunch or dinner. You can enjoy it anytime. Let’s learn how to make it!
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
A slow cooker is a special kitchen tool. It cooks food slowly. This helps flavors blend well. It also makes chicken very tender. You can set it and forget it. That means you can do other things while it cooks!
Ingredients Needed
To make chicken noodle soup, you need:
- 1 pound of chicken breast
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 cup of carrots, sliced
- 1 cup of celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups of egg noodles
- Optional: 1 cup of frozen peas
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s start cooking. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Prepare The Chicken
First, take the chicken breast. You can leave it whole. Place it in the slow cooker. This will cook it well.
Step 2: Add The Vegetables
Next, add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced onion. These add flavor and nutrition.
Step 3: Add Garlic And Herbs
Now, add the minced garlic. Then, sprinkle the dried thyme and parsley. This makes the soup tasty.
Step 4: Pour In The Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients. This will help everything cook together.
Step 5: Season The Soup
Add salt and pepper. Be careful not to add too much. You can always add more later.
Step 6: Cook The Soup
Put the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Or cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken should be tender when done.
Step 7: Shred The Chicken
After cooking, take out the chicken. Use two forks to shred it. Then, put the shredded chicken back into the soup.
Step 8: Add The Noodles
Now, add the egg noodles. Cook on high for 30 minutes. This makes the noodles soft.
Step 9: Optional Peas
If you like peas, add them now. They can be frozen peas. Stir them in. Cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 10: Taste And Serve
Finally, taste the soup. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot in bowls. Enjoy your delicious soup!
Tips for Making the Best Soup
Here are some tips to make your soup even better:
- Use fresh vegetables for more flavor.
- Try adding herbs like rosemary or bay leaves.
- If you like spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Let the soup cool before storing it.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Health Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is not just tasty. It has health benefits too.
- Chicken provides protein. This helps your muscles.
- Vegetables give vitamins and minerals. These are good for your body.
- Broth helps keep you hydrated. This is important for health.
- Warm soup is comforting. It can make you feel better when sick.
Storage and Reheating
After making the soup, you may have leftovers. Here’s how to store it:
- Let the soup cool down.
- Transfer it to an airtight container.
- Refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- You can also freeze it for longer. It lasts up to 3 months.
When reheating, do this:
- Pour the soup into a pot.
- Heat on low until warm.
- Stir often to avoid burning.
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Variations of Chicken Noodle Soup
You can change this recipe to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:
- Add different vegetables like corn or green beans.
- Use whole wheat noodles for a healthier option.
- Try using rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- Make it creamy by adding a little milk or cream.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup is a simple and tasty dish. Making it in a slow cooker is easy. You can enjoy it any time. Follow the steps, and you will have a warm bowl of soup. Share it with friends and family. They will love it!
Now you know how to make chicken noodle soup in a slow cooker. Enjoy cooking!
