You're about to make the ultimate crockpot chicken noodle soup, a cozy and nutritious dish. Start by gathering fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic for a flavorful, aromatic base. Use homemade chicken broth for a nutrient-packed, preservative-free foundation. Layer chicken and veggies in your crockpot, then cover with broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours before shredding the tender chicken and incorporating egg noodles for heartiness. With only 150 calories per cup and 10 grams of protein, it's both satisfying and healthy. Discover more of its delightful simplicity and benefits next.
Key Components: Fresh Vegetables
When making a delicious crockpot chicken noodle soup, fresh vegetables are your secret weapon. They add vibrant flavors, essential nutrients, and a delightful crunch to your comforting dish.
You'll want to focus on selecting the best produce to elevate your soup. Here's a quick guide to the vegetables you should consider:
- Carrots: They offer sweetness and a pop of color.
- Celery: Provides a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the broth.
- Onions: Essential for a rich, aromatic base.
- Garlic: Infuses the soup with a warm, savory essence.
Use Homemade Chicken Broth
Using homemade chicken broth in your crockpot chicken noodle soup brings out rich flavors that store-bought versions just can't match.
You'll also get a nutrient-packed broth, full of essential vitamins and minerals that boost the soup's health benefits.
Plus, making your own broth is a cost-effective option, using leftover chicken bones and vegetables you already have.
Rich Flavor Benefits
A homemade chicken broth is your secret weapon for adding rich flavor to your crockpot chicken noodle soup. When you simmer chicken bones, herbs, and vegetables, you extract deep flavors that enhance your soup's taste far beyond what store-bought versions can offer.
Making it yourself allows you to control the intensity of flavors by adjusting ingredients like garlic, onions, and bay leaves to your liking.
The rich, savory depth of homemade broth infuses every spoonful with a comforting warmth that's hard to replicate. It complements the chicken and vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of tastes.
Plus, as it slowly cooks in your crockpot, the aroma fills your kitchen, building anticipation for that first delicious bite. Your soup's flavor will be unforgettable.
Nutrient-Packed Broth
Beyond the rich flavor, homemade chicken broth offers a wealth of nutrients that elevate your crockpot chicken noodle soup into a wholesome meal.
By simmering bones, you extract essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which support your bones and teeth. Homemade broth is also rich in collagen, aiding in joint health and gut lining repair.
You'll find amino acids like glycine and proline, which can boost your immune system and promote better sleep.
Vitamins such as A, K, and several B vitamins are released during the slow cooking process, contributing to overall health. Plus, homemade broth is free of preservatives and artificial additives, making it a cleaner, healthier option.
Embrace these benefits and transform your soup into a nourishing delight.
Cost-Effective Option
When it comes to making a hearty meal on a budget, homemade chicken broth is a game-changer. You can save money by using leftover chicken bones and vegetable scraps that might otherwise go to waste. Simply simmer them in water with some herbs and spices, and you've got a flavorful base without the high cost of store-bought options.
Homemade broth not only saves you money but also lets you control the ingredients. You can reduce sodium, eliminate preservatives, and enhance flavors to suit your taste.
Plus, making broth at home is incredibly satisfying and easy. Just set it up in your crockpot, and let it work its magic overnight. This way, you're not just saving money—you're also crafting a nutritious, delicious soup foundation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating a comforting crockpot chicken noodle soup is simple and requires minimal effort. Follow these detailed steps to guarantee your soup turns out delicious and satisfying.
- Prepare the Ingredients
- Action: Gather and prepare all the ingredients.
- Tools/Ingredients: Cutting board, knife, measuring cups/spoons, 1 lb chicken breasts (boneless and skinless), 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 3 garlic cloves, 8 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Tip: Chop the vegetables evenly to guarantee they cook uniformly.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
- Action: Layer the ingredients in the crockpot.
- Tools/Ingredients: Crockpot, prepared chicken, vegetables, and spices.
- Tip: Place the chicken at the bottom for even cooking and easy shredding later.
- Pour in the Broth
- Action: Add the chicken broth to the crockpot.
- Tools/Ingredients: Measuring cup, chicken broth.
- Tip: Guarantee the broth completely covers the ingredients for even cooking.
- Set the Cooking Time
- Action: Set the crockpot to cook the soup.
- Tools/Ingredients: Crockpot control panel.
- Tip: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently as it can prolong the cooking time.
- Shred the Chicken
- Action: Shred the cooked chicken.
- Tools/Ingredients: Forks for shredding.
- Tip: Remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them on a cutting board to avoid splashing.
- Add Noodles
- Action: Stir in the noodles.
- Tools/Ingredients: 2 cups egg noodles.
- Tip: Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes if cooking on high, or in the last hour if cooking on low, to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Season and Serve
- Action: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Tools/Ingredients: Salt and pepper, ladle, bowls.
- Tip: Add additional herbs or seasoning if desired for a more robust flavor.
Enjoy your homemade crockpot chicken noodle soup, perfect for any cozy meal!
Chop Vegetables Finely
To achieve a perfectly balanced chicken noodle soup, it's crucial to finely chop your vegetables. Start with fresh carrots, celery, and onions.
Clean and peel the carrots, then slice them into thin rounds. Next, wash the celery stalks thoroughly, removing any leaves, and cut them into small, even pieces.
For the onion, peel away the outer skin and dice it finely for a consistent texture throughout the soup.
Use a sharp knife for precise cuts, ensuring each vegetable is uniform in size for even cooking. Keep your fingers tucked and grip the knife firmly to maintain control.
Slow-Simmer for Six Hours
Now that your vegetables are finely chopped, it's time to let the flavors meld by slow-simmering the soup for six hours.
Start by placing your chopped veggies into the crockpot. Add your chicken breasts, ensuring they're nestled among the vegetables. Pour in enough chicken broth to cover everything, then toss in some herbs like thyme and bay leaves for added aroma. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Turn your crockpot to the low setting. Let it work its magic over the next six hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and absorb all those marvelous flavors.
Resist the temptation to lift the lid too often, as this can prolong cooking time. Patience will reward you with the ultimate comfort food.
Calorie and Protein Content
When you're savoring a hearty bowl of chicken noodle soup, knowing its nutritional content can be beneficial. This comforting dish not only warms the soul but also provides essential nutrients. A typical serving contains a balance of calories and protein that supports your dietary needs without overwhelming your daily intake.
Here's a quick breakdown of the calorie and protein content in your crockpot chicken noodle soup:
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein (g) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cup | 150 | 10 |
| 2 Cups | 300 | 20 |
| 3 Cups | 450 | 30 |
Conclusion
As you ladle the steaming crockpot chicken noodle soup into your bowl, the rich aroma of homemade broth and tender chicken envelops your senses. Each spoonful, brimming with vibrant carrots and celery, offers a comforting embrace on a chilly day. The warmth seeps into your bones, while the delicate noodles and savory flavors create a symphony of taste. This ultimate comfort food, both nourishing and hearty, wraps you in a cozy, culinary hug, inviting you to savor every moment.
