Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for chilly days and packed with nutritious ingredients.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is your go-to recipe for a hearty meal that’s both nourishing and delicious. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy family dinner, it brings comfort with every spoonful.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Wholesome ingredients that nourish your body
- Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days
- Rich in flavor yet light on calories
The Benefits of Homemade Soup
Homemade soups are a fantastic way to incorporate a variety of nutrients into your diet. By making your own Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, you can control the ingredients, ensuring that each bowl is packed with wholesome goodness. This recipe is rich in lean protein from the chicken, vibrant vegetables, and whole grains from the egg noodles, making it a balanced meal option.
In addition to being nutritious, homemade soup often tastes better than store-bought varieties. You can customize flavors to suit your preferences, whether you prefer a bit more garlic or a sprinkle of additional herbs. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is simply irresistible, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the major advantages of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its meal prep potential. You can make a large batch at once, store it in individual portions, and enjoy it throughout the week. This is especially convenient for busy individuals or families who want to ensure they have nutritious meals ready to go without spending hours in the kitchen.
Simply refrigerate the portions for up to three days or freeze them for longer storage. When you're ready to eat, just reheat on the stove or in the microwave, and you'll have a comforting, homemade meal in minutes. It's a great way to save time and money while still eating healthy.
Customization Options
This recipe is highly adaptable to suit your taste and dietary needs. If you're looking to add more greens, consider throwing in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. For an extra kick, a dash of red pepper flakes can add a delightful heat to the soup.
For those following a gluten-free diet, you can easily substitute the whole wheat egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini. The beauty of this soup is its versatility; feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own signature version.
Ingredients
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups whole wheat egg noodles
Gather all the ingredients before starting for a smooth cooking experience.
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by preparing all the vegetables: slice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
Combine in the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Serve
Stir well, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot!
Enjoy your delicious and healthy soup!
Tips for the Best Soup
To achieve the best flavor, consider browning the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the crockpot. This will add a rich depth to your soup that enhances the overall taste. Additionally, using homemade chicken broth can elevate the flavor profile even more, providing a robust base for your ingredients.
Make sure to season your soup throughout the cooking process. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed, especially after adding the noodles, as they can absorb some of the seasoning.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to freeze the soup, leave out the noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed. Instead, add freshly cooked noodles when you reheat the soup for the best texture.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens up too much, feel free to add a splash of chicken broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.
Pairing Suggestions
For a complete meal, consider pairing your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup with a side salad or whole-grain bread. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can complement the flavors of the soup beautifully, adding freshness and crunch to your meal.
If you're in the mood for something heartier, a slice of whole-grain bread or garlic bread is perfect for dipping. This combination not only enhances the dining experience but also rounds out your meal with additional nutrients.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
→ Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with a gluten-free pasta option.
→ How long will leftovers last?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
→ Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, perfect for chilly days and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Created by: Keira Thompson
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 2 cups celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups whole wheat egg noodles
How-To Steps
Begin by preparing all the vegetables: slice the carrots and celery, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Stir well, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 620mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 30g