Easy Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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Hey guys! Are you looking for a super easy and comforting meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further! This crockpot creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is a total game-changer. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of a hearty, flavorful soup that's ready to be devoured. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a warm hug in a bowl.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Effortless Cooking: Seriously, dump everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing. Minimal prep, maximum flavor!
  • Creamy and Delicious: The cream cheese adds a richness that takes this soup to the next level. It's pure comfort food.
  • Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite veggies or seasonings. Make it your own!
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
  • Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good chicken noodle soup, and this creamy version is sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let's gather our ingredients. Don't worry, you probably already have most of these in your pantry and fridge. — NCAA Scores Today: Get The Latest Updates!

  • Chicken: I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but you can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. About 1.5 to 2 pounds is perfect.
  • Chicken Broth: This forms the base of our soup, so choose a good quality broth. Low-sodium is always a good option so you can control the saltiness.
  • Veggies: Onion, carrots, and celery are the classic soup veggies. They add flavor and texture to the soup. Dice them up into small, uniform pieces.
  • Garlic: Because everything is better with garlic, right? Mince it finely to release its flavor.
  • Egg Noodles: These are the quintessential chicken noodle soup noodle. I prefer the wide egg noodles, but any kind will work.
  • Cream Cheese: This is the secret ingredient that makes this soup extra creamy and delicious. Make sure it's softened for easy mixing.
  • Italian Seasoning: This adds a lovely herbaceous flavor to the soup. You can also use a combination of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
  • Optional Garnishes: Fresh parsley, chives, or a dollop of sour cream.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let's get cooking! Here's how to make this incredibly easy crockpot creamy chicken noodle soup:

  1. Prep the Chicken and Veggies: Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and minced garlic.
  2. Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shreddable.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
  5. Add Noodles and Cream Cheese: Stir in the egg noodles and softened cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated into the soup.
  6. Cook Until Noodles are Tender: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for another 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Want to make this crockpot creamy chicken noodle soup recipe even better? Here are a few tips and variations to try:

  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, corn, or spinach. Just add them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
  • Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save even more time, use a rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Just shred the chicken and add it to the crockpot in the last hour of cooking.
  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
  • Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary can add a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
  • Use Different Noodles: If you're not a fan of egg noodles, you can use other types of noodles like rotini or penne.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
  • Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative or a can of coconut milk for creaminess.

What to Serve with Crockpot Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

This creamy chicken noodle soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you're looking to add a little something extra, here are a few ideas: — Jodi Arias Case: Unseen Camera Photos & Key Evidence

  • Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the soup and soaking up all that delicious broth.
  • Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing that's always a hit.
  • Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad to balance out the richness of the soup.
  • Crackers: For a little extra crunch.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. — Miami-Dade Property Appraiser: Your Guide To Property Data

Can I Freeze This Soup?

While you can freeze this soup, the noodles may become a bit mushy when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, it's best to cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup after thawing and reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you may need to add an extra hour or two to the cooking time.
  • Can I make this on the stovetop? Absolutely! Just brown the chicken and vegetables in a pot, then add the broth and seasoning. Simmer until the chicken is cooked through, then shred the chicken and add the noodles and cream cheese. Cook until the noodles are tender.
  • Can I add potatoes? Yes, you can add diced potatoes to the soup. Add them along with the other vegetables.

Conclusion

So there you have it! An incredibly easy and delicious crockpot creamy chicken noodle soup recipe that's perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and let me know what you think! And remember, don't be afraid to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking. Happy cooking, guys!