Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome noodles. Perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a family favorite that combines the goodness of chicken and vegetables with the comfort of noodles. Let your crockpot do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Wholesome ingredients that nourish your body
- Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
- A warm and comforting meal for any occasion
The Benefits of Homemade Soup
Homemade soup is not just about taste; it's about health and well-being. When you make soup from scratch, you have full control over the ingredients, ensuring that they are fresh and nutritious. This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, lean protein from the chicken, and wholesome carbohydrates from the noodles. Each spoonful is a boost for your immune system, making it an ideal choice during cold seasons or when you're feeling under the weather.
Additionally, preparing soup at home allows you to customize it according to your dietary preferences. Whether you're looking to reduce sodium, incorporate more vegetables, or even substitute gluten-free noodles, the options are endless. This flexibility not only caters to various dietary needs but also encourages healthier eating habits, making homemade soup a staple for families aiming for wellness.
Crockpot Convenience
One of the major advantages of using a crockpot for this chicken noodle soup recipe is the convenience it offers. Just set it and forget it! With minimal preparation time, you can throw all your ingredients into the crockpot in the morning and return home to a delicious, hearty meal waiting for you. This makes it perfect for busy weekdays when time is limited, yet you want to serve a homemade dinner to your family.
Moreover, the slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer and more complex taste profile than what you might achieve with quicker cooking methods. The chicken becomes incredibly tender, and the vegetables maintain their integrity while absorbing all the lovely broth flavors. The crockpot truly makes this soup a no-fuss, hands-off cooking experience.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to four days, making it easy to portion out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. Additionally, you can freeze leftovers for later use, preserving the flavor and nutrition for months to come. When you're short on time or need a quick meal, simply reheat and enjoy.
By preparing a large batch of this soup, you can save both time and money, reducing the temptation to order takeout on busy nights. Plus, knowing you have a nutritious meal ready to go can make a world of difference, especially when life gets hectic. With this recipe, you can feel good about providing your family with nourishing meals that are both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots, and chopping the celery. Mince the garlic and set all the ingredients aside.
Add to Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Pour in Chicken Broth
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring everything is submerged.
Cook the Soup
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 from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Add Noodles and Peas
Add the egg noodles and frozen peas to the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your healthy, homemade chicken noodle soup!
Storage Tips
To ensure the best quality and flavor, store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing the soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. This way, you can enjoy your delicious chicken noodle soup on a later date without compromising its taste.
When reheating, it's best to thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. Adding a splash of broth or water can help restore the desired consistency, especially if the noodles have absorbed some of the liquid during storage.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For a lower-carb option, you can substitute the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. This not only cuts down on carbs but also adds extra nutrients to the meal. Alternatively, if you're looking to spice things up, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
If you're a fan of different proteins, you can use turkey or even tofu in place of chicken. Just be mindful of the cooking time, especially if you opt for a different protein, to ensure everything is cooked through properly. With such versatility, this soup can be a new experience every time you make it!
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is delicious on its own, but you can enhance your meal with a few simple sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad or whole-grain bread for a complete dinner. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top can add a delightful touch of creaminess and flavor as well.
For a more festive touch, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun presentation. This not only makes for an eye-catching dish but also adds an extra layer of flavor as the bread absorbs the broth. No matter how you choose to serve it, this soup is sure to be a hit!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted.
→ What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can use whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta as a substitute.
→ How long can I store the leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like green beans or corn for extra nutrition.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish filled with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome noodles. Perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
Created by: Freya Cooper
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Start by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots, and chopping the celery. Mince the garlic and set all the ingredients aside.
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic on top. Sprinkle with thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the crockpot, ensuring everything is submerged.
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 from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Add the egg noodles and frozen peas to the crockpot. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your healthy, homemade chicken noodle soup!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 20g