Slow-Cooker Sunday Chicken Noodle Soup: Comfort in a Bowl

Nothing says comfort food like a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup, and when it’s made in a slow cooker, it’s even better. With tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, hearty noodles, and a rich, aromatic broth, this Slow-Cooker Sunday Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for a relaxing weekend or a cozy family dinner. It’s effortless, heartwarming, and brings everyone together with its soothing flavors.

This guide covers a full recipe, tips for perfect slow-cooker chicken noodle soup, variations, storage advice, and more, making it easy to create your new go-to comfort dish.


Why This Chicken Noodle Soup Stands Out

1. Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor

The slow cooker does all the hard work. Set it in the morning, and by dinnertime, you have a soup that tastes like it simmered all day.

2. Tender, Juicy Chicken

Cooking the chicken slowly ensures it stays moist and absorbs the rich flavors of the broth.

3. Flavorful Broth

A combination of vegetables, herbs, and slow-cooked chicken creates a deeply savory base.

4. Perfect for Families

Hearty, kid-friendly, and nourishing, this soup appeals to all ages.

5. Great for Meal Prep

Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for easy weeknight meals.


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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Broth and Chicken

  • 1.5–2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Noodles

  • 8 oz egg noodles or your favorite pasta
  • Optional: additional fresh parsley for garnish

How to Make Slow-Cooker Sunday Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Add chicken, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and herbs to the slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth and stir to combine.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Soup

Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
The chicken will become tender and the vegetables perfectly cooked.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Shred it with two forks and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Add noodles to the slow cooker in the last 20–25 minutes of cooking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Taste and Season

Remove the bay leaf. Adjust salt, pepper, or add more herbs as desired. Add fresh parsley for garnish.

Step 6: Serve Warm

Ladle into bowls and enjoy a comforting, homemade soup perfect for Sunday family dinners.


Tips for the Best Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Use Both Chicken Breasts and Thighs

Thighs are juicier; breasts absorb more flavor. A mix gives the best texture.

2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles

Add them towards the end to prevent mushy pasta.

3. Fresh Herbs Add Brightness

While dried herbs are convenient, adding fresh parsley or dill before serving enhances flavor.

4. Layer Ingredients

Place harder vegetables like carrots and celery at the bottom for even cooking.

5. Optional Boosts

  • Lemon juice for brightness
  • A pinch of crushed red pepper for mild heat
  • Garlic powder for extra depth

Variations of Slow-Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half in the last 15 minutes for a richer soup.

2. Low-Carb Version

Replace noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.

3. Whole-Grain Noodles

Use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber and nutrition.

4. Gluten-Free Option

Use gluten-free pasta or quinoa noodles.

5. Spicy Chicken Noodle Soup

Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes and 1 tsp smoked paprika for a warming kick.


Serving Suggestions

Pair your slow-cooker chicken noodle soup with:

  • Crusty bread or baguette
  • Garlic breadsticks
  • Light salad with vinaigrette
  • Roasted vegetables for a hearty meal

It also pairs well with a cup of hot tea or sparkling water for a relaxing Sunday.


Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.

Freezer

Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
Avoid cooking noodles before freezing; add them when reheating.

Reheating Tips

  • Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen slowly on the stove.
  • Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

  • Calories: 250–350
  • Protein: 25–30g
  • Carbs: 20–25g
  • Fat: 6–10g
  • Fiber: 2–4g

Nutrition varies depending on the type of noodles and amount of chicken used.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes! Just add extra cooking time to ensure it reaches 165°F internally.

2. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Use the slow-cooker function or pressure cook for 15–20 minutes, then add noodles at the end.

3. How can I make the broth richer?

Add chicken bones or a rotisserie chicken carcass, simmer longer, or incorporate roasted vegetables.

4. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble in the slow cooker insert, refrigerate overnight, and cook the next day.

5. Can I freeze this soup with noodles?

It’s better to freeze the soup without noodles and cook them fresh when reheating.


Final Thoughts

The Slow-Cooker Sunday Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for family dinners or meal prep. With tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and perfectly cooked noodles, this soup offers warmth and nourishment in every bite. Using a slow cooker makes preparation effortless while still delivering a rich, homemade taste.

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Slow-Cooker Sunday Chicken Noodle Soup: Comfort in a Bowl


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (3–4 lbs) or 2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs + backs
• 8 cups cold water
• 1 large onion, quartered (skin on for color)
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 parsley sprigs
• 2 bay leaves
• 10 whole black peppercorns
• 1½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)

Added Day-Of:
• 2 cups uncooked wide egg noodles (or brown rice noodles for GF)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (brightens at the end)
• Fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

  1. In a 6–7 qt slow cooker, combine chicken, water, onion, carrots, celery, parsley, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW 8–10 hours or HIGH 4–5 hours, until chicken is fall-apart tender.
  3. Remove chicken; strain broth into a large pot (discard solids). Skim excess fat if desired. Return broth to slow cooker.
  4. Shred chicken; discard skin & bones. Return meat to broth.
  5. Stir in uncooked noodles. Cover and cook on HIGH 20–25 mins—until noodles are al dente.
    Don’t overcook—noodles soften in hot broth!
  6. Stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley. Adjust salt to taste.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 8 hrs 25 mins (LOW), Total Time: 8 hrs 40 mins, Servings: 8
Calories: 260, Net Carbs: 20g, Fats: 10g, Protein: 26g
Lower-carb option: Skip noodles, add 2 cups chopped kale or zucchini in last 30 mins — net carbs drop to ~8g/serving.
Naturally gluten-free (with GF noodles), dairy-free, and ideal for meal prep (freeze broth base for up to 3 months).

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