01 -
First things first, grab your crockpot. Place the chicken breasts right in the bottom. Now, scatter those chopped carrots, celery, and diced onion all around the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. Toss in the dried thyme and a couple of bay leaves. This is where the magic starts to happen, honestly. You can already smell those aromatics mingling, even before it starts cooking. I always give it a little stir here, just to make sure everything's acquainted, though it's not strictly necessary. Cover it up, and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Go live your life!
02 -
Once the cooking time is up and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. They should be super tender and practically fall apart. Grab two forks and start shredding that chicken right on a cutting board. I usually make sure there are no big chunks left because, to be real, no one wants a giant piece of chicken in their soup. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. This step is so satisfying, watching the chicken just melt into the broth. It means we’re almost there!
03 -
Now for the noodles! This is a crucial step, so pay attention. Add the egg noodles directly into the crockpot with the shredded chicken and broth. Give it a good stir to make sure the noodles are submerged and don't clump together. This is where I always keep an eye on it. Cook the noodles on high for about 20-30 minutes, or until they're tender. You don't want them mushy, so taste them after 20 minutes. I once overcooked them and they turned into a gloopy mess, oops! We want tender, not disintegrating.
04 -
Once the noodles are perfectly tender, it’s time to pull out those bay leaves – don't eat them! Now, taste the soup. This is your moment to adjust the seasonings. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. I usually add a good pinch of both. You might be surprised how much salt a big pot of soup needs to really sing. This is where you make it *yours*. Maybe a little more pepper, or a tiny dash of something extra if you're feeling wild. Trust your taste buds, hon.
05 -
Finally, stir in that fresh chopped parsley. This step is so simple but makes such a difference. The vibrant green against the golden broth just looks so inviting, and the fresh herb really brightens up all those rich, savory flavors. It’s like a little burst of sunshine in your bowl. I sometimes add a bit more than the recipe calls for because I just love that fresh, clean taste. Give it one last gentle stir, and you’re ready to serve. The aroma, oh my goodness, it’s just pure comfort radiating from the pot.
06 -
Ladle generous portions of your Easy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. I like to serve mine with a crusty piece of bread for dipping, or maybe a simple side salad. It’s amazing how something so simple can feel so incredibly nourishing and satisfying. Look at that beautiful, steaming bowl – all those tender noodles, savory chicken, and colorful veggies. You did it! Take a moment to enjoy the fruits of your (minimal) labor. This soup always brings a smile to my face, and I hope it does for you too.