Craving a comforting bowl of Healthy Chicken Noodle Soup? This Slow Cooker Root Vegetable Chicken Noodle Soup recipe delivers warmth and nutrition with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy days and packed with wholesome goodness.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Chicken Breast: You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Root Vegetables: Carrots, celery, parsnips, and sweet potatoes add natural sweetness and nutrients. Feel free to use other sturdy vegetables like rutabaga.
- Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended. Vegetable broth works for a lighter flavor.
- Egg Noodles: Use whole wheat egg noodles for extra fiber or gluten-free noodles if preferred.
- Herbs: Fresh thyme and rosemary elevate the taste. Dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity by half.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chopped mixed root vegetables (carrots, celery, parsnips, sweet potato)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup egg noodles
- 2 bay leaves
Spices & Seasonings:
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours (on low) or 2 hours (on high)
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (varies based on ingredients)
- Tools Needed: 6-quart slow cooker, cutting board, sharp knife.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients
Chop all your root vegetables and onion. Mince the garlic. This ensures everything is ready to go into the slow cooker.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Add the chopped root vegetables, onion, and minced garlic on top. Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves.
3. Cook Your Soup
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours, or on high for 2 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and easily shredded.
4. Shred the Chicken
Carefully remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
5. Add Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles. Continue cooking for another 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Remove the bay leaves before serving.
6. Season and Serve
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired. Your healthy chicken noodle soup is ready to enjoy.
Variation Ideas
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Greens galore: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Lemony twist: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end brightens all the flavors.
- Grain alternative: Instead of egg noodles, try adding cooked quinoa or brown rice in the last 15 minutes.
Storage Instructions
Store leftover Slow Cooker Root Vegetable Chicken Noodle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. The noodles may absorb more liquid upon standing, so you might need to add a splash of extra broth when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can you put raw chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, you can safely put raw chicken directly into your slow cooker.
- Do I need to brown the chicken first? No, you do not need to brown the chicken beforehand for this recipe.
- Can I use frozen vegetables? Yes, you can use a frozen root vegetable blend, but they might become softer.
- What if the soup is too thick? Add more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
- Can this soup be frozen? It is best to freeze the soup *before* adding the noodles, as cooked noodles can become mushy when thawed. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep? Absolutely! Prepare a large batch and portion it out for healthy meals throughout the week.