Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food, packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor.
This soup is a family favorite, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty noodles in a rich broth. It's easy to prepare and makes for a comforting meal any day of the week.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- A hearty and nutritious meal that satisfies
- Perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather
- Easy to make ahead and store for later
The Benefits of Homemade Soup
Making soup at home not only allows you to control the ingredients but also ensures that you're creating a dish that is both healthy and delicious. Store-bought soups can often be laden with preservatives and high sodium levels, which can detract from the nutritional value. By preparing your own soup, you can choose fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and low-sodium broth, making it a wholesome option for your family.
Additionally, homemade soup is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap out vegetables based on what you have on hand or adjust the seasoning to fit your taste preferences. This means that no two pots of your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup need to be the same, allowing you to experiment and find the perfect combination that your family loves.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is an excellent option for meal prepping. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and store individual portions in the refrigerator or freezer. This makes it easy to have a nutritious meal ready to go on busy days, helping you stick to your healthy eating goals without the stress of cooking from scratch every day.
When stored properly, this soup can last up to five days in the fridge and can be frozen for up to three months. Just remember to let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Reheating is a breeze—simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until hot, and enjoy!
Elevating Your Soup Experience
To elevate your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving. This brightens the flavors and adds a lovely zing that complements the richness of the broth. Additionally, topping each bowl with freshly chopped herbs, like dill or thyme, can enhance the aromatic experience and make the dish feel gourmet.
For those who enjoy a bit of heat, adding a dash of red pepper flakes or a few slices of jalapeño can provide a delightful kick. Pair your soup with whole-grain bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal that is both satisfying and nourishing.
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, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Combine all ingredients in your crockpot for a delicious meal.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Add Ingredients to Crockpot
Layer the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Add Noodles
Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 20 minutes on high, until the noodles are tender.
Season and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your healthy soup with a side of crusty bread!
Storage Tips for Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers of your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, storing them correctly is key to maintaining freshness. Make sure to let the soup cool down to room temperature before transferring it into airtight containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
For longer storage, consider portioning the soup into smaller containers. This way, you can easily thaw and reheat just what you need. Remember, when reheating, always heat the soup until it reaches a rolling boil to ensure food safety.
Nutritional Benefits
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not just comforting; it's packed with nutrients. The combination of lean chicken, a variety of vegetables, and whole grain noodles provides a balanced meal rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. Carrots are a fantastic source of beta-carotene, while celery contributes to hydration and digestion.
The use of low-sodium chicken broth keeps the soup heart-healthy, ensuring you can enjoy a flavorful dish without excessive sodium intake. This makes it a great choice for those watching their salt intake or looking to maintain a heart-healthy diet.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by about an hour.
→ Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is the perfect comfort food, packed with wholesome ingredients and bursting with flavor.
Created by: Isla Turner
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Intermediate
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, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- 2 cups egg noodles
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot.
Layer the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the chicken. Then, add the chicken broth, thyme, parsley, and bay leaf.
Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 2 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the crockpot, shred it with two forks, and return it to the soup.
Stir in the egg noodles and cook for an additional 20 minutes on high, until the noodles are tender.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 5g
- Protein: 25g