Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Fresh Kitchen Favorites
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful blend of tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome noodles, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. It's not only easy to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a go-to dish for families.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A comforting and hearty meal for the whole family
- Packed with lean protein and fresh veggies
- Convenient one-pot meal with minimal cleanup
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is a fantastic method for preparing meals, especially when time is limited. By using a crockpot, you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully over several hours. This method not only enhances the taste of your dishes but also ensures that your ingredients retain their nutrients. The gentle cooking process helps preserve vitamins and minerals, making your meals healthier and more satisfying.
Moreover, slow cooking can help you save on energy costs. Compared to using an oven or stovetop, a crockpot uses less electricity, making it an efficient choice for meal preparation. You can prepare a large batch of Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup and enjoy leftovers throughout the week, minimizing food waste and maximizing your budget.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the best things about this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your dietary preferences and taste. For instance, if you're looking for a gluten-free option, simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles. This way, you can enjoy a delicious meal without compromising your dietary needs.
Additionally, feel free to add other vegetables to the mix. Peas, corn, or even bell peppers can be great additions, providing extra nutrients and flavor. Experimenting with herbs and spices, like adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or fresh parsley for garnish, can elevate the dish and make it your own.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers of this hearty chicken noodle soup, storing them properly is essential for maintaining freshness and flavor. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container if you’re freezing, as liquids expand when frozen.
When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is a breeze! Simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If the soup has thickened in the refrigerator or freezer, consider adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore its creamy consistency.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred Chicken
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Noodles and Spinach
Add the egg noodles and spinach to the soup. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Serve
Stir well before serving and enjoy your healthy chicken noodle soup!
Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, you can squeeze some lemon juice before serving or add a dash of hot sauce.
Nutritional Information
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Each serving provides a balanced combination of lean protein from the chicken, as well as vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables. Carrots and spinach are rich in antioxidants, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
By using low-sodium chicken broth, you can keep the sodium levels in check while still enjoying a flavorful soup. This makes it an excellent option for those watching their salt intake. Overall, this soup offers a comforting way to nourish your body and satisfy your cravings without any guilt.
Perfect Pairings
To complement your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, consider serving it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a light salad. A simple mixed greens salad with a vinaigrette dressing can add a refreshing crunch to your meal. These pairings not only enhance the dining experience but also provide additional nutrients.
For a delightful finishing touch, you could sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the soup before serving. This adds a layer of richness and flavor that pairs beautifully with the savory broth and tender chicken. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a comforting lunch, these accompaniments elevate your meal to the next level.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
→ Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or bell peppers for variety.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days. Let your slow cooker do the work while you enjoy the delicious aroma filling your home.
Created by: Stella Cameron
Recipe Type: Fresh Kitchen Favorites
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach
How-To Steps
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Add the broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add the egg noodles and spinach to the soup. Cover and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Stir well before serving and enjoy your healthy chicken noodle soup!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, you can squeeze some lemon juice before serving or add a dash of hot sauce.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g