Pin A cozy, homemade classic that cooks itself while you get on with your day. Tender shredded chicken, soft vegetables, and twirly noodles come together in a warm, comforting broth that tastes like its been simmering all afternoon.
I first served this to my family on a chilly Sunday and it quickly became a weekly favorite.
Ingredients
- Poultry: 1½ pounds (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Vegetables & Aromatics: 1 small yellow onion, peeled and diced, 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced or cut into coins, 3 celery stalks, sliced, 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
- Herbs & Seasonings: 2 fresh rosemary sprigs, 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Broth & Noodles: 6 cups (1.4 L) low-sodium chicken broth, 6 ounces (170 g) fusilli noodles
- Optional Garnish: Fresh chopped parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Add the chicken breasts, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, rosemary sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Pour the chicken broth over the top and gently stir to combine.
- Step 2:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–6 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Step 3:
- Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Discard the bay leaf and rosemary sprigs.
- Step 4:
- Meanwhile, cook the fusilli noodles separately on the stovetop according to package instructions drain and set aside.
- Step 5:
- Return the shredded chicken and cooked noodles to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and let everything warm through for about 5 minutes.
- Step 6:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot.
Pin
This soup is always a hit at family dinners bringing warmth and comfort to every gathering.
Notes
Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for brightness
Required Tools
Slow cooker (crockpot), Chefs knife, Cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons, Medium saucepan, Ladle
Allergen Information
Contains Wheat (pasta) May contain Celery Always double-check broth and pasta ingredient labels for potential allergens
Pin This slow cooker chicken noodle soup is the perfect simple comfort food that you can prepare ahead and enjoy anytime.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, fusilli can be replaced with egg noodles, ditalini, or any preferred pasta shape for variation.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Cooking the chicken on low heat for 6-8 hours helps it become tender and easy to shred.
- → Is there a way to enhance the vegetable flavors?
Sautéing onion, carrots, celery, and garlic in olive oil before slow cooking deepens the flavor profile.
- → Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally dairy-free as it contains no milk or cream ingredients.
- → What herbs are used for seasoning?
Fresh rosemary sprigs and a bay leaf infuse the broth with aromatic herbal notes.
- → How can I add brightness to the dish?
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice added before serving livens up the rich broth.