if you’re craving a bowl of comforting, soul-warming soup, this homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy that craving. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, fresh vegetables, and egg noodles, this soup is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for a cozy meal, especially when you’re feeling under the weather or simply in need of a comforting dish. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s made in the slow cooker, allowing all the flavors to meld together effortlessly while you go about your day. The seasoning is simple yet flavorful, and the addition of fresh parsley and green onions gives the soup a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 6 portions, and here’s what you’ll need to create your delicious homemade chicken noodle soup:
- 1 bag of egg noodles – The classic noodle choice for chicken noodle soup, providing a soft and chewy texture.
- 1 shredded whole rotisserie chicken – A time-saving option that brings tender, flavorful chicken to the soup.
- 2 large celery stalks, chopped – For crunch and fresh flavor.
- 1/4 cup of celery leaves from the stalks – These leaves are full of flavor and will add an herbal touch to the broth.
- 6 green onions, chopped (including green ends) – Provides mild onion flavor and adds color to the soup.
- 4 carrots, chopped – Adds sweetness and color to the soup.
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley – A fresh, bright herb that adds flavor and color to the soup.
- 3 bay leaves – For a subtle, aromatic depth to the broth.
- 2 boxes (32 fl oz) of low sodium chicken broth – The base of the soup, providing a rich and savory flavor.
- Water – Use the empty chicken broth boxes and pour the same amount of water back into the crockpot, equivalent to 2 boxes of broth.
- 3 tablespoons Goya adobo all-purpose seasoning – This seasoning adds a savory and well-rounded flavor to the broth (add more or less based on your preference).
- Black pepper, to taste – A simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors in the soup.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Broth Base
Start by adding the chicken broth and water to the crockpot. Pour the water into the empty broth boxes to rinse them out and add it to the pot for extra flavor. Turn the crockpot to the low setting and let the broth begin to heat up.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
While the broth heats up, chop the vegetables: slice the celery, carrots, and green onions. Chop the parsley and celery leaves. Add all of these chopped vegetables to the crockpot along with the 3 bay leaves. These vegetables will infuse the broth with their flavors as they cook.
Step 3: Add the Rotisserie Chicken
Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the crockpot. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut for this soup, as it saves time while still offering juicy, flavorful chicken. It’s also a great way to use up leftovers if you have them!
Step 4: Season the Soup
Add 3 tablespoons of Goya adobo all-purpose seasoning to the crockpot, adjusting the amount based on your preference for salt and seasoning. Add black pepper to taste. The adobo seasoning is the key to giving the soup its distinct flavor—don’t be afraid to add a generous amount for a well-seasoned broth.
Step 5: Let it Simmer
Cover the crockpot and let the soup simmer on low heat for several hours. If you’re short on time, 3-4 hours should be enough for the carrots and celery to soften. However, you can leave it on low for longer, such as overnight, for deeper flavor development.
Step 6: Add the Egg Noodles
Once the vegetables are tender and the soup has had time to develop its flavor, it’s time to add the egg noodles. You can add them directly to the crockpot and let them cook in the soup for about 12 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer your noodles to stay firmer and not overcook, cook them separately and add them to the soup just before serving.
If you choose to cook the noodles separately, simply bring a pot of salted water to a boil, cook the noodles according to the package instructions, and then stir them into the soup once they’re done. This method helps keep the noodles from getting too soggy and ensures the perfect texture.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once the noodles are added and have absorbed some of the savory broth, it’s time to serve your homemade chicken noodle soup. Ladle it into bowls, making sure each serving has a nice portion of chicken, vegetables, and noodles. If desired, you can garnish with a little extra fresh parsley or green onions for a burst of color.
This soup is comforting, nutritious, and perfect for any time you need a bowl of warmth. It’s an ideal meal to serve to friends and family or to enjoy as leftovers throughout the week.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian Option: To make a vegetarian version of this soup, you can substitute the chicken broth for vegetable broth and use a plant-based protein like tofu or seitan in place of the chicken. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, parsnips, or peas for added texture and flavor.
- More Flavor: If you prefer a richer broth, you can add a tablespoon of butter to the soup once it’s cooked to give the soup a velvety finish. Alternatively, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten the soup up just before serving.
- Extra Seasoning: If you like a bit of heat, try adding a dash of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the soup. The Goya adobo seasoning already adds a nice depth of flavor, but adding some spice can give it an extra kick.
- Noodle Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of egg noodles, feel free to use other types of noodles, such as rotini, rice noodles, or even whole wheat pasta. Keep in mind that different types of noodles may require different cooking times.
Conclusion
This homemade chicken noodle soup recipe is the definition of comfort food. The combination of tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and soft egg noodles, all in a savory broth, makes it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re feeling sick, need a quick dinner, or simply want something warm and satisfying, this soup is sure to hit the spot. The slow cooking process brings out all the flavors, and the flexibility of the recipe allows you to customize it to your tastes. So, get your crockpot ready and enjoy the ultimate bowl of homemade chicken noodle soup!