Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's easy to prepare in your slow cooker.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not only easy to make but also packed with wholesome ingredients. Perfect for a chilly day!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Wholesome ingredients that nourish your body
- Comforting flavors that warm you from the inside out
- Easy preparation with minimal cleanup
The Benefits of Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is not just a convenient way to prepare meals; it also enhances the flavors of your ingredients. As they simmer together for hours, the aromatics and spices meld into a harmonious blend that elevates the taste of your dish. This method allows the chicken to become tender and juicy while absorbing the rich flavors of the broth and vegetables.
Another advantage of slow cooking is the nutritional preservation of ingredients. Cooking at lower temperatures helps retain vitamins and minerals, ensuring that you get the most health benefits from your meal. With this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, you can enjoy a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the best aspects of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a heartier soup, consider adding potatoes or sweet potatoes. Alternatively, if you're looking to boost the nutritional content, toss in some kale or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
You can also experiment with different herbs and spices. While thyme and parsley are classic choices, adding a pinch of rosemary or a dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a new flavor profile. Feel free to get creative and make this soup your own!
Serving Suggestions
Serving this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful experience. Consider garnishing each bowl with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and flavor. For a complete meal, pair the soup with a side of whole-grain bread or a light salad. This combination not only complements the soup but also rounds out your dining experience.
Leftovers are another perk of this dish. The soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a perfect option for meal prep. Reheating it is a breeze—just warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave. You can even add a splash of extra broth if it thickens too much.
Ingredients
Gather these healthy ingredients for your soup.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
Make sure to have everything ready before starting.
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious soup.
Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
Add the Vegetables and Broth
Add the sliced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the chicken to the crockpot.
Add the Noodles and Peas
Stir in the egg noodles and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or until the noodles are tender.
Your delicious soup is ready to be served!
Tips for the Perfect Soup
To ensure the best flavor and texture, always use high-quality, low-sodium chicken broth. This allows you to control the saltiness of your soup while still providing a rich base. Additionally, if you have time, consider searing the chicken breasts in a skillet before adding them to the crockpot. This step enhances the flavor by adding a caramelized crust to the chicken.
Another tip is to let the soup cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator. This prevents condensation from forming and helps maintain the integrity of the ingredients.
Nutritional Information
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Each serving contains a balanced mix of protein from the chicken, vitamins from the vegetables, and carbohydrates from the egg noodles. By using low-sodium broth and fresh ingredients, you can enjoy a hearty meal with lower levels of sodium and unhealthy fats.
Additionally, this recipe is a great source of dietary fiber, especially when you add in extra vegetables. Fiber is crucial for a healthy digestive system and can help keep you feeling full for longer, making this soup an excellent option for those watching their weight.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts; just increase the cooking time.
→ What vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or green beans for variety.
→ How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free noodles or substitute with rice.
→ Can I store leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and nutritious dish that's easy to prepare in your slow cooker.
Created by: Chantel Rivers
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
How-To Steps
Chop the vegetables and mince the garlic. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot.
Add the sliced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper into the crockpot. Pour in the chicken broth.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the chicken to the crockpot.
Stir in the egg noodles and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 30 minutes on high or until the noodles are tender.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 26g