Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Whole Chicken: A Hearty and Delicious Recipe for Your Comfort Food Cravings
Introduction
Chicken noodle soup has been a popular dish for centuries, with a history that spans across cultures and continents. The soup is believed to have originated in China during the Song Dynasty (960-1279 AD), where it was known as "yangchow" or "Yangzhou" soup. This soup was made with chicken, noodles, and vegetables, and was believed to have medicinal properties.
Over time, chicken noodle soup spread to other parts of Asia and eventually made its way to Europe. In the 18th century, chicken noodle soup was a common dish in England and France, where it was often served to those who were sick or recovering from illness.
In the United States, chicken noodle soup became popular during the early 20th century. It was often served in Jewish households and delicatessens, and was considered a staple food during the Great Depression. The soup was cheap, easy to make, and could feed a large family.
Today, chicken noodle soup is a beloved comfort food in many parts of the world. It is often served when someone is feeling under the weather or needs a warm, comforting meal. The soup is thought to have healing properties and is believed to help soothe sore throats and alleviate cold and flu symptoms.
There are many variations of chicken noodle soup, with each culture adding their own unique ingredients and spices. Some popular additions include carrots, celery, onions, garlic, ginger, and various herbs and spices.
Ingredients
The following is a list of ingredients for a classic chicken noodle soup recipe:
- 1 whole chicken
- 4-5 carrots, chopped
- 4-5 stalks of celery, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 cups of chicken broth
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
To make the soup, start by placing the whole chicken in a large pot and filling it with enough water to cover the chicken. Heat the water with the eventual result of bubbling and subsequently decline the power to a stew. Add in the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Let the soup simmer for about an hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Eliminate the chicken from the pot and put it to the side to cool. When cool, eliminate the meat from the bones and shred it into reduced down pieces. Discard the bones and any skin or fat.
Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring the soup back to a boil. Add in the egg noodles and cook them until they are tender. Finally, add the shredded chicken back to the pot and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Tools
The following is a list of tools and equipment needed for making chicken noodle soup:
- Simmering pot (or a huge pot on the oven)
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Ladle
To make the soup in a crock pot, begin by placing the whole chicken in the pot and filling it with enough water to cover the chicken. Add the chopped carrots, celery, onion, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper to the pot. Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and set it aside to cool. When cool, eliminate the meat from the bones and shred it into reduced down pieces. Discard the bones and any skin or fat.
Add the chicken broth to the crock pot and turn it on high. Add in the egg noodles and cook them until they are tender. Finally, add the shredded chicken back to the crock pot and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Use the tongs to remove any large pieces of vegetables or herbs from the soup. Spoon the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Preparation:
Here are the step-by-step instructions for cleaning and preparing the chicken, chopping the vegetables, and layering the ingredients in the crock pot for making chicken noodle soup:
How to clean and prepare the chicken:
- Remove the chicken from its packaging and discard any giblets or organs that may be inside.
- Rinse the chicken under cold running water, both inside and out. Pat it dry with paper towels.
- Place the chicken on a cutting board and use a sharp chef's knife to remove any excess fat or skin.
- Cut off the wings and set them aside for another use, if desired.
How to chop the vegetables:
- Wash and peel the carrots. Cut off the ends and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash the celery and cleave it into reduced down pieces.
- Strip and slash the onion into little pieces.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves.
How to layer the ingredients in the crock pot:
- Place the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Add the cove leaves, dried thyme, and dried rosemary to the pot.
- Place the cleaned and prepared chicken on top of the vegetables.
- Pour enough water over the chicken to completely cover it.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and turn it on to the desired heat setting.
- Let the chicken cook until it is tender and falling off the bone, about 6-8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and set it aside to cool. When cool, eliminate the meat from the bones and shred it into reduced down pieces.
- Add the chicken broth to the crock pot and turn it on high.
- Add in the egg noodles and cook them until they are tender.
- Finally, add the shredded chicken back to the crock pot and let the soup simmer for a few more minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
By following these steps, you can make a delicious and comforting chicken noodle soup that will be sure to warm you up on a cold day.
Cooking
Here are the steps for cooking chicken noodle soup in a crock pot, including the cooking times and temperature settings, how to check for doneness, and how to remove and shred the chicken:
Crock pot cooking times and temperature settings:
- For chicken noodle soup, it is best to cook the soup on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- The temperature setting will depend on your specific crock pot model. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended temperature settings.
How to check for doneness:
- The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature of the thickest part of the meat reaches 165°F (74°C).
- To check the temperature, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
How to remove the chicken from the crock pot:
- Once the chicken is cooked and tender, turn off the crock pot and carefully remove the chicken with tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Place the chicken on a clean cutting board or a large plate.
How to shred the chicken:
- Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones using your fingers or a fork.
- Use a sharp knife to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your chicken noodle soup is cooked to perfection and the chicken is easy to remove and shred.
Assembly
Here are the steps for assembling chicken noodle soup, including how to cook the egg noodles, how to add them to the soup, how to adjust the seasoning, and how to serve the soup:
How to cook the egg noodles:
- Heat a pot of salted water to the point of boiling on the oven.
- Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook for the amount of time specified on the package, usually around 7-8 minutes.
- Channel the noodles in a colander and flush them with cold water to stop the cooking system.
How to add the noodles to the soup:
- Once the chicken is removed from the crock pot, add the chicken broth to the pot and turn it on high.
- Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot and let them simmer until they are heated through about 5 minutes.
How to adjust the seasoning:
- Taste the soup and add more salt and pepper depending on the situation.
- If the soup is too salty, add a little bit of water to dilute the flavor.
- If the soup needs more flavor, add more dried herbs, such as thyme or rosemary.
How to serve the soup:
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
- Serve the soup hot with some crusty bread or crackers on the side.
By following these steps, you can assemble a delicious and comforting bowl of chicken noodle soup that is sure to warm you up on a cold day.
Variations
Here are some variations to try for chicken noodle soup:
- Creamy chicken noodle soup:
Ingredients:
- 1 container of dense cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps as for the classic chicken noodle soup recipe, but add the condensed cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and spices to the crock pot with the chicken broth.
- In a low or high oven, cook for 6-8 hours.
- When the chicken is cooked, remove it from the crock pot and shred it.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the crock pot and stir in the cooked egg noodles.
- Change the flavoring with salt and pepper, if necessary.
- Serve the soup hot and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Ingredients:
- 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3-4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- 1-2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro leaves, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a gigantic pot or Dutch grill, heat the olive oil over medium-focused energy.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until mellowed, around 3-4 minutes.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and jalapeño peppers and cook for another minute.
- Add the carrots and celery and cook for 5 minutes, mixing incidentally.
- Pour in the chicken stock and add the chicken bosoms.
- Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through about 20-25 minutes.
- Eliminate the chicken from the pot and shred it with a fork
- Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles as per the bundle directions.
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked noodles to the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Crush in the lime squeeze and mix to consolidate.
- Serve the soup hot and garnish with chopped cilantro leaves, if desired.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
- 6 cups of chicken broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken bosoms, cut into scaled-down pieces
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- Fresh parsley leaves, chopped, for
Tips and tricks
Here are some tips and tricks for chicken noodle soup:
- Storing leftovers: Let the soup cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Leftover soup can be stored for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing the soup: To freeze the soup, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Label and date the container before freezing. Frozen soup can be accumulated as long as 90 days.
- Reheating the soup: To reheat the soup, transfer it to a pot and heat it over medium heat until it reaches a simmer. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Adding more flavor: To add more flavor to the soup, you can try adding herbs like parsley, thyme, or rosemary. You can also try adding spices like cumin or paprika for a different flavor profile. Additionally, you can add diced tomatoes, corn, or beans for added texture and flavor.
- Make sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process to ensure the best flavor.
Conclusion
Chicken noodle soup is a classic and beloved dish that has been enjoyed for generations. This comforting soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you're feeling under the weather or simply in need of a warm and hearty meal.
To make this recipe, start by preparing the chicken and vegetables and layering them in the crock pot with the chicken broth and seasonings. Let the soup cook for several hours until the chicken is tender and falling off the bone. Then, shred the chicken and add in the cooked egg noodles. Change the flavoring on a case-by-case basis and serve the soup hot.
An incredible aspect concerning chicken noodle soup is its flexibility. You can easily customize the recipe by adding different herbs, spices, or additional ingredients to make it your own. Whether you prefer a creamy version, a spicy one, or one with dumplings, there's a variation to suit everyone's tastes.
FAQs
- How long does it take to cook chicken noodle soup in a crock pot? Cooking times can vary depending on the size of the chicken and the crock pot. Generally, cooking on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours should be sufficient.
- Could I at any point utilize chicken bosoms rather than an entire chicken? Yes, you can utilize chicken bosoms rather than an entire chicken.. Keep in mind that bone-in, the skin-on chicken will yield more flavor.
- Can I use frozen vegetables in the soup? Yes, you can use frozen vegetables in the soup. Simply make certain to defrost them before adding them to the stewing pot.
- Can I cook the egg noodles in the crock pot? It's not recommended to cook egg noodles in the crock pot as they can become mushy. It's best to cook them separately according to the package instructions and add them to the soup right before serving.
- How can I make the soup less salty? If the soup is too salty, you can add more broth or water to dilute the saltiness. You can also add a potato or some uncooked rice to absorb some of the salt.
- Can I use different herbs in the soup? Yes, you can use different herbs in the soup. Experiment with your favorite herbs and spices to create a unique flavor profile.
- Can I make the soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Warm it in the oven or in the microwave when you're prepared to serve.
- How many servings does the recipe make? This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.
- Can I add more vegetables to the soup? The soup can be made with more vegetables if you like. Try adding some peas, corn, or green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
- How long could I at any point keep the extras in the refrigerator?
Extras can be saved in the cooler for up to 3-4 days.