Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is perfect for chilly days or when you're feeling under the weather. Packed with nutritious vegetables and lean chicken, it's a comforting yet healthy meal that the whole family will love.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with wholesome ingredients to nourish your body
- Easy to prepare with minimal hands-on time
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
A Comforting Classic
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not only a delightful twist on the traditional recipe but also a nourishing option for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. With its savory aroma wafting through your home, this dish evokes feelings of warmth and comfort, making it perfect for chilly days or when you’re under the weather. Packed with wholesome ingredients, each bowl is a reminder that comfort food can be both satisfying and healthy.
The slow-cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and hearty broth that enhances the chicken and vegetables. Unlike many store-bought soups, this recipe is free from preservatives and artificial ingredients, giving you peace of mind while enjoying a delicious meal. Plus, the use of low-sodium chicken broth ensures that you can enjoy the comforting flavors without the guilt.
Meal Prep Made Easy
One of the standout features of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its simplicity, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing your crockpot to do all the hard work. This means you can spend more time on your day-to-day activities while still providing a nutritious meal for yourself and your family.
The soup also stores exceptionally well. You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing portions for future meals. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat for a quick and satisfying dinner.
Customization Options
One of the best aspects of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, if you're looking to add more vegetables, consider incorporating bell peppers, zucchini, or green beans. Not only will this boost the nutritional value, but it will also add a colorful visual appeal to your dish.
If you're gluten-sensitive or following a gluten-free diet, replace the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots. This way, you can enjoy the same comforting flavors while accommodating your dietary restrictions. The soup remains deliciously satisfying no matter how you choose to modify it!
Ingredients
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
Mix and match your favorite vegetables for a personalized soup!
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
In the crockpot, combine the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add the Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Finish with Greens
If using spinach or kale, stir it in just before serving until wilted.
Serve hot and enjoy with some crusty bread!
Serving Suggestions
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup can be served as a standalone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a side salad or some crusty whole-grain bread. Consider topping each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an added burst of flavor. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten the dish and enhance its natural flavors.
For a complete dining experience, you might also consider serving it with a light dessert, such as fresh fruit or yogurt. This will round out your meal and satisfy your sweet tooth without compromising your health goals.
Storage Tips
To store your leftover Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. This will help prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to spoilage. Refrigerate the soup for up to four days, or freeze it for longer storage. When freezing, consider portioning it out into single-serving containers for quick access on busy days.
When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it appears too thick. This will help restore the soup’s consistency and ensure it retains its delicious flavors.
Nutritional Benefits
The ingredients in this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup are not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Chicken provides a great source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair and overall health. Meanwhile, the vegetables like carrots and celery are rich in vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, promoting digestive health and keeping you full.
Incorporating leafy greens like spinach or kale adds an extra health punch, increasing the soup's antioxidant content. These greens are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and are a fantastic way to boost your overall nutrient intake while enjoying a comforting bowl of soup.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free noodles or omit them entirely and serve over rice instead.
→ Is this soup suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This soup reheats well and is great for meal prep.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Created by: Amelia Grant
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients for Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
How-To Steps
In the crockpot, combine the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
Add the egg noodles to the soup and cook on high for an additional 20 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
If using spinach or kale, stir it in just before serving until wilted.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 20g