Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Healthy & Light
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for chilly days.
This Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and wholesome noodles, it’s a family favorite that warms the soul.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and comforting with every spoonful
- Nutritious ingredients that are good for you
- Set it and forget it – perfect for busy days
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is a classic comfort food that not only warms the soul but also offers a plethora of nutritional benefits. The combination of lean chicken, fresh vegetables, and nourishing broth provides a balanced meal rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. This hearty soup is also an excellent source of hydration, making it perfect for replenishing fluids during colder months.
The carrots and celery in this recipe contribute essential vitamins like A and C, along with dietary fiber, which supports digestive health. Additionally, the use of low-sodium chicken broth helps control salt intake without sacrificing flavor, making this soup a heart-smart choice. Overall, each bowl is a wholesome way to fuel your body.
Perfect for Meal Prep
One of the greatest advantages of this Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is its meal prep potential. This recipe yields a generous portion, making it ideal for batch cooking. You can easily prepare a large quantity at the beginning of the week, allowing you to enjoy healthy meals without the daily cooking hassle. Just store the leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
This soup also freezes well, which means you can make a double batch and save some for later. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat, and you'll have a delicious, homemade meal waiting for you!
Customization Options
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also highly customizable to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. For those looking to add more veggies, consider tossing in spinach, kale, or even zucchini. These additions not only enhance the nutritional value but also add vibrant colors and textures to your soup.
If you're following a gluten-free diet, you can swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta options. Alternatively, you could use quinoa or rice for a different twist. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, allowing you to create a soup that perfectly aligns with your tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Make sure to adjust the seasoning as per your taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by dicing the onions, slicing the carrots, and chopping the celery. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Load the Crockpot
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, 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 and tender.
Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Noodles and Peas
Add the egg noodles and frozen peas to the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your healthy homemade soup!
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup, consider pairing it with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or a simple green salad. These accompaniments complement the soup's hearty flavors and provide additional nutrients, making for a well-rounded meal. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
For a cozy dinner, enjoy the soup in a larger bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. The bright, herbal notes of the parsley enhance the overall flavor while also adding a pop of color to your presentation. This simple gesture can transform your soup into a dish worthy of any dinner table.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness of your soup. After cooking, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh for up to 4 days. If you wish to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Just remember to leave some space in the containers as the soup may expand when frozen.
When you’re ready to enjoy your leftover soup, reheating is quick and easy. Simply transfer it to a pot and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If you prefer, you can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Just cover it loosely and heat in short intervals, stirring between, to ensure even warming.
Health Benefits of Chicken
Chicken is not only a tasty protein source but also packed with health benefits. It is low in fat and high in protein, making it an excellent choice for muscle maintenance and repair. The amino acids found in chicken help in building and repairing tissues, which is especially beneficial for an active lifestyle.
Additionally, chicken is rich in B vitamins, particularly niacin and B6, which play crucial roles in energy metabolism and maintaining a healthy nervous system. Incorporating chicken into your meals can support overall health and well-being, making this soup not just comforting but also a smart nutritional choice.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to increase the cooking time slightly.
→ What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can use whole wheat noodles, zoodles (zucchini noodles), or any pasta of your choice.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, corn, or green beans.
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
Healthy Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish packed with nutrients and flavor, perfect for chilly days.
Created by: Nora Ellis
Recipe Type: Healthy & Light
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
For the Soup
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
Start by dicing the onions, slicing the carrots, and chopping the celery. Mince the garlic and set everything aside.
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the crockpot. Add the chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add the egg noodles and frozen peas to the crockpot. Cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your healthy homemade soup!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 500mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 35g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 22g