Growing up, chicken noodle soup wasn’t just food; it was a hug in a bowl. Whenever I felt under the weather, Mom’s homemade soup magically appeared. Now, I’ve put my own spin on that classic comfort with this Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup. And trust me, this isn’t your average soup!

This recipe is packed with flavor, thanks to a bright burst of lemon and a hint of rosemary. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make – just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its thing. Talk about convenient! It’s seriously perfect for busy weeknights when you want something healthy and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.

I’ve been making slow cooker soups for years, and this one is a definite winner. The slow cooking method really brings out the flavors, and it’s so forgiving. Don’t worry if you’re running late; it’ll just get even more delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Simple and Convenient Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Seriously, dump it and forget it! The slow cooker does all the work, so you can come home to a warm, ready-to-eat meal. What’s better than that?

Packed with Flavor in This Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

My favorite part is the lemon and rosemary – they add such a bright, fresh twist to classic chicken noodle soup. It’s like sunshine in a bowl!

A Healthy and Nutritious Meal in This Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup is good for you, too! I use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and lean chicken thighs for protein. You can feel good about feeding this to your family.

Ingredients for Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing soup. Don’t skimp – good ingredients make all the difference, trust me!

Chicken

Grab about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay super moist in the slow cooker, which is exactly what we want!

Broth

You’ll need 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Low sodium is key so you can control the saltiness yourself, ya know?

Vegetables

Chop up 2 cups of sliced carrots (that’s about 4 big ones), 4 stalks of celery, and half a yellow onion, diced. Veggies are important!

Flavor Enhancers

Now for the good stuff! Get ready with the juice of 1 lemon, 3 crushed garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, 1 tablespoon of poultry seasoning, 1 tablespoon of fresh diced rosemary, and 1 teaspoon of fresh diced thyme. Whew! That’s a flavor explosion!

Pasta

Last but not least, 6 ounces of whole wheat fusilli. I love the texture of fusilli, but any small pasta shape will do. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t get mushy!

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How to Prepare Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Okay, let’s get cooking! This part’s super simple, I promise. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious, healthy soup in no time.

Combine Ingredients for This Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Grab your slow cooker and toss in the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onions, lemon juice, garlic, pepper, salt, poultry seasoning, rosemary, and thyme. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything’s mixed up nicely. This is where the magic starts!

Slow Cooking the Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Cover that slow cooker and set it to low for 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know the chicken’s cooked when it’s easily shredded with a fork. My house always smells amazing during this part!

Shredding the Chicken for Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Carefully take the chicken out of the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. It should fall apart super easily. Then, pop the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. We want all that yummy flavor!

Adding the Noodles to Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Now, stir in the pasta. Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for about 10-20 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Nobody likes mushy noodles, so keep an eye on ’em!

Seasoning and Serving Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Taste the soup and add any extra salt, pepper, or herbs you think it needs. Serve it up with a side salad and some soup crackers for a complete meal. Enjoy!

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Tips for the Perfect Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Don’t Overcook The Noodles in Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Seriously, watch those noodles like a hawk! They can go from perfectly al dente to total mush in a matter of minutes in the slow cooker. Set a timer and check ’em often, okay?

Adjust the Seasoning for Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Taste, taste, taste! Everyone’s taste buds are different, so don’t be afraid to tweak the seasoning to your liking. A little extra lemon juice or a pinch more salt can make all the difference!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Wanna switch things up? No problem! Here are a few notes and swaps you can make to customize this soup to your heart’s content. It’s all about making it *your* perfect bowl!

Gluten-Free Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Going gluten-free? Easy peasy! Just swap in some gluten-free brown rice noodles. But a heads-up: they can get mushy *fast*, so keep a close eye on ’em during that final cooking stage. Trust me on this one!

Adding More Lemon to Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

If you’re a lemon fanatic like me, go ahead and add a little extra lemon juice! It really brightens up the whole soup and makes it extra comforting, especially when you’re feeling a bit sniffly. The more the merrier, I say!

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FAQ About Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things folks ask me about this yummy soup. Don’t be shy – if you’ve got more questions, just ask in the comments!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs in this Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

Yep, you sure can! Just keep in mind that chicken breasts can dry out a bit more in the slow cooker. I’d suggest checking them a little earlier to make sure they’re still nice and juicy. No one wants dry chicken!

Can I add other vegetables to this Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to toss in any veggies you love. Spinach, zucchini, or even some green beans would be delicious. Just add them in with the carrots and celery at the beginning. Soup’s all about using what you’ve got, right?

Can I freeze this Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup?

You bet! Let the soup cool completely, then pop it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep for a couple of months. Just remember that the noodles might get a little softer after freezing and thawing, but it’ll still taste amazing!

Storing and Reheating Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop ’em in an airtight container and stash ’em in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready for round two, just reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s nice and hot. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Okay, quick note: nutrition info can vary based on brands and what you toss in, so this is just an estimate, okay?

Enjoy Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

That’s it! I hope you love this soup as much as my family does. Don’t forget to leave a comment or rate the recipe – I’d love to hear what you think!