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Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

creamy slow cooker chicken noodle soup - featured image

A rich and silky slow cooker chicken noodle soup with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a creamy base made from cream cheese and milk. Perfect for cozy nights and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 ounces egg noodles
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice carrots, slice celery, finely chop the onion, and mince garlic (about 10 minutes).
  2. Optional: Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions and garlic for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Place chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add carrots, celery, sautéed onion and garlic (if used), dried thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
  5. Remove chicken and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
  6. Stir in egg noodles and cook on high for another 20-30 minutes until noodles are tender but not mushy.
  7. Lower heat to warm or low. Add softened cream cheese in chunks and stir until melted smoothly into the soup.
  8. Gradually stir in milk or half-and-half until fully combined.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Add more broth or milk if soup is too thick.

Notes

For gluten-free, swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini added at the end. Greek yogurt can replace cream cheese for a tangier, lighter creaminess. Let cream cheese come to room temperature before adding to avoid lumps. Add noodles near the end to prevent mushiness. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add broth or milk when reheating to loosen soup. Freeze without noodles for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken noodle soup, creamy soup, comfort food, easy recipe, cozy dinner