Comforting and warming chicken soup, just like my Mum makes! This Slow-cooker Chicken Soup recipe produces a rich, wholesome broth with fall-apart chicken. This dish is quick and easy to prepare—just stick all the ingredients in your slow-cooker and let it work its magic for you while you go about your day. If you don’t have a slow-cooker, I’ve also included instructions for how to cook this recipe on the stovetop. This soup freezes beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and have it ready for a quick midweek meal. It’s perfect for cold weather and soothing sniffles.
Can you make Slow-cooker Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Yes, Slow-cooker Chicken Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Follow the recipe but do not add the egg noodles. The egg noodles will absorb too much moisture and are best added to the soup once it is defrosted. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop and add the noodles once boiling.
Is Slow-cooker Chicken Soup suitable for leftovers?
Yes, Slow-cooker Chicken Soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. See freezing instructions above.
PrintSlow-cooker Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 8 hours 25 mins
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion, finely diced
- Whole free-range chicken (1.2-1.8 kg or 2.6-4 lb)
- 2.5 litres water
- 3 tsp salt, plus extra to season
- 2 stalks celery, including leaves, washed and cut into 15 cm or 6” lengths
- 4 carrots, peeled and halved lengthways
- 250 g (8 oz) thin egg noodles
- ½ bunch parsley, roughly chopped
- Pepper, to season
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil on medium heat in a medium-sized skillet. Add onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until soft.
- Rinse the chicken (including the inside of the carcass). This creates a clearer broth.
- Place the whole chicken, water, salt, celery, carrots and cooked onion into a slow-cooker. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours (see the stove top method below).
- Remove the chicken, celery and carrot from the slow-cooker. Shred the chicken and cut celery and carrot into bite-sized chunks.
- Place the egg noodles in the remaining liquid. Cook for 15 minutes on low heat or until noodles are cooked to your liking. Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Return chicken, celery and carrot to the broth. Season with salt and pepper and serve.
Notes
Stove top method – Place the whole chicken, water, salt, celery, carrots and cooked onion into a large pot. Use more water if needed to ensure the chicken is fully submerged. Place the lid on, bring to a boil and then reduce heat to low with the lid ajar. Cook for 1.5 hours or until the chicken is soft and falling off the bone. Remove the chicken, celery and carrot from the pot. Shred the chicken finely and cut the celery and carrot into bite-sized chunks. Add egg noodles to the pot and cook for 8 minutes or until cooked through. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Return chicken, celery and carrot to the pot, season with salt and pepper and serve.
MAKE AHEAD
Slow-cooker Chicken Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Follow the recipe but do not add the egg noodles. The egg noodles will absorb too much moisture and are best added to the soup once it is defrosted. Thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stovetop and add the noodles once boiling.
LEFTOVERS
Can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave. See freezing instructions above.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 8 hours 15 mins
- Category: soup, chicken, chicken soup, slow cooker chicken soup
- Method: saute, cook
MrsJ80 says:
I have a question about one of the ingredients. The method states to add the stock but there’s no stock listed on the ingredients. Is this referring to the water and salt?
erinabbey says:
Hello!
I’ve probably left this question a bit late because I’m making this tomorrow night haha but wondering – in the ingredients it says water but then in the method it says “add stock (or salt if using)” it very likely I’m confusing myself, but do you make this with stock or water? Thanks so much, LOVE your page and recipe ideas x
sophieolufson says:
My broth didn’t turn out as clear even though I washed chicken well and veges don’t look as fresh and bright
Taste is good though
Nicole says:
Sometimes if the soup heats too quickly (particularly on high heat function with the slow cooker) and depending on the size of the chicken and the amount of fat on the chicken, the fat can sometimes emulsify into the liquid which means the soup can get cloudy. If you refrigerate it, the fat will rise to the top, it will be very easy to skim off and you’ll be left with a very clear broth. A lot of effort though so I never do this. 😂 So glad you loved the taste though! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment x
em.wallsy says:
Yummy. Kids 1,2 and 4 smashed it 🙂
Nicole says:
So wonderful to hear, thank you so much for taking the time to write! 😊 Nic x