Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup is the cozy dish you need for practically any season! This isn’t your average canned soup, though… This comfort-food classic is elevated with a bright and fresh citrusy twist! It’s wholesome, simple, and family-friendly.

side view of bowl of chicken noodle soup surrounded by wooden salt and pepper shakers, another bowl of soup, gold spoons, and black slow cooker

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

What’s better than letting the slow cooker handle your dinner with a cozy meal that everyone is sure to love? This recipe keeps your hands free and is as tasty as it gets!
It’s the classic chicken noodle recipe everyone knows and loves, but this time with a fresh burst of flavor, with added citrus elements. A combo of lemon, lime, and orange juice brightens every bowl and balances the flavors.
The ingredient list is full of clean, simple foods and easy pantry staples. You’ll love serving this to family and friends!
The recipe is versatile and easy to swap in or add more ingredients, like extra veggies. You can use frozen egg noodles for a hearty, homemade texture, or dried egg noodles work as well.
Make a big batch for meal prep – the leftovers reheat beautifully!
With minimal prep and cleanup, this family-favorite dinner is an easy yes!

Ingredients Needed

Boneless skinless chicken breast – Use thawed, whole chicken breasts and place them directly into the slow cooker. You will remove them and shred near the end of cooking, and stir the meat back into the soup.
Celery – Chop up 4 celery ribs (about 1 cup of chopped celery) for classic flavor and texture.
Carrots – Peel and chop 5 medium-sized carrots. This will equal about 2 cups of bite-sized pieces. Regular carrots – not baby carrots – will add the most flavor to the soup.
Citrus – The citrusy additions set this soup apart from typical chicken noodle recipes! The bright, fresh flavor can’t be beat! Add either fresh-squeezed or bottled lemon juice and lime juice, along with regular orange juice, for a delightfully tangy enhancement.
Seasonings – Dried spices are a convenient choice for efficiently prepping this soup without any extra washing or chopping – and they’re more budget-friendly, too! Combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and dried rosemary for aromatics and rustic herbal flavor.
Chicken broth – Use regular chicken broth or bone broth for a savory soup base.
Egg noodles – Grab a 12-ounce package of Reames frozen Homestyle Egg Noodles to add to the soup near the end. If you prefer, you can also use regular dried egg noodles.
Salt and pepper – Save the salt and pepper for the end and adjust to taste!

ingredients to include cutting board with two chicken breasts, bowls of seasonings, celery, carrots, frozen noodles, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, salt and pepper shakers, and measuring cup of chicken broth

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

Add whole chicken breasts (no need to chop), chopped celery, and chopped carrots to the slow cooker.

overhead view of black slow cooker containing diced celery and carrots, and two chicken breasts

Squeeze 2 tablespoons each of lemon, lime, and orange juice into the slow cooker, making sure to remove any seeds before adding.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and rosemary to the slow cooker.

overhead view of black slow cooker containing two chicken breasts, diced celery and carrots, with seasonings

Stir in chicken broth, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

overhead view of black slow cooker containing chicken breasts, carrots, celery and chicken broth, with large wooden spoon

Use two forks to shred the fully cooked chicken gently.

cutting board with shredded chicken with two forks

Add frozen noodles directly to the slow cooker and heat on high for about 30 minutes or until the noodles are cooked through and warm.

overhead view of black slow cooker with chicken soup mixture and frozen noodles on top

Taste the broth and add salt and pepper as desired.

overhead view of black slow cooker of chicken noodle soup with two lemon slices on top, surrounded by oranges and lemons

Pro Tips

The chicken can go into the slow cooker raw. No need to defrost or chop it up first!
Add frozen noodles toward the end to avoid mushiness. You can also cook the noodles separately if desired.
I like to keep a bottle of lemon and lime juice on hand and use regular orange juice to keep things simple when it’s time to prep!
Taste the broth and adjust with salt and pepper after cooking.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Try using chicken thighs for more flavor, or leftover cooked chicken or turkey (reduce the cooking time as needed). You can even use a whole chicken, debone it, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
Homemade bone broth creates the most nutrient-rich base and adds extra protein to the dish. Store-bought chicken stock will also work, but you may need to add additional salt or other seasonings to get enough flavor.
Add a little extra freshness with a sprig of fresh parsley or dill for brightness and contrast.
If you don’t love egg noodles or would rather find a gluten-free option, swap the noodles for cooked white rice or small diced potatoes. Simply add either one into the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high.
Feel free to experiment with veggie additions! Baby spinach, peas, or corn are all great options for extra nutrition.
Bring a little more warmth to your cozy meal with a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Looking for a bit more decadence in your soup? Try this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup version with cream or milk (I even have a Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup recipe for the Instant Pot, too!)

closeup view of chicken noodle soup in large black ladle resting in black slow cooker

Instant Pot Chicken Noodle Soup

Add all ingredients except for the noodles to the Instant Pot.
Seal and set to high pressure for 10 minutes.
Allow a natural pressure release, then remove the lid.
Remove the chicken and use two forks to shred it gently, then return it to the pot.
Set the pot to sauté mode and bring the soup to a simmer.
Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender.

How To Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing better to serve with a warm bowl of soup than a slice of toasty bread and butter, warm Buttermilk Drop Biscuits, or your favorite crackers.

Add a fresh side salad with crunchy croutons, and garnish your bowl with fresh parsley or extra citrus.

overhead view of two bowls of soup, one with spoon surrounded by sliced limes

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer

This is the best meal to keep on hand in the freezer! Nothing is better than a hot homemade chicken soup when you’re feeling under the weather.

If you plan to freeze the soup, I recommend leaving out the noodles and cooking a fresh batch when you’re ready to defrost and reheat it. Souper Cubes makes it easy to portion and freeze for single-serve occasions!

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat the soup on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.