Ingredients
Method
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by chopping your vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the celery and carrots, and mince the garlic. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.
Step 2: Layer the Ingredients in the Crockpot
- In your crockpot, begin layering your ingredients. Start with the chicken at the bottom. Follow this with the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sprinkle the minced garlic, dried thyme, and rosemary over the top. This layering helps the flavors meld better as they cook.
Step 3: Add the Broth
- Next, pour in 8 to 9 cups of reduced sodium chicken broth. This will serve as the base of your harmonious mixture. Add in the better than bouillon base to enhance the depth of flavor.
Step 4: Season it Up
- Sprinkle salt and pepper as per your taste preferences, and add the bay leaf for added aroma. This is the moment when the rich aromas start to fill your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come!
Step 5: Let it Cook
- Set your crockpot on low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. If you have the time, I recommend going low and slow.
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
- Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. This step allows you to mix in the chicken evenly throughout the soup.
Step 7: Cook the Noodles
- In the last 20-30 minutes of cooking, add the egg noodles to the crockpot. They only need a short time to tenderize and absorb the soup flavor.
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your creation with your chosen sides!
Notes
- Use Quality Broth: The quality of your broth directly affects the soup’s taste. Opt for low-sodium varieties to control salt levels.
- Add Veggies with Different Textures: Experiment with different vegetables like green beans or peas for varied textures.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: If you like your noodles al dente, add them in the last stages of cooking. Overcooked noodles can get mushy.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can either reduce the broth or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end to thicken it up.
- Spice it Up: Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.
