01 -
First things first, grab your trusty slow cooker. Then, get those carrots, celery, and onion chopped up. I usually do a rough chop; they’re going to soften beautifully in there anyway. Toss them right into the bottom of your crockpot. It'll start smelling so good even before you turn it on, I swear. Don't worry if they're not perfectly uniform; this isn't a cooking show, it's real life!
02 -
Next, place your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right on top of those veggies. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. This is where the magic really begins; the broth will slowly infuse all that chickeny goodness. I always make sure I have enough broth, because nobody wants dry chicken in their slow cooker soup!
03 -
Now for the flavor! Add your minced garlic, dried thyme, bay leaves, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper to the crockpot. Stir it gently to combine everything, making sure those aromatics are distributed. I usually give it a good sniff at this point; that herby, savory smell is just divine. This step is crucial for building those deep flavors that make this soup so comforting.
04 -
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go for low and slow; it just makes the chicken so much more tender and the flavors deepen beautifully. Resist the urge to peek too often! Every time you lift that lid, you lose precious heat, and it takes longer to cook. I've learned that the hard way, trust me.
05 -
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot. They should be super tender and easy to shred with two forks. Shred them right in the bowl; it’s so satisfying! Discard the bay leaves – seriously, don't forget them! Then, stir the shredded chicken back into the soup along with the heavy cream. This is when the soup transforms into that dreamy, creamy texture we're after.
06 -
Now, for the noodles! You can either cook them separately on the stovetop according to package directions and add them to the crockpot, or, if your crockpot is big enough and you're feeling brave, you can add them directly to the soup for the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. I usually cook them separately to avoid any mushy noodle disasters, which I've definitely had before. Just make sure they’re al dente!
07 -
Give this creamy chicken noodle soup a final taste test and adjust any seasonings if needed. Ladle it into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot! It’s truly a sight to behold, all steamy and inviting. Sometimes I add a little extra black pepper, just because. It’s ready to bring comfort to your table, honestly, it’s just the best.