Introduction
When the weather turns chilly or when you need a comforting, nourishing meal after a long day, nothing beats a hearty bowl of soup. This Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Sweet Potatoes, as featured on Love With Recipes, combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with the natural sweetness of nutrient-packed sweet potatoes, aromatic herbs, and a rich broth, creating a flavor profile that is both familiar and delightfully elevated. The slow cooking method ensures that flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a soup that is rich, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile, allowing for customization with additional vegetables or herbs. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup is a perfect choice to keep in your culinary repertoire.
Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high
- Total Time: approximately 8 hours 15 minutes
Needed Equipment
- Crock Pot / Slow Cooker: A standard 6-8 quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, providing ample space to cook the ingredients evenly.
- Knife and Cutting Board: For peeling and chopping sweet potatoes, slicing mushrooms, and chopping onions.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure broth, herbs, and seasonings.
- Peeler: For peeling sweet potatoes.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring ingredients during the final steps.
- Colander or Strainer: To drain cooked egg noodles before adding to the soup.
- Soup Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
- Optional – Food Processor or Masher: If you prefer a slightly thickened or textured broth, for mashing some sweet potatoes.
Tags
- Comfort Food
- Healthy
- Slow Cooker
- Chicken Soup
- Sweet Potatoes
- Family Favorite
- Easy Dinner
- Meal Prep
- Homemade Soup
Serving Size
This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Each serving is hearty and filling, ideal for a complete meal on its own or paired with crusty bread or a side salad for added variety.
Difficulty Level
Easy — This recipe requires minimal hands-on preparation and leverages the slow cooker’s convenience, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels, including beginners.
Allergen Information
| Allergen | Contains |
|---|---|
| Gluten | Yes, due to egg noodles |
| Chicken | Yes |
| Soy | None |
| Nuts | None |
| Dairy | Optional, if garnished with cheese or served with dairy-based bread |
Dietary Preference
Gluten-Free: To adapt, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. For dairy-free, omit cheese and ensure broth is dairy-free. Vegetarian: Replace chicken with hearty vegetables or plant-based protein, and use vegetable broth.
Course
- Main Course
- Soup
Cuisine
American Comfort Food
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Boneless Chicken Breasts | 6-8 | Trimmed of excess fat, rinsed |
| Sweet Potatoes | 2 | Peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes |
| Button Mushrooms | 20 | Sliced |
| Onions | 5 | Chopped |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon | To taste, adjust as needed |
| Dried Thyme | 1 1/2 teaspoons | Ground |
| Marjoram | 1/2 teaspoon | Ground |
| Pepper | 1/4 teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| Bay Leaf | 1 | Whole |
| Chicken Broth | 4 cups (1 quart) | Low sodium preferred |
| Egg Noodles | 8 ounces | Cooked separately before adding |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Begin by gathering all your ingredients, ensuring that everything is clean and ready for use. The peeling and dicing of sweet potatoes are crucial because smaller, uniform pieces will cook more evenly and quickly, ensuring the soup’s texture remains consistent. Use a sharp peeler to remove the skin from the sweet potatoes, then cut them into 1/2-inch cubes. This size balances cooking time with the aesthetic appeal of the dish. Slice the button mushrooms thinly to maximize their flavor release during cooking. Chop the onions into small, even pieces to distribute their sweetness uniformly throughout the broth. For the chicken breasts, you may choose to trim off visible fat or tendons, but this is optional as slow cooking will tenderize the meat thoroughly. Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure cleanliness and avoid excess moisture that could dilute the broth.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crock Pot
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker to create a stable base for the other ingredients. Distribute the diced sweet potatoes evenly over the chicken to allow for thorough cooking. Layer the sliced mushrooms on top of the sweet potatoes, which will release their savory juices into the broth, enhancing flavor. Follow with the chopped onions, spreading them out to ensure they cook evenly. Season the mixture with the salt, dried thyme, marjoram, pepper, and the whole bay leaf. Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients, making sure that the liquid covers the contents sufficiently, but does not overflow the crock pot. The broth acts as both a cooking medium and flavor enhancer, so opting for a good-quality, preferably low-sodium broth is advisable to control salt levels.
Step 3: Slow Cook
Cover the crock pot with its lid, ensuring it is sealed tightly to prevent evaporation. Set the slow cooker to low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule and preference. The low setting allows for more gradual, deeper flavor development, resulting in more tender chicken and softer sweet potatoes. During the cooking process, the chicken will become easily shreddable, and the flavors will meld into a cohesive broth. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and pressure inside the crock pot. If you notice excess foam or impurities rising to the top, you can skim them off with a spoon during the last hour of cooking.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg Noodles
While the soup is nearing completion, cook the egg noodles separately in boiling water according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes for al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside. Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from becoming overly soft and mushy during the long slow-cooking process, maintaining their texture and ensuring they absorb less broth, which keeps the soup from becoming too thick or starchy.
Step 5: Final Assembly and Serving
About 30 minutes before serving, open the crock pot and stir the ingredients gently. Remove the whole bay leaf and discard. Carefully add the cooked egg noodles to the soup, stirring gently to distribute them evenly. Cover and allow the noodles to heat through for the remaining 30 minutes on low or high heat. This step ensures that the noodles soak up some broth and are perfectly warmed but not overcooked. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary—adding more salt or herbs as preferred.
For serving, ladle generous portions of the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for added flavor. Serve hot, accompanied by crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Preparation Tips
- Ingredient Quality: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and vegetables for the best flavor. Organic or free-range chicken can elevate the dish further.
- Sweet Potato Size: Uniform size ensures even cooking. If you prefer a creamier texture, mash some sweet potatoes into the broth after cooking.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to add other herbs like rosemary, sage, or parsley for a different flavor profile.
- Broth Choice: Opt for homemade chicken broth or low-sodium store-bought broth to control salt content and enhance flavor.
- Additional Vegetables: Carrots, celery, or spinach can be added during the last hour of cooking for extra nutrition and flavor.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approximate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 465.4 kcal |
| Fat | 15.6 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 124.7 mg |
| Sodium | 949.5 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 40.9 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5.3 g |
| Protein | 38.4 g |
Tips and Tricks
- Thickening the Broth: To make a heartier, thicker soup, mash a portion of the sweet potatoes directly into the broth or whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Cook until thickened.
- Flavor Boosters: Add a splash of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar at the end to brighten flavors. Fresh herbs like parsley or dill added just before serving also enhance aroma and taste.
- Meal Prep: Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Assemble in the crock pot and cook as usual.
- Freezing: Cool the soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It keeps well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Add-ons
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or cilantro
- Crushed red pepper flakes for heat
- Slice of crusty bread or garlic bread
- Fresh lemon wedges for a citrusy kick
Side Dishes
- Crusty French bread or artisan baguette
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
- Garlic knots or cheesy breadsticks
Improvements
- Use homemade broth for a richer, more complex flavor profile.
- Add a splash of white wine during cooking for depth.
- Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or tarragon for a different aromatic experience.
- For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream just before serving.
- Experiment with different pasta shapes or grains like rice or quinoa for variety.
Save and Store
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened during storage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes. Substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as vegetables may cook faster or slower than chicken.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Carrots, celery, spinach, kale, or peas work well. Add them during the last hour of cooking or just before serving to retain freshness and texture.
Is it possible to make this gluten-free?
Yes, replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Ensure the broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
How can I make this soup spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to taste during cooking or at the end for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup with Sweet Potatoes provides a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that warms the soul. Its combination of tender chicken, sweet potatoes, and aromatic herbs makes it a nutritious and satisfying option for any occasion. The slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing flavors to develop fully while you go about your day. Whether served on a cozy weeknight or prepared ahead for a busy schedule, this soup promises comfort and nourishment in every spoonful. Remember to customize it to suit your taste preferences, experiment with add-ons, and enjoy the process of creating a delicious, homemade meal that will quickly become a family favorite. Visit Love With Recipes for more culinary inspiration and recipes to elevate your cooking experience.