Ingredients and Weight:
- Chicken Breasts: 4 pieces (about 1.5 pounds)
- Carrots: 2 medium (about 1 cup chopped)
- Celery: 2 stalks (about 1 cup chopped)
- Onion: 1 large (about 1 cup chopped)
- Garlic: 3 cloves (about 2 tablespoons minced)
- Egg Noodles: 8 ounces (dry weight)
- Low-sodium Chicken Broth or Stock: 4 cups
- Fresh Thymeleaf or Oregano: 1 tablespoon (chopped)
- Salt and Pepper: to taste
Preparation Time:
- Preparation Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 4-6 hours (slow cooker setting on low) or 2-3 hours on high
- Total Time: About 4-5 hours (depending on the setting used)
Difficulty Level:
Level 3 (Moderate difficulty)
Preparation Method Steps:
- In a slow cooker, place chicken breasts, chopped vegetables (carrots, celery, and onion), and garlic.
- Pour the chicken broth or stock over the ingredients. Add fresh herbs.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces using two forks.
- Stir in the uncooked egg noodles and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
- Cover and continue to cook for another 30 minutes to an hour, or until the noodles are tender. Check periodically and stir to prevent sticking.
- Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs, if desired.
Nutritional Information: (per serving, assuming 8 total servings)
Calories: Approximately 350-400 depending on seasoning and additional toppings.
Carbohydrates: 35-45g (from noodles)
Protein: 30-40g (from chicken and vegetables)
Fat: 10-15g (from chicken and broth)
Fiber: 4-6g (from vegetables and noodles)
Dish Characteristics:
- Hearty and comforting, perfect for colder weather.
- Slow-cooked soup brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- A great way to use up leftover vegetables or a chance to experiment with different varieties.
- Customizable according to individual preferences for seasoning and toppings.
User Comments:
- "This is a great dish for a cold winter's day! The slow cooker does all the work, and the flavors are amazing." - John Doe, New York
- "My family loved this soup! It's hearty and filling, yet light enough for a meal in itself." - Jane Smith, California
- "I added some cheese and bacon bits on top for extra flavor and crunch. It was a great combination!" - Michael Johnson, Texas
Special Precautions and Tips:
- Ensure all vegetables are chopped to ensure even cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth or stock to control the saltiness of the dish. Adjust seasoning at the end according to preference.
- For best results, use fresh herbs if possible. Dried herbs can be used but will affect the flavor slightly.
- Adjust the cooking time according to your slow cooker's instructions or desired tenderness of the meat and vegetables.
