Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can substitute with chicken breasts for a leaner option)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional, but adds a lovely pop of sweetness)
- 1 cup diced potatoes (Yukon Gold or red potatoes work well)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a subtle depth, but feel free to omit if you prefer)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 cup egg noodles or pasta of choice (add during the last 30 minutes of cooking)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step helps bring out the sweetness, something Mama Lou always insisted on—“It’s the base of any good soup,” she’d say.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t let it brown too much; just enough to release those beautiful aromas.
- Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your crockpot. Then, add the sliced carrots, celery, potatoes, dried thyme, rosemary, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken thighs right on top of the vegetables. Pour the chicken broth over everything, making sure the ingredients are mostly submerged.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chicken will become tender and fall-apart perfect, just like Mama Lou’s.
- About 30 minutes before serving, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks. Add the frozen peas and egg noodles. Stir gently and recover to cook until the noodles are tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before ladling into bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
