Crockpot Chicken And Soup is the ultimate comfort meal that combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for busy days, this dish is as easy as tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it simmer to perfection.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Chicken breasts are commonly used in this recipe, but feel free to substitute with thighs if you prefer a richer, more tender option.
- Carrots: These provide a lovely sweetness and are a must for this comforting soup.
- Celery: A classic addition to most chicken soups, celery adds a fresh crunch and mild flavor.
- Onions: Chopped onions bring a deep flavor base to the soup.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will infuse the soup with aromatic depth.
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option, or opt for homemade broth for the richest flavor.
- Herbs: Thyme, bay leaves, and parsley are key herbs that make the soup taste like it’s been simmering all day.
- Potatoes or Rice (Optional): For a heartier soup, you can add diced potatoes or uncooked rice. They’ll absorb the flavors and add bulk to the soup.
Tips And Tricks for the Best Crockpot Chicken And Soup:
- Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: If you have the time, try using bone-in chicken for even more rich flavor in your broth. You can always remove the bones after the cooking process.
- Sauté Vegetables Before Adding Them: While it’s not necessary, sautéing the onions, garlic, and carrots in a pan for a few minutes can bring out their sweetness and depth before adding them to the Crockpot.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: If you’re using boneless chicken breasts, they’ll cook faster than thighs. Add the chicken to the slow cooker for the last few hours to avoid overcooking.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste your soup halfway through cooking and adjust the seasoning. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will give it a nice kick.
- Shred the Chicken for a Cozy Texture: After cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces for a comforting, homestyle texture that blends perfectly with the soup.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken And Soup:
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to make adjustments based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- Creamy Chicken Soup: For a richer soup, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half in the last 30 minutes of cooking. You can also add cream cheese for a thicker texture.
- Low-Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, skip the potatoes and rice, and add cauliflower florets for a similar texture.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach, kale, or swiss chard toward the end of the cooking time for added color and nutrients.
- Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick. You could even include diced tomatoes with green chilies for a tangy twist.
- Asian-Inspired Soup: Swap out the traditional herbs for ginger, garlic, and a splash of soy sauce. Add rice noodles for a unique variation of chicken soup with an Asian flair.
How to Serve Crockpot Chicken And Soup:
This hearty chicken soup can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your mood and the occasion:
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of toasted sourdough or a buttery baguette for dipping.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
- Pair with a Side Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, lemon vinaigrette, and perhaps some avocado or feta makes for a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Over Rice: For a filling meal, serve the soup over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. The rice soaks up the broth, creating a satisfying meal.
How to Store Crockpot Chicken And Soup:
Storing this soup is simple and can help you enjoy the leftovers for days to come. After the soup has cooled to room temperature, transfer it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, allow the soup to thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup seems a bit thick after freezing, simply add a little extra broth to restore its original consistency.
Recipe FAQs:
1. Can I use frozen chicken in the Crockpot?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken in the Crockpot. Just make sure it’s boneless and skinless for best results. Add extra cooking time (about 1 hour), and check the chicken’s internal temperature before serving to ensure it’s cooked through.
2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
3. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a Crockpot?
Yes, you can! To make this soup in an Instant Pot, use the sauté function for your veggies, then add the broth and chicken. Cook on high pressure for about 12-15 minutes, then release the pressure naturally.
4. Can I use other vegetables in this soup?
Certainly! You can add other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or even corn for added flavor and texture. Be sure to adjust the cooking time for any additional vegetables.
5. How do I know when the chicken is done?
When using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. If the chicken is falling apart when you shred it, it’s done!
Crockpot Chicken And Soup
Crockpot Chicken And Soup is the ultimate comfort meal that combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for busy days, this dish is as easy as tossing everything into the slow cooker and letting it simmer to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced into coins
- 2 ribs celery, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (more to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bay leaf (optional)
- 8 to 9 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces wide or extra-wide egg noodles
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Top with onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, pepper, and bay leaf (if using). Stir in chicken bouillon and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours, or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Discard the bay leaf, then return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Prepare the egg noodles al dente according to the package instructions.
- Add the cooked noodles to the soup and let it cook on LOW for an additional 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 464Total Fat 5gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 107mgSodium 6870mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 2gSugar 9gProtein 77g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final outcome
Crockpot Chicken And Soup is a versatile, comforting, and nourishing dish perfect for any occasion. With endless ways to customize the recipe, this meal offers convenience, flavor, and the kind of warmth that makes it a go-to favorite year-round. Whether you stick to the classic ingredients or add your own twist, you’ll love how easy it is to create a wholesome, satisfying meal.
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