There’s something comforting about a warm bowl of chicken soup. Whether it’s the cozy feeling on a cold day or the rich, savory taste, chicken soup never fails to satisfy. And when made in the crockpot, it’s even easier. Crockpot chicken soup will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Let me show you how to make it, along with some tips and ideas to make it even better.
Why We Love Crockpot Chicken Soup
Crockpot chicken soup is beloved for many reasons, and it’s easy to see why:
- Effortless Cooking: With the crockpot, you get a delicious homemade meal without having to spend hours in the kitchen. Simply toss in the ingredients, set it, and let the crockpot do all the work.
- Healthy Comfort Food: Packed with lean chicken, veggies, and aromatic herbs, it’s a soup you can feel good about eating.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. From adding more veggies to experimenting with different spices, the options are endless.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Whether you’re cooking for a busy week or looking for leftovers, this soup stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
- Nourishing: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of hearty soup to warm you up on a cold day. It’s the kind of food that feels like a hug.
Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Soup
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple and wholesome the ingredients are. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious soup:
Crockpot Chicken Soup – Ingredients: Chicken breasts – Tender and juicy, chicken breasts are the heart of this soup. They cook slowly in the crockpot, becoming perfectly shred-able and infusing the broth with rich flavor.
Onion – Provides a savory base, deepening the overall flavor of the soup.
Chicken broth – Forms the rich, savory base of your soup. It soaks up the flavors of the chicken and vegetables.
Diced tomatoes – Offer tanginess and texture, helping to balance the richness of the broth.
Bay leaves – Enhance the soup’s flavor with a mild, aromatic touch, creating a soothing, herbaceous backdrop.
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Soup
Making this crockpot chicken soup is as easy as it gets. You don’t need to be a seasoned chef to create this flavorful dish. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Start by chopping your carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves as well. You want all the vegetables to cook evenly, so make sure they’re roughly the same size.
Step 2: Layer the Crockpot
Add the chicken breasts to the crockpot first. Then, layer in the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. The idea is to create a flavorful base for the soup, and the crockpot’s slow cooking will allow all the ingredients to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Add Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. The broth is the foundation of your soup, so make sure there’s enough liquid to cover everything in the crockpot.
Step 4: Season the Soup
Add the bay leaves, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. These spices bring warmth and a subtle depth to the soup. Stir everything together to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Let it Cook
Set your crockpot to low and cook the soup for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it on low, the more the flavors will develop. It’s the beauty of slow-cooked meals!
Step 6: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking time is up, take the chicken breasts out of the crockpot. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the soup. This gives the soup that signature shredded chicken texture.
Step 7: Thicken the Soup (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a small amount of water, then stir it into the soup. This will help to give the broth a silky consistency without altering the flavor.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once the soup is ready, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Then, ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Chicken Soup
To take your crockpot chicken soup from good to great, here are some expert tips you can follow:
Use Bone-in Chicken: For even more flavor, try using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones release additional richness into the broth as it cooks.
Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh or dried thyme and bay leaves make a world of difference. If you can, try using fresh herbs for an even more vibrant flavor.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you want more flavor, add a little more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Add a Veggie Boost: Want to pack in more vegetables? Feel free to add zucchini, corn, or even spinach to the mix.
Cook Low and Slow: The key to a delicious crockpot chicken soup is patience. Let it cook on low for the best flavor and tenderness.
Variations of Crockpot Chicken Soup
While the classic version of crockpot chicken soup is already fantastic, there are plenty of ways you can change it up to suit your mood or dietary preferences.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Soup: If you like a little heat, throw in some diced jalapeños or chili flakes. It’ll give the soup a nice kick without overpowering the flavors.
Creamy Chicken Soup: Want a richer texture? Stir in some heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking. This adds a creamy, indulgent touch.
Vegetarian Crockpot Soup: Skip the chicken and opt for chickpeas or tofu instead. Use vegetable broth to make a completely vegetarian version of this comforting soup.
Chicken Soup with Noodles: Add egg noodles, rice, or even quinoa in the last 30 minutes of cooking for a heartier soup that’s even more filling.
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chicken Soup
Crockpot chicken soup is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are a few ideas:
Crusty Bread: A thick slice of buttery, toasted bread is perfect for dipping into your soup.
Simple Salad: A light green salad with a tangy lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Shredded Cheese: Top your soup with some freshly grated parmesan or cheddar for an extra burst of flavor.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen chicken for crockpot chicken soup?
Yes, you can absolutely use frozen chicken in this recipe. Just be sure to cook it for an additional 30 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked through.
How do I make crockpot chicken soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, you can use cornstarch or a roux. Another method is to puree a portion of the soup using an immersion blender to give it a creamier consistency.
Can I add potatoes to crockpot chicken soup?
Potatoes are a great addition to this soup. Add them at the beginning with the other vegetables, and they will cook perfectly as the soup simmers.
How long can crockpot chicken soup be stored?
Crockpot chicken soup will last in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Use the “soup” setting and cook for 25-30 minutes on high pressure.
Crockpot Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 breasts chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 sticks celery diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 leaves bay leaves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic into the crockpot.
- Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes, then add the bay leaves, salt, pepper, and thyme. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return the chicken to the soup. Stir in parsley.
- Serve hot and enjoy!