Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Soup is often associated with comfort food that can warm your body during cold days or provide nourishment when you're not feeling well. One of the most popular and cherished soups, especially in winter, is chicken soup. This rich, hearty broth is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect meal for anyone who wants something satisfying without being too heavy. Today we will be sharing our recipe for slow cooker chicken soup which takes minimal effort yet yields delicious results.

Ingredients needed:

• 2 pounds of boneless chicken breasts
• 2 carrots, peeled and sliced thinly
• 1 cup of celery, finely chopped
• 6 cups of water or broth (chicken or vegetable)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt & pepper to taste
• Optional: 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for zest
• Tender leaves of fresh parsley as garnish if desired

Cooking time: Approximately 5 hours on low heat or 3 hours on high.

Servings: Serves about 6 people depending on portion size.

Steps to make delicious slow cooker chicken soup:

1. Place the cleaned and sliced chicken breasts into your slow cooker. Ensure that they are evenly distributed at the bottom of it so as not to stick together during cooking time.

2. Add in the chopped carrots, celery, minced garlic cloves, and salt & pepper according to taste preference. Mix everything gently until well combined but avoid overmixing which could cause clumping or breakage of the chicken pieces.

3. Pour in the water or broth until it just covers all ingredients inside your pot. You can choose either chicken or vegetable stock based on personal preferences; both will add wonderful flavors to your soup base.

4. Secure lid tightly shut and set the slow cooker timer for 5 hours if using low setting or 3 hours when set at high heat depending upon how tender you want your vegetables and meat to be. If you're using boneless thighs instead of breasts, longer cooking time is recommended due to different texture.

5. Once done, let the soup cool down slightly before serving hot with fresh parsley on top as a garnish if desired.

Tips for making this slow cooker chicken soup:

• To increase flavor intensity during preparation phase, consider adding more spices like bay leaves or thyme while letting the ingredients simmer together gently without boiling vigorously. This way, flavors get evenly distributed throughout each component.
• For extra texture contrast and added nutrients, add some cooked rice or noodles towards end of cooking period. However, ensure they are not overcooked as this may lead to mushiness in consistency.
• If using boneless thighs instead of breasts for richer taste but also thicker skin which takes longer time to soften fully. It might be beneficial to remove them halfway through the cook cycle and shred into bite-sized pieces before reintroducing back into pot until fully cooked through.

Health benefits:

The chicken in this recipe provides protein, while vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C found abundantly within carrots. Broth adds hydration and electrolytes helping rehydrate those who may be unwell or recovering from illness. Garlic has antiviral properties which helps fight infections.

Conclusion:

A good homemade soup doesn't need to take hours of your busy day; with a slow cooker, it becomes easier than ever before! This simple yet satisfying dish makes for an ideal start to any winter evening or light lunch during colder seasons. Not only does it taste great but also brings back nostalgic memories of childhood days filled with love and care.