Simple & Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Slow cooker chicken soup is a classic recipe that has been cherished for its warmth and comforting flavors. Perfectly suited for cold days or busy workdays when you want something simple yet satisfying, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients. This slow cooker chicken soup can be made in just 30 minutes, and it serves up to 6 people. Here’s how you can make this delicious meal at home.

Ingredients

For the best results, gather these ingredients:

• 4 cups of chicken broth
• 1 cup of chopped carrots
• 1 cup of sliced celery
• 1 onion, peeled and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tsp salt (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• 2 cups of water
• Herbs such as thyme, parsley or basil to taste
• Lemon juice for garnish

Instructions

To ensure that your slow cooker chicken soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple steps:

1. Thoroughly clean and prepare all ingredients. If you are using fresh carrots and celery, be sure to peel them and chop into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl or directly in the slow cooker, combine chicken broth, chopped carrots, sliced celery, onion, minced garlic, salt (optional), black pepper (optional) and bay leaf (optional).
3. Add your favorite herbs for added flavor. Thyme is commonly used but parsley or basil also work well.
4. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the mixture. Gently mix so that all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Pour 2 cups of water over everything. Stir again to ensure the chicken and vegetables are submerged in the broth, which will help them cook evenly without drying out.

Let It Cook

The slow cooker is perfect for this dish because it allows you to leave your soup to simmer all day while you go about your other activities. Set your slow cooker on low heat and let the soup cook for 6-8 hours, or high heat for 3-4 hours.

Check the Soup

To check if your chicken soup is done cooking, simply take a spoonful of broth. It should be warm but not too hot to handle comfortably with just one hand. Additionally, make sure that your chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink inside when pierced.

Enjoy Your Meal

Once the chicken is completely cooked through, remove any bay leaf if used before serving. You can garnish each bowl of soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra flavor and color.

Serve hot and enjoy! This slow cooker chicken soup goes great with crusty bread or rolls on the side. It's perfect for a light lunch or dinner, especially during colder months when you just want something hearty yet delicious.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a can of diced tomatoes to the mixture before cooking.
• If you prefer your soup with less heat, reduce or omit the amount of black pepper used.
• To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding some spinach or kale into the broth during the last hour of cooking time. The vegetables will soften nicely and add a vibrant green color to your soup.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken soup is one of those dishes that can be prepared with minimal effort yet offers maximum satisfaction. Its soothing taste and ease of preparation make it an ideal choice for busy days when you're looking forward to a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Try this recipe today, and you’ll have a warm, comforting bowl of chicken soup waiting on your table within hours. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a packed schedule that leaves little room for cooking, slow cooker chicken soup is sure to become one of your go-to recipes.