Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Soup Recipe

Looking for a comforting bowl of chicken soup? This slow cooker chicken soup recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cold winter days. The rich flavor and hearty broth will warm your body and soul, making it the ideal meal to serve family and friends.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 large onion, diced into small pieces
• 4 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced finely
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups of water or chicken broth
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Tarragon, thyme, or any other herbs you like to add

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
2. Add the onions, carrots, and celery. These veggies will not only add more flavor but also help to make the soup hearty.
3. Mince garlic cloves and sprinkle over everything else.
4. Pour water or chicken broth into the slow cooker until it comes up about halfway of the ingredients.
5. If you want a stronger tomato taste, add one can of diced tomatoes now. You might find this makes your soup thicker in consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to give more flavor to the chicken soup. Taste before adding more seasoning.
7. Add herbs such as tarragon or thyme that you prefer for extra taste.
8. Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Slow cooking this soup will ensure all the flavors meld together beautifully.

After about 6 to 8 hours of cooking, your chicken soup should be ready. Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Taste again; you might need more salt or pepper at this point. If you are satisfied with the flavor, stir in a bay leaf for that final touch of taste.

Final Touches

To serve the soup, ladle it into bowls and garnish each serving with chopped parsley for color and additional flavor. You can also add some croutons or grilled cheese to make it more substantial if you want a heartier meal. A simple green salad on the side will complement this rich chicken soup perfectly.

Cooking Time and Servings

This slow cooker chicken soup takes about 6-8 hours of cooking time, depending on your slow cooker’s power settings. It yields enough soup for 4 to 6 servings. This recipe is scalable if you need more or less quantity.

Health Benefits and Nutrition

The rich flavor and hearty broth in this chicken soup will keep you warm and healthy during cold months. Chicken, being a lean protein source, can help with muscle repair and maintenance. Carrots are known for their high vitamin A content that supports your vision health, while celery is rich in antioxidants which can boost immunity.

However, it’s important to note the sodium level in this soup due to salt and broth usage. For those concerned about salt intake or have hypertension, consider reducing the amount of salt added or opting for low-sodium chicken broth.

Tips for a Better Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

• For extra flavor, you can add some spices like cumin or paprika to your soup. These will give the dish that extra kick.
• If you're making this in advance and storing it, remember to cool the soup before refrigerating or freezing. This prevents bacteria growth which might occur if hot food is introduced into a cold environment too quickly.
• To make sure your chicken doesn't get dry during slow cooking, consider adding a little bit of lemon juice or white wine when you first put everything in the pot.

Try this simple yet delicious recipe to enjoy some homemade comfort food. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices based on your taste preferences. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, this slow cooker chicken soup will be a hit at your table!