How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is one of those timeless dishes that can warm your heart and fill you with comfort when you're feeling under the weather or simply craving something hearty. If you're looking for a way to make this classic dish without standing over the stove all day, then slow cooker chicken soup might be perfect for you! This recipe will show you how to create a delicious, comforting bowl of soup that can simmer away while you go about your day.

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery sticks, sliced
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 potatoes, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the chicken breasts in olive oil. Once cooked through (approximately 5 minutes on each side), remove them from the pan and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, sauté the onions, carrots, and celery until softened (about 7-10 minutes).
3. Transfer all ingredients except for the potatoes, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and optional garnish to your slow cooker. Place the browned chicken breasts on top.
4. Add the low-sodium chicken broth, cover the pot, and set it to "low." Cook this mixture for 6-8 hours or until the chicken is fall-apart tender.
5. After cooking time has elapsed, add the diced potatoes. Stir gently but thoroughly so as not to break up the chicken too much. Continue cooking on low heat for an additional hour.
6. Add minced garlic and dried thyme towards the end of cooking time if desired; season with salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
7. Once the soup has reached your preferred consistency, remove from the slow cooker carefully, garnish it with fresh parsley if using, then serve hot!

Serving Suggestions:

• This chicken soup can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a simple salad for lunch.
• For dinner, consider serving alongside crusty bread or freshly baked rolls for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• To elevate this meal further, serve with a side of garlic toast and enjoy as part of an autumnal menu featuring root vegetables.

Cooking Time: 6-8 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings. Adjust ingredient quantities accordingly if you need more or less than this amount.

The aroma of freshly made chicken soup fills your kitchen as it simmers gently throughout the day, creating an inviting atmosphere filled with warmth and care. Whether you're treating yourself after a long week or sharing this nourishing meal with loved ones, slow cooker chicken soup is sure to bring joy to any table.

Comfort food isn't just about taste; it's also about providing something familiar that can help people feel better physically and mentally. Slow cooking allows for the gentle breaking down of proteins like those found in chicken meat which makes them more digestible especially beneficial when consuming them after a prolonged illness.