Hey there, friend! I can’t wait for you to try this hearty crockpot soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly evenings when you just want to cozy up and enjoy something comforting. I remember the first time I made this soup; it was one of those gray, rainy days, and I just tossed everything into my crockpot and let it work its magic. The aroma filled my kitchen, and by dinnertime, I was in heaven! Seriously, it’s so easy to prepare—just chop, stir, and let your slow cooker do the heavy lifting. You’ll have a delicious, wholesome meal waiting for you, and it couldn’t be simpler. Trust me, this recipe is one you’ll want to keep close all winter long!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Crockpot Soup
Making this crockpot soup is as simple as it gets! Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious, warming meal. It’s practically foolproof, so even if you’re a beginner, you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your trusty crockpot and place it on a stable surface. I like to set mine on the kitchen counter where I can keep an eye on it!
- Next, toss in the diced chicken breast. You want it to be nice and evenly distributed at the bottom. This will help it cook through beautifully.
- Now, add in the chicken broth, followed by the sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, and cubed potatoes. It’s like a colorful veggie party in there!
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder and dried thyme. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste; I usually start with a good pinch of each and adjust later.
- Give everything a good stir to combine all those lovely ingredients. Make sure the chicken is submerged in the broth.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I love the low setting for that slow, rich flavor!
- About 30 minutes before it’s done, check for doneness. The chicken should be cooked through, and the veggies tender. If you want to add a touch of creaminess, this is the time to stir in heavy cream if you’re using it.
- Once it’s all ready, serve it hot in bowls, and enjoy the warmth and comfort!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick glance at the estimated nutritional data for each serving of this delicious crockpot soup. Keep in mind that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But they give you a good idea of what to expect!
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 60mg
With this hearty soup, you’re not just indulging in a comforting meal; you’re also getting a good balance of protein and veggies to keep you satisfied. Enjoy every nourishing bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s incredibly easy to make—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do all the work for you!
- The flavors meld beautifully as it cooks, creating a comforting, rich taste that warms you from the inside out.
- It’s perfect for meal prep; you can make a big batch and have delicious leftovers for days!
- This soup is packed with wholesome ingredients, making it a healthy choice for busy weeknights.
- It’s gluten-free, so it’s suitable for a variety of dietary needs.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or herbs, making it versatile and fun to experiment with.
- Perfect for chilly days, it fills your home with an incredible aroma that’ll make everyone eager for dinner time!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your crockpot soup turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips to help you get the best results every time:
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Organic chicken and fresh veggies make a noticeable difference!
- Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Seasoning is key! Don’t be shy with salt and pepper, and consider adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving for a bright finish.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to throw in any veggies you have on hand! Corn, peas, or even green beans can add a delightful twist.
- Timing is Everything: If you’re in a hurry, cooking on high is great, but if you can plan ahead, low and slow brings out richer flavors. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
- Check for Doneness: About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, check the chicken and veggies. They should be tender and cooked through—no one likes undercooked potatoes!
- Stir Occasionally: If you can, give the soup a stir halfway through cooking. This helps distribute the flavors and ensures even cooking.
- Leftovers are Gold: This soup makes fantastic leftovers! Store in an airtight container, and it will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.
With these tips, you’re all set to make a delicious, comforting crockpot soup that will warm your heart and fill your belly. Happy cooking!
Variations
The beauty of this crockpot soup is its versatility! You can easily customize it to suit your taste buds or to use up what you have in your fridge. Here are some fun ideas to mix things up:
- Vegetable Medley: Feel free to throw in any veggies you love! Spinach, kale, or zucchini can add vibrant color and extra nutrients. Just remember, you might want to add more broth if you pile on the veggies!
- Bean Boost: For added protein and fiber, toss in a can of drained and rinsed beans, like kidney or white beans. They’ll make your soup even heartier!
- Herb Infusion: Change up the flavor profile by adding fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or dill right before serving. They’ll add a fresh brightness that’s simply delightful!
- Spice It Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat, or a teaspoon of curry powder for a warm, aromatic twist.
- Creamy Dream: Want a richer texture? Stir in some heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving. It takes the comfort level up a notch!
- Different Proteins: Swap out chicken for turkey, beef, or even sausage! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly for different meats.
- Cheesy Goodness: For a cheesy kick, sprinkle some shredded cheese on top right before serving. A melting cheese layer is always a crowd-pleaser!
These variations not only keep things exciting but also let you get creative in the kitchen. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and make this crockpot soup your own! Enjoy the process and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious crockpot soup is super easy! First, let it cool down a bit after cooking. Once it’s at room temperature, transfer any leftovers into airtight containers. I find that glass containers work great since they don’t retain odors and are microwave-safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to 4 days, but trust me, it probably won’t last that long because it’s just too good!
If you’re not planning to eat it within that timeframe, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure to leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion. It keeps well in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply transfer a portion to the fridge to thaw overnight or use the microwave for a quicker option. Just be careful, it might splatter a bit when you first heat it up!
To reheat, warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through. If it’s too thick after freezing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Just like that, you’ll have a comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy again!
Share Your Experience
I absolutely love hearing from you, so let’s connect! Have you tried making this hearty crockpot soup? I’d be thrilled to hear about your version, any tweaks you made, or how it turned out for you. Did you experiment with different veggies or spices? What about your favorite toppings? Every little bit of feedback helps us all become better home cooks!
Also, if you snap a picture of your delicious creation, feel free to share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your beautiful bowls of soup and celebrate your culinary adventures. Let’s build a little community of soup lovers where we can inspire one another! Can’t wait to read your comments!
Print
Crockpot Soup: 7 Hearty Recipes for Cozy Nights
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and comforting crockpot soup perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup onion, diced
- 2 cups potatoes, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Check for doneness and season to taste.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables like corn or peas.
- For a creamier soup, add 1 cup of heavy cream before serving.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot soup, chicken soup, slow cooker recipes
