There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s made in a crockpot! I mean, who doesn’t love coming home to the delicious aroma of a hearty soup simmering away, ready to be enjoyed? Crockpot soup recipes are perfect for those busy days when you need a nourishing meal without the fuss. Just toss in your ingredients in the morning, set it, and forget it! By dinner time, you’ll have a wholesome dish that’s bursting with flavor and goodness. Plus, the best part is that it’s so versatile—whether it’s chilly outside or you want something light and fresh, this crockpot soup is sure to satisfy. Trust me, you’re going to want this recipe in your back pocket!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast: Make sure to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding later.
- 4 cups chicken broth: I love using low-sodium broth to control the saltiness. This adds a rich flavor!
- 2 cups diced vegetables: I typically go for a mix of carrots, celery, and onions to create that classic soup base. Feel free to get creative here!
- 1 can diced tomatoes: This adds a nice acidity and depth to the soup. I prefer fire-roasted for an extra punch!
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A simple way to add that delicious garlic flavor without the chopping. Trust me, it’s a lifesaver!
- 1 tsp salt: Adjust this based on your broth—some are saltier than others.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly ground if you can; it really elevates the dish.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: This blend of herbs brings a lovely warmth and warmth to your soup.
- 1 cup pasta (optional): I like to toss in some small pasta shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni about 30 minutes before serving for that heartiness!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, place the chicken breast right at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps it cook evenly and stay nice and juicy.
- Next, pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth. You’ll want to use enough to cover the chicken and give it that rich flavor we love.
- Now it’s time to add the star of the show—your diced vegetables! Toss in those 2 cups of carrots, celery, and onions. They’ll soften beautifully as they cook.
- Don’t forget the can of diced tomatoes! Pour that in along with all the juices to enhance the flavor. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for that perfect seasoning blend.
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine, then cover your crockpot. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. This is where the magic happens!
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, if you’re using pasta, add 1 cup of it to the pot. This will cook perfectly and soak up some of that delicious broth.
- When it’s done, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks, and mix everything together. Serve yourself a warm bowl, and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it!
- Hearty and healthy: Packed with protein and veggies, this soup is nourishing and filling.
- Easy cleanup: I love that all you need is your trusty crockpot—fewer dishes to wash!
- Perfect for any season: Whether it’s a chilly winter evening or a cozy summer night, this soup hits the spot!
- Customizable: You can easily tweak ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand!
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my go-to tips! First, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to match your taste. Some days I like it a bit spicier, so I might add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce. If you want to boost the protein, toss in a can of drained beans like kidney or black beans—they add great texture and flavor!
Also, be patient! Cooking on low for the full 6-8 hours ensures the chicken is super tender and easy to shred. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for about 4 hours works too, but I promise that low and slow is worth it! Lastly, remember to taste before serving and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy the process, and happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best parts about this crockpot soup recipe is how customizable it is! If you’re feeling adventurous, try swapping out the vegetables. Add sweet potatoes or zucchini for a different flavor profile, or toss in some leafy greens like spinach or kale right before serving for an extra nutrient boost!
If you want to change up the protein, shredded rotisserie chicken works great if you’re in a pinch, or you could even use turkey or beef if that’s more your style. For a vegetarian option, consider using chickpeas or lentils instead of chicken, along with vegetable broth.
And don’t forget about spices! A dash of cumin or smoked paprika can bring a warm, earthy flavor that will make your taste buds dance. Get creative and make this soup your own—there are no wrong answers in the kitchen!
Nutritional Information
This hearty crockpot soup recipe yields about 6 servings, and each bowl is estimated to contain around 250 calories. You’ll get 5g of fat, 20g of protein, and 30g of carbohydrates per serving, making it a well-rounded meal. Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you choose. Always a good idea to check your labels for more accurate info!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your delicious leftover crockpot soup is super easy! Just let it cool down a bit, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy it for lunch or dinner later in the week.
When it’s time to reheat, you’ve got options! You can warm it up on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it’s heated through. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works just fine too—just make sure to use a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely to avoid splatters. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Just remember, always check the temperature before digging in, and enjoy the cozy vibes of your homemade soup all over again!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Just toss the frozen chicken breasts directly into the crockpot. It may take a little longer to cook, but it will turn out just as delicious.
What if I don’t have chicken broth?
No worries! You can use vegetable broth or even water if you’re in a pinch. Just keep in mind it might slightly alter the flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with your veggie choices. Peas, corn, or bell peppers would be fantastic additions!
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free pasta if you choose to add it, this soup is a great gluten-free option!
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken should shred easily with a fork when it’s fully cooked. If it’s still tough, give it a little more time in the crockpot.
Crockpot Soup Recipes: 7 Heartwarming Dishes to Try
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A warm and hearty crockpot soup recipe perfect for any season.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced vegetables (carrots, celery, onions)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 cup pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth and diced vegetables.
- Add diced tomatoes and seasonings.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
- If using, add pasta 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Can add beans for extra protein.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot soup recipes
