chicken soup recipes crockpot

Amanda Recipes January 31, 2025January 31, 2025

Chicken Soup Recipes Crockpot

If you want a simple and delicious meal, chicken soup made in a Crockpot is a great choice. You can easily layer boneless chicken, fresh vegetables, and herbs, allowing the flavors to develop over time. This method not only saves you time but also guarantees a nutritious dish that supports your health. Interested in how to create your own version? Let’s explore the history and a recipe that fits your busy lifestyle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you try this chicken soup recipe, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite among many. It’s not just delicious; it’s also packed with nutritional benefits.

With 40% protein, this soup supports muscle health while being low in saturated fats, making it heart-healthy. You’ll find it rich in essential vitamins like C and K, which boost your immune system and support bone health. Additionally, many people have reported experiencing reduced cravings after consuming chicken soup regularly.

Plus, its fiber content helps keep you full longer, aiding in weight loss. The crockpot method allows for easy preparation and long cooking times, ensuring nutrient retention.

You can customize the recipe with different spices and vegetables, tailoring it to your taste. This makes it a versatile meal option for any occasion.

History

The history of chicken soup, particularly in the context of slow cooking, reveals fascinating cultural roots and innovations.

This technique began in the 18th century in Eastern Europe, where Jewish families in Vilna, Lithuania, prepared cholent—a hearty stew—on Fridays. They cooked it overnight in the residual heat of town bakeries to honor the Sabbath.

This method laid the groundwork for slow cooking and inspired the creation of the modern Crock Pot by Irving Nachumsohn in the 1930s. He patented the appliance in 1940, and by the 1970s, it became a kitchen staple. Rival Manufacturing’s acquisition of the slow cooker in 1970 marked a pivotal moment in its popularity, leading to a surge in sales and making it a household name.

The Crock Pot’s focus on convenience and comfort food has allowed families to prepare nutritious meals with ease, preserving traditions while adapting to modern tastes.

Recipe

Ingredients:
– 1 to 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 1 diced onion
– 2 sliced carrots
– 2 chopped celery stalks
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 8 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
– 8 ounces egg noodles
– Optional: bay leaves, frozen peas, tomato paste, red pepper flakes

Cooking Instructions:

Begin by placing the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the diced onion, sliced carrots, and chopped celery on top of the chicken.
Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
Pour the chicken broth over the layered ingredients in the slow cooker. If using, add bay leaves at this stage for extra flavor.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
Add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on high for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. Remove any bay leaves if you added them.

Extra Tips:
For the best flavor, consider using high-quality or homemade chicken broth. Homemade chicken noodle soup offers a rich, complex flavor compared to canned varieties, enhancing your overall experience.

If you prefer a thicker soup, you can slightly undercook the noodles to help them absorb the broth without becoming mushy.

Additionally, feel free to add frozen peas near the end of cooking for added nutrition and color.

Serve your chicken soup with fresh parsley and warm bread for a complete and comforting meal.

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your chicken soup cooking experience, it’s important to contemplate the many benefits this dish brings to your health and well-being.

Chicken soup isn’t only comforting but also packed with essential nutrients that can boost your immune system, especially during cold and flu season. Its ease of preparation can reduce stress, allowing you to enjoy the process of cooking. Additionally, the use of bone broth in your soup can provide rich collagen, which supports gut lining and reduces inflammation.

With its hearty ingredients, this soup keeps you full longer, aiding in weight management. Additionally, it supports gut health and heart health, making it a smart choice for overall wellness.

Remember to store leftovers properly, and feel free to customize your soup with toppings to enhance flavor and nutrition. Enjoy every bowl!

FAQ

Have questions about making chicken soup? You’ll want to start by choosing your chicken. Boneless skinless breasts or thighs work well, with thighs giving more flavor.

Layer your chicken and vegetables, like carrots and celery, in the crockpot, then add herbs such as thyme and garlic. Pour in chicken broth or stock for the base. This recipe works well because it offers a comforting remedy during cold and flu season.

Cooking time varies; plan for 4-8 hours on LOW or HIGH. Remember to cook noodles separately to keep them from getting mushy. If you like, add frozen peas or tomato paste for extra flavor.

After cooking, shred the chicken and mix it back in. Finally, let the soup sit on KEEP WARM for a bit to blend those delicious flavors!