There’s just something so cozy about a warm bowl of crockpot soup, isn’t there? It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for any day of the week! Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just need a comforting meal, this soup is here to save the day. The beauty of making crockpot soup is in its simplicity – toss everything in, set it, and forget it! You’ll be rewarded with a hearty, flavorful dish that fills your home with the most inviting aromas. Trust me, you’re going to love how easy and satisfying it is!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast – boneless and skinless, perfect for shredding later
- 4 cups chicken broth – this is the flavorful base that brings everything together
- 2 cups diced vegetables – a mix of carrots, celery, and onion adds sweetness and crunch
- 1 cup corn – frozen or canned, it adds a delightful pop of sweetness
- 1 can diced tomatoes – for a touch of acidity and a beautiful color
- 1 tsp garlic powder – because who doesn’t love a hint of garlic goodness?
- 1 tsp onion powder – to deepen the flavor without the fuss of chopping
- 1 tsp salt – to enhance all those yummy flavors
- 1/2 tsp pepper – just a pinch for a little kick
- 1 tsp dried herbs – thyme or oregano will work wonders in this soup
How to Prepare Crockpot Soup
Now, let’s get to the fun part! Making this crockpot soup is so straightforward, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab your crockpot and place the 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast right at the bottom. You want it to soak up all those delicious flavors as it cooks.
- Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. This is where the magic begins! The broth will create a rich base that makes the soup so comforting.
- Now, it’s time to add your veggies! Toss in 2 cups of diced vegetables—carrots, celery, and onion are my go-tos for that classic soup flavor. They’ll soften beautifully while cooking.
- Stir in 1 cup of corn and that vibrant can of diced tomatoes. The corn gives a sweet crunch, and the tomatoes add a lovely acidity that brightens up the soup.
- Time to spice things up! Sprinkle in 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of salt, 1/2 tsp of pepper, and 1 tsp of your dried herbs. I love using thyme or oregano, but feel free to use what you have on hand!
- Give everything a gentle stir to combine the ingredients. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
- Now, cover that beauty with the lid and set your crockpot to low. Let it work its magic for about 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can also cook it on high for about 4 hours, but I promise, the low-and-slow method truly enhances the flavor.
- When the cooking time is up, carefully take off the lid (watch out for the steam!). Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. It should be tender and fall apart easily!
And there you have it! A warm, hearty crockpot soup that’s just waiting for you to enjoy. Feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking before serving. Can you smell that? It’s pure comfort in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and filling – this soup is packed with protein and veggies to keep you satisfied.
- Comfort in a bowl – it warms you up from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly days.
- Set it and forget it – with minimal prep, you can let your crockpot do all the work while you go about your day.
- Flexible and forgiving – you can easily swap in your favorite veggies or add beans for extra fiber!
- Great for meal prep – make a big batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
- Leftovers taste even better – the flavors meld beautifully overnight for an even tastier next-day meal.
- Kid-friendly – it’s a hit with the whole family, and you can sneak in those veggies without a fuss!
Tips for Success
Before you dive into making this delicious crockpot soup, here are some of my favorite tips to ensure everything turns out perfectly!
- Prep your ingredients ahead: Chop your veggies the night before and store them in the fridge. This makes assembly a breeze in the morning!
- Use quality broth: The flavor of your soup starts with the broth, so opt for a low-sodium or homemade chicken broth for the best results.
- Don’t skip the herbs: Fresh or dried herbs really elevate the flavor of the soup. If you have fresh thyme or oregano, throw in a handful at the end for a burst of freshness!
- Cook low and slow: While you can cook on high for a quicker meal, the low setting allows the flavors to develop beautifully. If you can, start it in the morning and let it simmer all day!
- Shred the chicken right in the pot: This not only saves on dishes but lets the chicken soak up more of that savory broth. Plus, it keeps everything warm and cozy until you’re ready to serve.
- Taste before serving: Always taste your soup just before serving. You might find you want a little extra salt or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up!
- Freeze leftovers: If you have any leftover soup, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It freezes beautifully for a quick meal down the road!
With these tips in hand, you’ll be a crockpot soup pro in no time! Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your delicious crockpot soup ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more delightful! Trust me, the right accompaniments can elevate your soup experience to a whole new level.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for dipping into your soup. Try a rustic sourdough or a soft French baguette—so good!
- Buttered Crackers: Simple and classic, some buttery crackers add the perfect crunch. You can even crumble them on top for a little extra texture!
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: You can’t go wrong with a gooey grilled cheese on the side. It’s like a match made in comfort food heaven!
- Salad: A fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the hearty soup. I love mixing in some crunchy veggies for that extra bite!
- Cheese Toast: Toast some bread, sprinkle with cheese, and broil until bubbly. This cheesy goodness pairs perfectly with the soup’s flavors!
- Pickles or Olives: For a little tang, serve some pickles or olives on the side. They add a nice briny contrast and brighten up the dish.
Feel free to mix and match these options based on your mood or what you have on hand. The goal is to create a cozy, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out. Enjoy your delicious soup with these delightful sides!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying a hearty bowl of crockpot soup, it’s always good to know what you’re getting in terms of nutrition! Here’s a breakdown of the typical nutritional values per serving. Keep in mind that these are estimates and can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use.
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 20g
This soup is not only delicious but also packs a punch of nutrients to keep you feeling good! With a good amount of protein from the chicken and plenty of veggies, it’s a wholesome meal that won’t weigh you down. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken in my crockpot soup?
Absolutely! You can toss frozen chicken right into the crockpot. Just make sure to adjust your cooking time a bit since it may take longer to reach the proper temperature. But don’t worry, the slow cooking will keep it moist and tender!
How do I thicken my crockpot soup?
If you like a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking. Just mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water, stir it in, and let it cook for another 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans or veggies to create a heartier texture.
Can I add beans to the soup?
Yes! Adding beans is a fantastic way to boost the protein and fiber content. You can use canned beans—just drain and rinse them before adding. Throw them in during the last hour of cooking to ensure they’re heated through.
What should I do with leftovers?
Leftovers are a dream! Just let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days or you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap out the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein like chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can still pack in all those delicious veggies for a hearty, vegetarian crockpot soup!
Crockpot Soup: 7 Comforting Recipes for Cozy Evenings
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and comforting crockpot soup perfect for any day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced vegetables (carrots, celery, onion)
- 1 cup corn
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
Instructions
- Place chicken breast in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth and vegetables.
- Stir in corn and diced tomatoes.
- Add spices and herbs.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with bread or crackers.
- Can be frozen for later use.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: crockpot soup
