Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken Soup
The original recipe is made for the stovetop, but I adapted it for the slow cooker to make things simpler. I love the idea of chicken soup slow cooking all day long; the smell alone is worth making this! Adapted from Share Cookbook.
The original recipe is made for the stovetop, but I adapted it for the slow cooker to make things simpler. I love the idea of chicken soup slow cooking all day long; the smell alone is worth making this! Adapted from Share Cookbook.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 onions chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 ribs celery chopped
- kosher salt and black pepper
- 1 leaf
- 4 carrots chopped
- 8 peppercorns
- 6 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 4 parsnips chopped
- 4 leeks chopped
- 2-3 pounds chicken breasts or thighs
- juice + zest of 1 lemon
- 3/4 cup dry farro
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro and or mixed herbs
- Carbohydrate 242.345403838391 g
- Cholesterol 61.006250026162 mg
- Fat 40.4135128129001 g
- Fiber 58.197128889645 g
- Protein 20.6706137122246 g
- Saturated Fat 17.1429057234224 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (1750g)
- Sodium 711.958343504433 mg
- Sugar 184.148274948746 g
- Trans Fat 3.28676102594345 g
- Calories 1343 calories
Step-by-step
- In the bowl of your crockpot, combine the chicken stock, butter, olive oil, onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, leeks, peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Add the chicken. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- About 45 minutes before serving, remove the chicken from the soup. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, plus the farro. Shred the chicken and stir it back into the soup and cook until the farro is tender.
- Divide the soup among bowls and top with herbs. Serve with a hunk of bread.
My Go-To Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken Soup
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious. That's where my trusty slow cooker comes in. It's become my kitchen's best friend, and this slow cooker hearty chicken soup recipe is a testament to its magic. I stumbled upon the original recipe a few years ago, and, while it was excellent as written, I knew I could streamline it a bit. The slow cooker allows for the perfect, hands-off cooking time while infusing the entire house with the most comforting aroma – a crucial part of creating an inviting home-cooked meal. This recipe is more than just a soup; it's a warm hug in a bowl, a taste of home, a quick meal even on my busiest days.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The ingredients are readily available, and the process couldn't be easier. Simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning, and by evening, you'll have a pot of flavorful, nutritious soup ready to warm your soul. I often double the recipe, storing the leftovers for quick lunches throughout the week – a huge time-saver for someone with my demanding schedule. And the best part? The taste only gets better the next day. The flavors meld together creating an unparalleled depth of flavor, transforming this into an absolute satisfying meal that never leaves me disappointed.
Beyond its practicality, this soup is packed with wholesome ingredients. The hearty vegetables add a satisfying texture, the chicken provides a good source of protein, and the herbs add a delightful aromatic complexity. It's a meal that nourishes both body and soul. The versatility of this recipe is another plus. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season. Adding different types of beans or lentils can also change the flavor profile, and I have been known to experiment with adding different spices to tailor the soup to various moods or occasions. I have used this recipe countless times now and it always delivers.
Why this recipe is a winner:
- Simplicity: Minimal prep work, toss it all in, and forget about it.
- Flavor: Rich, savory, and satisfying - a true comfort food experience.
- Healthiness: Packed with vegetables and lean protein. Perfect for a healthy and delicious meal.
- Versatility: Easily adaptable to your taste and dietary needs.
- Convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
This soup is more than just a recipe; it's a testament to the power of simple ingredients and the comfort of a home-cooked meal. It's a recipe I wholeheartedly recommend to anyone looking for a flavorful, easy, and satisfying addition to their weekly meal rotation. And trust me, the aroma alone is worth every minute of the minimal effort required. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of slow-cooked goodness.
