Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy crockpot recipes soup. It’s an effortless, flavorful, and hearty meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a warm hug on a busy weeknight or a soothing dish for sick days, this homemade chicken soup delivers. We include both slow cooker and Instant Pot options, making deliciousness accessible to everyone. Get ready for a deeply satisfying bowl of goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Soup
This comforting crockpot chicken soup will quickly become a family favorite. Here’s why it stands out:
- Minimal Active Cooking Time: Simply set it and forget it! Your slow cooker does most of the work.
- Rich, Deeply Savory Flavor: Slow cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating an incredibly rich broth. Understanding the culinary science behind slow cooking reveals how it develops complex flavors and tenderizes ingredients. For more details, explore the culinary science behind slow cooking.
- Nutrient-Packed with Fresh Veggies: Loaded with carrots, celery, and onions, it’s a wholesome and healthy meal.
- Customizable for Various Diets: Easily adapt it to be Whole30, gluten-free, or dairy-free.
- Excellent for Meal Prepping: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze for later.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Your Cozy Crockpot Soup
Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create the most delicious crockpot recipes soup. This simple list builds an incredible depth of flavor with minimal effort.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 5 carrots (diced)
- 2 onions (diced)
- 4 celery stalks (diced)
- 1 3-pound whole chicken (cut into 8 pieces – See Notes)
- 6 cups water
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill (more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (more for salting the chicken and more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (more to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 lemon (juiced)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for serving)
- Additional fresh dill (for serving)
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: For the most flavor, use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces. For quicker prep, boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work well, but adjust cooking time to prevent overcooking.
- Vegetables: Feel free to expand the veggie profile. Add parsnips, diced potatoes, or a handful of fresh spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Herbs: Fresh dill and parsley provide a bright finish. Experiment with other fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a different aromatic twist.
- Broth: Using water allows the chicken and vegetables to create a rich, natural broth right in your slow cooker. If you prefer, you can use chicken broth instead of water.
Equipment for Effortless Crockpot Meals
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this amazing crockpot meals recipe.
- A 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker or an Instant Pot.
- A sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping vegetables.
- Standard measuring cups and spoons.
- A large ladle for serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Crockpot Chicken Soup
Making this hearty crockpot chicken soup is incredibly simple, whether you choose the slow cooker or Instant Pot method. Follow these steps for a perfect meal.
Slow Cooker Method
- Prep Vegetables: Begin by mincing the garlic cloves. Dice the carrots, onions, and celery into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Uniformly chopped vegetables cook evenly.
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Generously season them all over with fine sea salt and black pepper. Don’t be shy; this builds foundational flavor.
- Layer Ingredients: Place the diced vegetables (carrots, onions, celery, and minced garlic) at the bottom of your slow cooker. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetables. Add the 6 cups of water, 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the bay leaf to the pot.
- Cook on Low: Cover your slow cooker and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 4 hours if you are short on time.
- Remove Chicken: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the soup. Allow them to cool slightly. Shred the meat from the bones using two forks, then discard the bones and skin.
- Final Seasoning: Return the shredded chicken meat to the slow cooker. Stir in the 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric and the juice from 1/2 lemon. Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve Hot: Ladle the warm soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with fresh chopped parsley and additional fresh dill.
Instant Pot Method
- Layer Ingredients: Mince garlic and dice carrots, onions, and celery. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Place the diced vegetables and minced garlic into the Instant Pot. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on top. Add the 6 cups of water, 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and the bay leaf to the pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the lid and make sure the vent is sealed. Select the “Soup” function and set the cooking time to 30 minutes. If using frozen chicken, increase the cooking time to 40 minutes.
- Release Pressure: Once cooking is complete, allow a natural pressure release for 10-15 minutes, then perform a quick release of any remaining pressure.
- Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Shred the meat from the bones, discarding bones and skin. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Final Seasoning: Stir in the 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric and the juice from 1/2 lemon. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
- Serve Hot: Serve the hot soup garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra dill.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Soup
Elevate your homemade crockpot soup with these simple pro tips. They ensure maximum flavor and a perfect texture every time.
- Browning Chicken Adds Depth: For an even richer flavor, quickly sear the chicken pieces in a hot pan before adding them to the slow cooker. This creates delicious fond.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Avoid filling your slow cooker too much. Overcrowding can prevent even cooking and reduce the flavor concentration.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper throughout the process. Taste and adjust seasoning at the very end to achieve the perfect balance.
- Skim Fat for a Clearer Broth: After cooking, if you prefer a less fatty broth, skim any excess fat from the surface of the soup using a large spoon.
- Use High-Quality Chicken: Fresh, good-quality chicken makes a noticeable difference in the final taste of your soup.
- Chop Veggies Uniformly: Consistent vegetable size ensures everything cooks evenly and contributes to a pleasant texture in every spoonful.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations for Your Delicious Crockpot Recipes Soup
Enjoy your hearty crockpot recipes soup in many ways! These ideas will help you serve, store, and even customize your creation.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this warming soup with slices of crusty bread or your favorite crackers for dipping.
- Add cooked egg noodles, orzo, or rice directly to individual bowls just before serving.
- Top each bowl with a generous sprinkle of extra fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of freshness.
- Pair your soup with a light side salad for a complete and balanced meal.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until it is steaming hot.
Variations
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to give your soup a kick.
- Creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a richer, creamy texture (omit for Whole30).
- Extra Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding frozen peas, corn, or extra diced potatoes during the final hour of cooking.
- Different Grains: Cooked wild rice, barley, or quinoa can make a wonderful addition. Stir them into the soup just before serving.
Nutrition Information
Making homemade soup ensures you know exactly what goes into your meal. This crockpot chicken soup is packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s naturally high in lean protein, provides essential vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, and contains healthy fats. Enjoy the benefits of a comforting dish made with love, free from artificial additives or excessive sodium found in store-bought options.
| Serving Size (1/6 recipe) |
|---|
| Calories: 280 |
| Protein: 30g |
| Fat: 12g |
| Carbs: 10g |
| Fiber: 3g |
| Sodium: 650mg |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Crockpot Recipes Soup
Get quick answers to common questions about making delicious crockpot recipes soup.
- Is it safe to put raw chicken in a slow cooker? Yes, it is perfectly safe to cook raw chicken in a slow cooker. The low, consistent heat slowly cooks the chicken to a safe internal temperature. The USDA provides comprehensive guidelines for safely preparing meals in a slow cooker.
- Can I add noodles directly to the soup? It’s best to cook noodles separately and add them to individual bowls before serving. Noodles added too early can get mushy and absorb too much broth.
- Do I have to use a whole chicken? No, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces like thighs and drumsticks. Boneless chicken also works, but might require slightly less cooking time.
- How can I thicken my crockpot chicken soup? For a thicker soup, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry. Stir this into the hot soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Can this recipe be made vegetarian? Absolutely! Omit the chicken and replace it with vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables and a can of drained cannellini beans for protein.
Conclusion
This crockpot recipes soup offers the ultimate blend of convenience and flavor, proving that incredibly delicious meals don’t require hours of active cooking. It’s perfect for nourishing your body and soul, whether you’re battling a cold or simply craving something warm and comforting. We encourage you to try this versatile recipe and customize it to your heart’s content. Enjoy a warm, homemade bowl that truly feels like a hug in every spoonful!