There’s something magical about the smell of a hearty soup bubbling away in a crockpot, especially when it’s simmering on a crisp autumn afternoon or chilly winter evening. A good soup can turn any ordinary day into something comforting, and there’s no better way to bring warmth and coziness to your home than with a slow-cooked soup.
Crockpot soups have been a beloved part of many households, whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or a lazy weekend meal that will fill the house with delightful aromas. The beauty of crockpot cooking is that you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together over time, all while you go about your day.
But what makes crockpot soups so special? It’s not just about convenience – it’s about the tradition of slow-cooked meals, about creating something that nurtures both the body and the soul. From classic vegetable soups that celebrate the bounty of the season to rich, meaty broths that fill you up and keep you satisfied, there’s a soup for every occasion, and every palate.
Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, the crockpot makes it easy to create big batches of comforting soup with minimal effort. Plus, there’s something incredibly soothing about knowing that, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will last for days and still taste even better the next time you have it.
Let’s dive into some of the most popular and easy-to-make crockpot soups that will soon become your go-to recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
The magic of crockpot soups lies in their versatility. Whether you’re craving a classic chicken noodle soup, a rich and creamy potato leek soup, or a hearty minestrone, you can customize these dishes to fit your tastes, dietary preferences, and what’s in season. And best of all, you can prep everything in the morning, set it in the crockpot, and let it do its magic all day. No constant stirring, no complicated steps—just a warm bowl of delicious comfort waiting for you at the end of the day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this cozy crockpot soup, here’s a simple list of ingredients to get started:
- 1 pound of chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
- 6 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (for a richer, creamier texture)
How to Make Hearty Crockpot Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes into small chunks – they’ll cook down nicely in the slow cooker. Don’t stress about making them all uniform; the beauty of crockpot soup is that it doesn’t need to be perfect. Just get everything ready, and you’ll be all set.
For the chicken, you can either chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the crockpot, or leave it whole and shred it later. Leaving the chicken whole will allow the meat to cook gently and keep it tender, which you can shred easily once it’s done.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Crockpot
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to load everything into the crockpot. Add your chicken (whole or chopped), followed by the carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
Add a bay leaf to bring an extra layer of flavor, but don’t forget to remove it before serving! The bay leaf imparts a lovely aromatic essence as the soup cooks, but it’s not something you want to eat. Add the frozen peas (if using) and the heavy cream for a smooth finish to the broth.
Step 3: Let the Crockpot Do the Work
Cover your crockpot and set it to low. Let the soup simmer for about 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long cooking time ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly and the chicken becomes tender enough to shred with a fork. The slow simmer helps all the vegetables break down into a silky, comforting texture, while the spices come together to create a deeply flavorful broth.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken (If Needed)
After the soup has finished cooking, if you added whole chicken breasts or thighs, take them out of the crockpot and shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup. This step makes the soup extra hearty, and the chicken adds a rich texture to the broth.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, give the soup a taste test. Depending on your personal preference, you might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs. Sometimes, a dash more paprika or thyme can bring the flavors to life. If you like your soup with a little extra creaminess, you can stir in a bit more heavy cream at this point.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot, with a slice of crusty bread on the side if desired. The rich, aromatic broth, paired with the tender vegetables and chicken, will leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied and warm. This soup is perfect for cozy nights at home or for a comforting lunch.
Helpful Tips
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian or vegan version, simply swap the chicken for extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and opt for coconut milk or cashew cream in place of the heavy cream for richness.
- Use Leftovers: If you’ve got leftover cooked chicken from another meal, this is a great way to use it up. Just add it during the last hour of cooking.
- Storage: This soup stores beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. If freezing, I recommend not adding the heavy cream until reheating to prevent it from curdling.
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 7-8 hours (including prep)
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Dairy Optional
Notes:
If you’re looking to make this soup a bit lighter, feel free to cut back on the cream, or substitute with a lighter milk or plant-based cream. You can also increase the veggie content by adding additional vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or corn.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 22g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes! This soup actually gets better the longer it sits. If you prepare it a day in advance, the flavors will have even more time to develop. Just refrigerate it overnight, then reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot? Absolutely! You can use the “soup” setting on your Instant Pot, and the soup will cook in about 30-40 minutes. Just be sure to shred the chicken before serving.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, this soup freezes very well. Store it in an airtight container, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This soup also freezes wonderfully. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.
Related Recipes
If you loved this cozy crockpot soup, here are a few more recipes to warm you up:
Conclusion
There’s no reason why comfort food can’t also be simple and easy to prepare. With this hearty crockpot chicken soup, you get the best of both worlds: a warm, satisfying meal without any stress or fuss. It’s a dish that brings people together, whether you’re sharing it with your family or savoring it all to yourself on a quiet evening. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again!
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Cozy Crockpot Soup for Every Season
Description
There’s something magical about the smell of a hearty soup bubbling away in a crockpot, especially when it’s simmering on a crisp autumn afternoon or chilly winter evening. A good soup can turn any ordinary day into something comforting, and there’s no better way to bring warmth and coziness to your home than with a slow-cooked soup.
Crockpot soups have been a beloved part of many households, whether you’re looking for a quick weekday dinner or a lazy weekend meal that will fill the house with delightful aromas. The beauty of crockpot cooking is that you can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld together over time, all while you go about your day.
But what makes crockpot soups so special? It’s not just about convenience – it’s about the tradition of slow-cooked meals, about creating something that nurtures both the body and the soul. From classic vegetable soups that celebrate the bounty of the season to rich, meaty broths that fill you up and keep you satisfied, there’s a soup for every occasion, and every palate.
Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, the crockpot makes it easy to create big batches of comforting soup with minimal effort. Plus, there’s something incredibly soothing about knowing that, with just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that will last for days and still taste even better the next time you have it.
Let’s dive into some of the most popular and easy-to-make crockpot soups that will soon become your go-to recipes!
Ingredients
- 1 pound of chicken breasts (or thighs if preferred)
- 6 cups of chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup of frozen peas (optional)
- 1 cup of heavy cream (for a richer, creamier texture)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preparing your ingredients. Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes into small chunks – they’ll cook down nicely in the slow cooker. Don’t stress about making them all uniform; the beauty of crockpot soup is that it doesn’t need to be perfect. Just get everything ready, and you’ll be all set.
For the chicken, you can either chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the crockpot, or leave it whole and shred it later. Leaving the chicken whole will allow the meat to cook gently and keep it tender, which you can shred easily once it’s done.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Crockpot
Once your ingredients are prepped, it’s time to load everything into the crockpot. Add your chicken (whole or chopped), followed by the carrots, celery, onions, and potatoes. Pour in the chicken broth, and season with salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and paprika.
Add a bay leaf to bring an extra layer of flavor, but don’t forget to remove it before serving! The bay leaf imparts a lovely aromatic essence as the soup cooks, but it’s not something you want to eat. Add the frozen peas (if using) and the heavy cream for a smooth finish to the broth.
Step 3: Let the Crockpot Do the Work
Cover your crockpot and set it to low. Let the soup simmer for about 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long cooking time ensures that the flavors meld together perfectly and the chicken becomes tender enough to shred with a fork. The slow simmer helps all the vegetables break down into a silky, comforting texture, while the spices come together to create a deeply flavorful broth.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken (If Needed)
After the soup has finished cooking, if you added whole chicken breasts or thighs, take them out of the crockpot and shred the meat with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup. This step makes the soup extra hearty, and the chicken adds a rich texture to the broth.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Before serving, give the soup a taste test. Depending on your personal preference, you might want to add a bit more salt, pepper, or herbs. Sometimes, a dash more paprika or thyme can bring the flavors to life. If you like your soup with a little extra creaminess, you can stir in a bit more heavy cream at this point.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve it hot, with a slice of crusty bread on the side if desired. The rich, aromatic broth, paired with the tender vegetables and chicken, will leave everyone at the table feeling satisfied and warm. This soup is perfect for cozy nights at home or for a comforting lunch.
Notes
If you’re looking to make this soup a bit lighter, feel free to cut back on the cream, or substitute with a lighter milk or plant-based cream. You can also increase the veggie content by adding additional vegetables like sweet potatoes, parsnips, or corn.