Hearty Crockpot Soup Recipes for Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)
Crockpot Soup Recipes - Discover my favorite easy, comforting slow cooker soups. Real stories, simple steps, and delicious results await your kitchen.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy (can be modified)
# Ingredients:
→ Base & Veggies
01 -
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
02 -
2 cups carrots, peeled and diced
03 -
2 stalks celery, diced
04 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
05 -
2 large Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
→ Flavor Builders
06 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 -
1 cup heavy cream
→ Seasonings
09 -
1 tsp dried thyme
10 -
2 bay leaves
11 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Finishing Touches
12 -
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get all your chopping done. I usually put on some music and zone out a bit. Dice those carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Cut the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. This is where my kitchen counter always gets a bit chaotic, but a little mess is a sign of good cooking, right? Just try not to get distracted and forget a key ingredient like I often do when getting ready for these amazing slow cooker creations.
02 -
Toss your chopped chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and potatoes into your trusty crockpot. Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and bay leaves. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Give it a good stir, making sure everything is submerged and happy. You want all those flavors to start mingling right away. I always take a moment to smell everything at this stage; it's already starting to smell promising, even before the cooking begins. So much anticipation!
03 -
Pop the lid on and set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go for low and slow if I'm leaving it all day; the longer cook time really lets the flavors deepen and the chicken gets incredibly tender. Don't peek too much, I know it's tempting! Every time you lift the lid, heat escapes, and it slows down the cooking process. Patience is a virtue here, my friend.
04 -
Once the chicken is cooked through and super tender (it should shred easily with two forks), carefully remove it from the crockpot. Shred it right there on a cutting board, then return it to the pot. This step is crucial for that satisfying, hearty texture. I always make sure no stray pieces escape to become forgotten snacks for the dog, oops, I mean, for me! It’s a messy but fun part of making these slow cooker soups.
05 -
Now for the magic! Stir in the heavy cream. This is what makes the soup so wonderfully rich and velvety. Taste it, really taste it, then add salt and black pepper as needed. I tend to under-salt initially because you can always add more, but taking it away? That's a different story. Adjust to your liking for the best flavor experience.
06 -
Ladle your warm, comforting soup into bowls. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point is just incredible. It’s that moment when all the patience pays off, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your not-so-laborious labor. Enjoy your delicious slow cooker meal!
# Notes:
01 -
Resist the urge to open the lid constantly; each peek adds about 20-30 minutes to cook time.
02 -
Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers; it keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days.
03 -
If you're out of chicken, turkey thighs work wonders; I tried it once, and it was pretty good.
04 -
Serve it up with some crusty bread for dipping; the aroma filling your kitchen at this point is just incredible.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
6-quart (or larger) slow cooker
02 -
Cutting board
03 -
Sharp knife
04 -
Ladle
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 28g