Are you craving a hearty, soul-warming meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this mouthwatering Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, comforting aromas and a meal that's both nutritious and incredibly delicious. This foolproof recipe transforms simple ingredients into a spectacular dish that will have your family begging for seconds – and the best part? Your trusty crockpot does all the hard work while you sit back and relax!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken breasts by patting them dry with paper towels and trimming any excess fat.
- Chop the onion into small, uniform pieces and mince the garlic cloves finely to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot as the first layer to allow them to cook evenly and absorb flavors.
- Add the chopped onions and minced garlic around and on top of the chicken breasts.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring that the meat is mostly covered by liquid.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper evenly over the ingredients to season the soup.
- Add the mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) on top of the other ingredients.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir to combine with vegetables and broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnishing with fresh parsley or additional herbs.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality chicken breasts and crisp vegetables for the best flavor and texture.
- Prep in Advance: Chop vegetables and prepare ingredients the night before to make morning preparation a breeze.
- Layer Strategically: Always place chicken at the bottom of the crockpot to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Don't Overcook: While crockpots are forgiving, avoid cooking longer than the recommended 6 hours to prevent dry chicken.
- Customize Your Soup: Feel free to add additional herbs like rosemary or swap vegetables based on your preference or what's in season.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights.
- Enhance Flavor: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of white wine or a parmesan rind while cooking.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 55mg
