Are you craving a soul-warming, effortless meal that practically cooks itself? Look no further than this incredibly delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Butternut Squash Soup! Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with rich, aromatic flavors, where tender chicken and velvety butternut squash combine to create a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This recipe is not just a soup - it's a one-pot wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by peeling and dicing the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch cubes. Chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and dried sage. Place the seasoned chicken breast at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Add the diced butternut squash, chopped onion, and minced garlic on top of the chicken breast.
- Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are mostly covered by the liquid.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the squash to soften completely.
- After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the squash and broth.
- Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, creating a creamy texture while leaving some chunks of squash and chicken for added texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or a swirl of cream.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select a firm, unblemished butternut squash and high-quality chicken breasts for the best flavor.
- Prep Ahead: Dice your vegetables and season the chicken the night before to save time in the morning.
- Blending Technique: When using the immersion blender, blend partially to maintain some texture. This creates a creamy soup with delightful chunks of chicken and squash.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the soup's complexity.
- Storage Tip: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Garnish Creatively: Add a swirl of cream, sprinkle of fresh herbs, or some toasted pumpkin seeds for extra flavor and texture.
- Slow Cooker Placement: Ensure your slow cooker is on a heat-safe surface and not near any edges to prevent accidents.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
