Homemade Chicken Soup Crock Pot Recipe

There’s something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. The gentle simmering of ingredients in a crock pot allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth that fills the house with an inviting aroma.

Whether it’s a chilly day, you’re feeling under the weather, or just want a wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare, chicken soup is always a win. Plus, the crock pot does all the work for you, so you can go about your day while it turns simple ingredients into something heartwarming and nourishing. Let’s dive into how you can make this recipe, step by step, and how it can be customized to suit your tastes.

Homemade Chicken Soup Crock Pot Recipe

This homemade chicken soup is a simple yet satisfying dish, combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The best part? It all goes into the crock pot, and you get to enjoy the rich flavors without having to hover over the stove. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients Needed

To make this cozy crock pot chicken soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken (bone-in Or Boneless, Skinless)

  • For bone-in chicken: It gives you a richer broth due to the collagen and marrow from the bones.
  • For boneless, skinless chicken: It’s quicker, easier, and still delicious.

• Carrots (about 3-4 Medium-sized)

  • Fresh carrots add natural sweetness to the broth and provide a great pop of color.

• Celery (2-3 Stalks)

  • Celery offers a crunchy texture and a subtle, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of the carrots.

• Onion (1 Medium)

  • A chopped onion adds depth to the broth with its savory aroma, forming the foundation of the flavor profile.

• Garlic (3-4 Cloves, Minced)

  • Garlic provides a warm, aromatic essence that makes the broth smell absolutely irresistible.

• Chicken Broth (4 Cups)

  • Opt for low-sodium broth for better control over the salt level, and use a high-quality broth for richer flavor.

• Herbs: Bay Leaves (2), Thyme (1 Tsp Dried Or 1 Tbsp Fresh)

  • These herbs infuse the soup with earthy, fragrant notes. Thyme especially complements the chicken beautifully.

• Salt And Pepper

  • These are essential for bringing out all the flavors and adjusting to your taste preferences.

• Optional Add-ins

  • Parsley (fresh) for garnish
  • Egg noodles or rice for added heartiness

Cooking Instructions

1. Prepare The Ingredients

   Start by washing and chopping the vegetables. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic.

2. Layer In The Crock Pot

   Add the chicken (either bone-in or boneless) to the crock pot. Layer on the chopped carrots, celery, onions, and minced garlic.

3. Add The Broth And Seasoning

   Pour in the chicken broth, and add your thyme, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the seasonings.

4. Set The Crock Pot

   Cover the crock pot with its lid, set it to low heat, and cook for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a rush, you can set it to high for about 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.

5. Shred The Chicken

   If you used bone-in chicken, carefully remove the chicken pieces after cooking, shred the meat using two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the soup. If you used boneless chicken, just stir the soup to mix everything together.

6. Adjust Seasoning

   Taste the soup, and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper. If you want a more intense flavor, let the soup sit on the ’keep warm’ setting for a little longer to deepen the flavors.

7. Serve And Enjoy

   Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley for an extra touch. You can also add some cooked rice or noodles for a more filling meal.

Ingredient Insights

• Chicken

  • The chicken is the star of the show, so it’s important to choose high-quality meat. Bone-in chicken, such as thighs or breasts with bones, will create a richer and more flavorful broth due to the marrow and collagen. On the other hand, boneless skinless chicken is convenient and still results in a tasty soup.

• Broth

  • Chicken broth is essential for that savory, umami-rich base. Homemade broth is always ideal, but store-bought options are just fine too. For the best flavor, opt for a low-sodium variety so you can control the saltiness. If you’re using store-bought, make sure to taste test before adding extra salt.

• Carrots And Celery

  • These vegetables are the backbone of the soup, adding texture and sweetness. Carrots especially contribute to the natural sweetness of the broth, while celery offers a nice balance with its subtle bitterness.

• Herbs

  • Fresh thyme is excellent, but if you don’t have fresh, dried thyme works well too. The bay leaves are a must for adding that layer of earthy flavor to the soup.

Expert Tips

1. Make It Ahead

   Chicken soup actually gets better the longer it sits, so don’t be afraid to make it a day or two ahead of time. Just refrigerate it, and the flavors will continue to develop.

2. Don’t Skip The Bay Leaves

   They’re small, but bay leaves pack a punch in flavor. Remove them before serving, though, since they’re not meant to be eaten whole.

3. For A Richer Broth

   Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half near the end of cooking for a creamy chicken soup version. Alternatively, a little bit of butter stirred in at the end can give the soup a silky texture.

4. Leftovers

   If you’re making a large batch, store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. It also freezes well, so feel free to store it in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Chicken Soup

   If you love a rich and creamy soup, add a cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. It gives the broth a velvety texture and a luxurious flavor.

2. Spicy Twist

   Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a chopped jalapeño, or even a bit of hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick. This is perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals.

3. Noodle Or Rice Soup

   Want something a bit heartier? Add some egg noodles or rice to your soup. If you use rice, opt for cooked rice so it doesn’t become mushy during the slow cook time.

4. Add More Veggies

   You can pack more nutrients into your soup by adding extra vegetables. Consider including zucchini, corn, green beans, or peas. Just make sure to add them in the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to avoid them becoming too soft.

5. Herb Variations

   Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or parsley for a fresh twist. You can also throw in some parsley stems while it’s cooking for an herbaceous flavor boost.

Final Words

This homemade chicken soup recipe in the crock pot is a testament to the magic of slow cooking. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, savory broth, and fresh vegetables, all coming together with minimal effort on your part. You get all the benefits of a homemade, comforting meal, but without hours of standing over the stove.

Whether you stick to the classic version or venture into some of the creative variations, this recipe is versatile, delicious, and a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s one of those meals that can be enjoyed year-round, especially when the weather calls for something hearty and warm.