Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like the cozy aroma of a delicious soup bubbling away in your crockpot! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and the best part? It couldn’t be easier to make! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that practically cooks itself. This recipe is one of my favorites among *soup crockpot recipes* because it’s not only easy but also unbelievably tasty! Just toss everything in, set it, and forget it until dinner time. You’ll be amazed at how the flavors meld together, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken breast: Boneless and skinless, cut into halves for faster cooking.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Use low-sodium for better control over saltiness.
- 2 cups diced vegetables: A mix of carrots, celery, and onion works beautifully, but feel free to use your favorites!
- 1 can diced tomatoes: Choose the no-salt-added variety for a healthier option.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor; fresh minced garlic can be used if you prefer.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the soup’s flavor profile.
- Salt and pepper: To taste; start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
How to Prepare Instructions
- Start by placing the 1 lb chicken breast right at the bottom of your crockpot. This helps it cook evenly and stay tender.
- Next, pour in the 4 cups chicken broth. It’s the heart of your soup, keeping everything deliciously moist!
- Now, add in your 2 cups diced vegetables. I love a mix of carrots, celery, and onion, but feel free to throw in whatever you have on hand. Broccoli or bell peppers work great too!
- Stir in the 1 can diced tomatoes, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp Italian seasoning. Wow, your kitchen is going to smell amazing right about now!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy—this is where the flavor really comes alive. I usually start with a pinch and adjust after cooking.
- Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. If you’re home, give it a little stir halfway through, but it’s not necessary.
- When the cooking time is up, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Return it to the soup, stir well, and let it sit for a few minutes to soak in all that flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Just 15 minutes to toss everything together and let the crockpot do the work!
- Easy cooking: Set it and forget it! Perfect for busy days when you want a home-cooked meal.
- Delicious flavors: The long cooking time allows the ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and comforting soup.
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with lean protein from chicken and lots of veggies, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and save leftovers for another cozy night!
Tips for Success
To really make this soup shine, don’t hesitate to mix up the vegetables! You can use whatever you have in your fridge—zucchini, green beans, or even corn would be fantastic. Just remember, if you’re using veggies that cook faster, like spinach, add them in the last hour of cooking to keep their vibrant color and nutrients.
For even more flavor, try adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce just before serving. And if you prefer a creamier texture, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving. Just keep tasting as you go—adjust the seasoning to your liking, because everyone’s palate is different! Trust me, a little tweak here and there can take this soup from good to absolutely fantastic!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up this soup! Swap out the diced vegetables for seasonal favorites—try sweet potatoes in the fall or zucchini and summer squash in the warmer months. You can also add some spice by tossing in a teaspoon of cumin or cayenne pepper for a little kick! For a heartier version, consider adding cooked pasta or quinoa in the last hour of cooking. And don’t forget about herbs: fresh basil or parsley can elevate the dish, giving it a fresh, vibrant finish. Get creative and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
This comforting soup is delicious on its own, but let’s take it up a notch with some tasty sides! I love serving it with warm, crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls—perfect for dipping! You could also whip up a simple side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the heartiness of the soup. For a cozy twist, consider grilled cheese sandwiches, which are always a hit! And if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some grated Parmesan or fresh herbs on top of each bowl just before serving for that extra touch of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for this delicious soup, perfect for those keeping an eye on their intake. Each serving (1 cup) contains about 250 calories, 5g of fat (1g saturated fat), and an impressive 30g of protein thanks to the chicken! You’ll also get around 20g of carbohydrates and 3g of fiber, making it a filling option. With 600mg of sodium, it’s important to adjust seasoning based on your dietary needs. Remember, these values are estimates, so feel free to tweak the ingredients to fit your own nutritional goals!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken breast?
Absolutely! Just add the frozen chicken directly to the crockpot with the other ingredients. It might need a little extra cooking time, but it’ll turn out just as tender and juicy!
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes beautifully, so you can save some for a cozy day later on. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can create your own blend with dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Just mix equal parts of each, and you’re good to go!
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It’ll be just as delicious and packed with nutrients!
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re shredding it easily with forks, it’s likely ready to go! Just make sure it’s no longer pink inside.
Soup Crockpot Recipes: 7 Heartwarming Creations to Try
- Gesamtzeit: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Ertrag: 6 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
Easy and delicious soup made in a crockpot.
Zutaten
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups diced vegetables (carrots, celery, onion)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Place chicken breast in the crockpot.
- Add chicken broth and diced vegetables.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
Notes
- Use any vegetables you prefer.
- This soup freezes well.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 6 hours
- Kategorie: Soup
- Methode: Crockpot
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 250
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 600mg
- Fett: 5g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 20g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterin: 70mg
Keywords: soup crockpot recipes
