Introduction
Warm your soul with a comforting bowl of Chicken Soup that is both hearty and light. This delightful recipe is perfect for those cozy days when you crave a nourishing meal without the heaviness of cream. With simple ingredients and the magic of a slow cooker, you can create a flavorful dish that blends beautifully for a soul-soothing experience.
Detailed Ingredients with Measures
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup diced onions
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Directions
1. In your crockpot, drizzle the olive oil for a lovely base.
2. Add carrots, celery, and onions to the crockpot. These veggies will infuse the soup with delightful flavors.
3. Toss in the shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
4. Pour in the chicken broth, covering all ingredients to allow for a flavorful cook.
5. Sprinkle in the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix.
6. Slip in the bay leaf for that extra depth of flavor.
7. Set your crockpot on low and let it simmer for 6-7 hours or until vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
8. Before serving, remove the bay leaf and give the soup a final stir.
Nutritional Information
A bowl of this goodness is delightfully low-calorie while being packed with protein and nutrients to warm your heart without the cream!
Conclusion
Serve up this delicious chicken soup to beat the chill. Perfect for any day you need a pick-me-up!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1
In your crockpot, drizzle the olive oil for a lovely base.
Step 2
Add carrots, celery, and onions to the crockpot. These veggies will infuse the soup with delightful flavors.
Step 3
Toss in the shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
Step 4
Pour in the chicken broth, covering all ingredients to allow for a flavorful cook.
Step 5
Sprinkle in the thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to mix.
Step 6
Slip in the bay leaf for that extra depth of flavor.
Step 7
Set your crockpot on low and let it simmer for 6-7 hours or until vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
Step 8
Before serving, remove the bay leaf and give the soup a final stir.
Notes
Nutritional Benefits
A bowl of this goodness is delightfully low-calorie while being packed with protein and nutrients to warm your heart without the cream.
Serving Suggestions
Serve up this delicious chicken soup to beat the chill. Perfect for any day you need a pick-me-up!
Cook techniques
Using a Crockpot
Utilizing a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time while requiring minimal supervision. Just set it and forget it until the soup is ready!
Layering Flavors
Start with sautéing vegetables in olive oil before adding the broth. This technique enhances the flavor profile of the soup, making it richer and more savory.
Shredding Chicken
Using shredded cooked chicken helps distribute the protein evenly throughout the soup, allowing for a hearty and satisfying bite with each spoonful.
Adjusting Seasoning
Taste the soup before serving to adjust seasoning as needed. A pinch more salt or pepper can elevate the dish to your preferred flavor profile.
Slow Cooking
Allowing the soup to cook low and slow enables the ingredients to soften and the flavors to develop, resulting in a comforting and hearty bowl of chicken soup.
FAQ
Can I use raw chicken instead of shredded cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken; however, it will require longer cooking time. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What can I substitute for chicken broth?
You can use vegetable broth or homemade broth as a substitute for chicken broth if you want a lighter flavor.
Is there a way to make this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans for added nutrition and flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
This comforting bowl of chicken soup is not only easy to make but also revitalizing and nourishing. Perfect for those chilly days when you seek warmth and satisfaction.
More recipe suggestions and combination
Hearty Vegetable Soup
Add a variety of seasonal vegetables for a nutritious and colorful twist.
Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Incorporate orzo pasta and a refreshing squeeze of lemon for a bright flavor profile.
Chicken and Rice Soup
Mix in rice for an even heartier option that’s perfect for satisfying hunger.
Spicy Chicken Soup
Add red pepper flakes or jalapeños for a warm kick in your chicken soup.
Italian Chicken Soup
Enhance with Italian herbs like basil and oregano for a deliciously herby version.
