Zesty, creamy, and utterly comforting, this cream of chicken soup slow cooker recipe is your ticket to a hassle-free dinner that feels like a hug from the inside. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you’re craving something hearty without the fuss.
Why This Recipe Works
- Slow cooking melds the flavors together beautifully, creating a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with quicker methods.
- It’s a set-it-and-forget-it kind of meal, freeing you up to tackle your day or simply relax.
- The creamy texture is achieved without heavy cream, making it a lighter option that doesn’t skimp on richness.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by dicing your chicken breast, carrots, celery, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic finely. This ensures every spoonful is packed with flavor and texture. Tip: Uniform pieces cook evenly, so take your time here.
Step 2: Layer the Slow Cooker
Add the diced chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper over the top. Pour in the chicken broth. The liquid should just cover the ingredients. Tip: For an extra flavor boost, use homemade chicken broth if you have it.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Set your slow cooker to low and let it work its magic for 6-7 hours. The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable, and the vegetables soft. This slow cooking process is key to developing the soup’s deep flavors.
Step 4: Thicken the Soup
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the milk and flour until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker. Increase the heat to high and cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until the soup has thickened to your liking. Tip: For a gluten-free version, use cornstarch instead of flour.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot. This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal. The creamy texture and rich flavor are sure to impress.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their cream of chicken soup, consider browning the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can cook the soup on high for 3-4 hours instead. To make the soup even creamier, blend half of it before adding the milk and flour mixture. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving, as slow cooking can mute flavors slightly.
Recipe Variations
- Add a cup of mushrooms for an earthy flavor.
- Swap the chicken for turkey after the holidays for a delicious twist.
- Stir in a cup of cooked rice or pasta to make the soup more filling.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk instead of regular milk.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! This soup freezes beautifully. Just cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will work just as well and may even add more flavor to the soup. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as thighs can take a bit longer to become tender.
How can I make this soup thicker? If you prefer a thicker soup, you can increase the amount of flour in the milk mixture or let the soup cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce further.
Summary
This cream of chicken soup slow cooker recipe is the epitome of comfort food, offering a creamy, flavorful, and hearty meal with minimal effort. Perfect for any day of the week.
