Slow Cooker Chicken Soups and Stews Recipes

chicken soups and stews

Slow Cooker Chicken Soup and Stew Recipes

1 . Slow Cooker Chicken & Vegetable Soup

A light yet hearty soup packed with nutritious vegetables and tender chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Place the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and tomatoes into the slow cooker.
2. Add thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken becomes tender.
4. Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, then return it to the soup.
5. Stir in baby spinach or kale, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
6. Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

• For a heartier version, add diced potatoes or cooked quinoa.
• For extra protein, mix in a can of drained white beans.

2. Best Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

A classic, no-fail chicken soup that delivers deep, rich flavors.

• 2 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 2 cups water
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low heat for 7 to 8 hours or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours.
3. Remove the chicken, discard the skin and bones, shred the meat, and return it to the soup.
4. Discard the bay leaf and stir well before serving.

1. Use bone-in chicken for a deeper broth flavor.
2. Add a parmesan rind while cooking for extra umami.
3. A squeeze of lemon juice before serving brightens the taste.

3. Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup

A comforting and satisfying meal perfect for cold days.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

1. Place chicken, broth, water, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
3. Take the chicken out of the pot, shred it, and then return the shredded chicken to the pot.
4. Add the egg noodles and cook for another 20-25 minutes until tender.
5. Stir in lemon juice before serving.

• Egg noodles, rotini, or orzo work best.
• Always add noodles in the last 20-30 minutes to prevent mushiness.

4. Slow Cooker Chicken Stew

A thick, hearty meal perfect for a cold night.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup green peas (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Add all ingredients except peas to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and stir in the peas during the last 30 minutes.

• Mash some of the potatoes to naturally thicken the stew.
• Add ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk for extra creaminess.

5. Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

A rich and comforting twist on classic chicken noodle soup.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups egg noodles
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1. Combine chicken, broth, water, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, and salt in the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6 hours.
3. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
4. Add noodles and cook for 20 minutes.
5. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan.

• Use a flour or cornstarch slurry for extra thickness.
• Stir in cream cheese for a richer taste.

6. Spicy Chicken Tortilla Soup

A flavorful, zesty soup with a kick of heat.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup corn
• 1 cup black beans, drained
• 1 jalapeño, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• Salt to taste

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 6-7 hours.
3. Shred the chicken and stir well.

• Top with tortilla strips, avocado, and sour cream.
• Serve with warm cornbread or rice.

7. Hearty Chicken Stew with Potatoes

A rustic, satisfying stew loaded with tender chicken and hearty potatoes.

• 2 chicken thighs
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 potatoes, cubed
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
3. Shred the chicken, stir, and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

• Serve with crusty bread or buttered biscuits.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or grated cheese.

Expert Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Soups and Stews

Creating the perfect slow cooker soup or stew requires more than just tossing ingredients into the pot. Here are some expert tips to ensure your dish turns out flavorful, well-balanced, and perfectly textured.

How to Layer Ingredients for Even Cooking

• Dense vegetables first: Place root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and onions at the bottom, as they take the longest to cook.
• Proteins next: Add chicken (whole or chopped) on top of the vegetables to ensure even cooking and easy shredding later.
• Liquids and seasonings: Pour in broth, water, or any cooking liquid last, ensuring everything is submerged for proper cooking.
• Delicate ingredients last: Soft vegetables (like spinach, peas, or zucchini) should be added during the last 30 minutes to maintain their texture and color.

When to Add Noodles, Dairy, and Seasonings

• Noodles: Always add pasta or rice in the final 20-30 minutes of cooking to prevent them from turning mushy.
• Dairy: Ingredients like milk, cream, or cheese should be stirred in during the last 15-20 minutes to prevent curdling.
• Seasonings: Salt and fresh herbs should be added at the end of cooking to preserve their full flavor. Overcooking spices can cause bitterness or weaken their impact.

Preventing Watery Soups and Achieving the Right Consistency

• Use less liquid: Unlike stovetop cooking, slow cookers retain moisture. Reduce broth or water by 20% compared to traditional recipes.
• Thickening methods: For a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked vegetables or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water).
• Lid-off trick: If your soup is too watery, remove the lid for the last 30-40 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.

Conclusion:

Slow cooker chicken soups and stews are the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, these dishes provide hearty, nutritious meals for any day. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic chicken noodle soup or a spicy tortilla stew, slow cooking ensures deep, rich flavors while keeping the ingredients wholesome. With a few simple tips, these recipes are sure to become your go-to for easy, delicious meals.

• 10 Genius Slow Cooking Hacks You’ve Never Tried
• Mastering Quick and Easy Keto Slow Cooker Recipes