Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Chicken soup is a popular remedy for colds and flu as it helps to soothe the throat, hydrate you and provide essential nutrients needed during illness. It’s no wonder then that slow cooker chicken soup remains one of the most sought-after recipes by home cooks looking to make nutritious meals with minimal effort.

Today we will explore a simple yet comforting recipe for slow cooker chicken soup. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, especially when using your trusty slow cooker. The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, and once you've assembled the ingredients, you can let the slow cooker do its magic while you go about your day.

The cooking time for this recipe is around 4-6 hours on low heat or 3-4 hours on high heat. It makes a generous serving of 8 servings, perfect for enjoying as a light lunch or dinner with family and friends. To prepare this dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (around 2 pounds)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 stalks of celery, sliced
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 2 potatoes, cubed (optional)
• Lemon slices for garnishing

To begin preparing your slow cooker chicken soup, first cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it's warm. Add the chopped onions to the skillet with half of the minced garlic and cook for about three minutes until they start turning translucent.

Once the onions are soft, add the remaining chicken pieces along with the rest of the minced garlic into the skillet. Stir everything together well, coating the chicken in the mixture of oil and spices. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken starts browning slightly on all sides. This step adds a delicious flavor to your soup while also ensuring the meat is fully cooked before going into the slow cooker.

Transfer the chicken along with its juices from the skillet directly into your preheated slow cooker. Next, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and add the sliced carrots, celery, dried thyme, salt & pepper to taste. If desired, you can also include cubed potatoes for extra comfort food texture.

Place your slow cooker on either high or low setting depending on how quickly you want this dish to be ready. Let it cook for 4-6 hours on low heat (or 3-4 hours on high). During the cooking process, ensure that the contents inside stay covered but not overfilled so they can continue to steam and soften properly.

When your slow cooker chicken soup is done, check if the chicken is tender and fully cooked. If needed, you can add a bit more broth or water to reach desired consistency before serving. Garnish with slices of lemon for an extra burst of freshness!

This slow cooker chicken soup makes an excellent meal any time of the year. It’s especially comforting during colder months when you might be recovering from sickness or simply wanting something warm and soothing to eat.

Feel free to adjust this recipe according to your taste preferences, adding more herbs like parsley or lemon zest, or experimenting with different types of vegetables such as kale or spinach for added nutrients. Slow cooker chicken soup is incredibly versatile; you can modify it endlessly while still enjoying its delightful flavors and benefits.