This Chicken Soup in Slow Cooker recipe is so simple, it almost feels like cheating (but in a good way). You just toss everything into the Crockpot, set it, and forget it. Perfect for those crazy days when you’re juggling kids, homework, and a hundred other things. And if you love a hearty dinner recipe Crock Pot, this Hearty Slow Cooker Chicken Stew will hit the spot.
I’ve tried a ton of Chicken Soup Crockpot Recipes, from easy dump Crockpot soups to Instapot soups with chicken, but this one is my go-to for when I need something that’s both filling and comforting. The best part? It’s just one of those slow cooker chicken soup recipes that you can customize with what you’ve got in your fridge. Ready to make some magic in the kitchen? Let’s dive in.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you like a bit more flavor)
- 4 cups chicken broth (I use low-sodium, so it’s not too salty)
- 1 onion, chopped (don’t be afraid to cry a little—it’s worth it!)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (or if you’re like me, the pre-minced stuff from a jar)
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach (I use fresh, but frozen works too)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A squeeze of lemon juice (totally optional but trust me, it’s a game-changer)
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk (for that dreamy creamy texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Ingredients
You’ll need to chop up your onion, garlic, carrot, and celery. Now, you can totally just throw everything into the Crockpot without chopping, but I feel like chopping just makes it feel a little more like a homemade meal, y’know? Once that’s done, it’s time to move on.
2. Throw Everything Into the Crockpot
Grab your trusty Crockpot (no judgement if it’s been gathering dust in the cabinet—you’ve got this). Add the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, carrot, celery, and chicken broth. Then sprinkle in the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Don’t forget to give it a little stir to mix everything together.
3. Set It & Forget It
Cover that Crockpot up and set it to low for about 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours if you’re in a rush). And here’s the best part—now you can literally walk away. Go ahead, do whatever you need to do: clean up the house, fold laundry, or, heck, even take a little break and watch your favorite show. You’ve earned it.
4. Shred the Chicken
When the timer goes off, it’s time to check on your soup. The chicken should be all tender and easy to shred. Take the chicken breasts out of the Crockpot, use two forks (or your hands, if you’re feeling bold), and shred it up. Toss that shredded chicken back into the Crockpot and give everything a nice stir.
5. Add the Spinach
Now, add your spinach to the Crockpot. I always use fresh spinach because it just gives the soup that perfect green pop. Stir it in and let it cook for about 15 more minutes. It’ll wilt down and blend into the soup perfectly. Your kitchen will smell so good by now.
6. Cream It Up (Optional)
If you’re feeling fancy (or just really need a little extra creaminess in your life), pour in about half a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk. This makes the soup super smooth and rich. It’s totally optional, but it takes the soup to another level.
7. Squeeze Some Lemon
This part is my secret weapon. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving adds such a fresh kick! It balances out the richness of the soup and makes it so good. Trust me, it’s worth it.
8. Serve & Enjoy
Now it’s time to serve. Grab your bowls, ladle in that warm, comforting soup, and maybe add a side of bread (because soup + bread = perfection). I usually just hand my kids their bowls and watch them devour it while I try to get a bite for myself.
FAQs for Crockpot Chicken and Spinach Soup
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you totally can! If you’re using frozen chicken breasts or thighs, just toss them in the Crockpot frozen. The slow cooker will still cook them through, no problem. Just be sure to add an extra 30-45 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead?
I love the Crockpot for its hands-off convenience, but you can make this Chicken Soup Crockpot on the stove, too! Just cook the chicken in a big pot first, then shred it and add the rest of the ingredients. Let everything simmer together for about 30 minutes until the veggies are tender and the flavors have melded.
Can I add other veggies to the soup?
For sure! This soup is super flexible. You can toss in extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even peas if your kids will eat them. It’s a great way to sneak in some more nutrition without them even noticing.
How can I make this soup spicier?
If you like a little kick, throw in some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper while the soup is cooking. It adds a nice heat without overpowering the dish.
What if my kids don’t like spinach?
Ah, the spinach dilemma. If your little ones aren’t fans, you can skip it or replace it with other greens like kale or even shredded cabbage. Honestly, they won’t even notice the difference when it’s cooked in the soup!
Crockpot Chicken and Spinach Soup Recipe Card
Crockpot Chicken and Spinach Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 onion , chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 carrot , peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks , chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk optional
- Juice from 1 lemon optional
Instructions
Prep:
- Chop onion, garlic, carrot, and celery.
Add Ingredients to Crockpot:
- Place chicken, chopped veggies, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and chicken broth into the Crockpot.
Cook:
- Set Crockpot to low for 6-7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours).
Shred Chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the Crockpot.
Add Spinach:
- Stir in spinach and cook for another 15 minutes.
Optional Creaminess:
- Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy texture.
Finish with Lemon:
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a burst of freshness before serving.
Notes
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to toss in extra veggies like zucchini, peas, or bell peppers.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper if you like it spicy
We all know how hard it can be to get dinner on the table, especially when you’re trying to juggle a million things. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for easy chicken soups to make, and this one is a total winner. Whether you’re making Chicken Soup in Slow Cooker or mixing up easy dump Crockpot soups, you just can’t go wrong with these types of Chicken Soups Crockpot recipes.
If you’re looking for hearty dinner recipes Crock Pot that will fill up your whole family (and leave you with minimal cleanup), this is it. It’s like a hearty slow cooker chicken stew but even easier! And, if you’re short on time, you can even use Instapot soups with chicken for a quicker version.
I hope this Chicken Soup Crockpot recipe becomes a staple in your weekly meal plan just like it has in mine. Whether you’re feeding little ones or looking for a comforting bowl of soup for yourself, this slow cooker chicken soup is perfect for everyone. Happy cooking, mama – you’ve got this!
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