A bowl of slow cooker cream of chicken soup is very comforting on cold days. I made it on a very chilly day when my family was home. It only took a few minutes to prepare.
The ingredients went into my crockpot, and I went about my day. As the smell filled the air, we all got excited. This crockpot cream of chicken was the best part of our dinner.
It made us feel warm and happy inside. Let’s explore this creamy dish together. It’s perfect for any time.
Introduction to Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup
This Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup recipe is a favorite in my kitchen. It brings comfort and joy to my family. The aroma fills the house, signaling a cozy night ahead.
It’s made with simple ingredients like chicken breasts and cream of chicken soup. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
The soup’s creamy texture is amazing. It goes well with the chicken and veggies. In just a few hours, the slow cooker works its magic.
The chicken becomes tender and flavorful. This soup is great for everyone, with options for dairy-free and gluten-free.
Every bowl of this soup is a sign of love and warmth. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. I’m excited to share how to make it at home!
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 2½ pounds |
| Cream of Chicken Soup (standard can) | 10.25 ounces |
| Chicken Gravy Mix | 1.74 ounces (two envelopes) |
| Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 1 cup |
| Sour Cream | ½ cup |
| Cooking Time on Low Heat | Approximately 4 hours |
| Leftover Storage (Refrigerator) | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer Storage | Up to 2 months |
Why I Love Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker has changed how I cook. It’s great for making slow cooker comfort food like homemade cream of chicken soup. It’s perfect for my busy life. I just add ingredients and let it cook, saving me time.
It makes meals taste better too. Every bite is a joy.
Convenience of Slow Cooking
Slow cookers are super convenient. Life is busy, and cooking can be hard. But with a slow cooker, I can prep in 15 minutes and cook for hours.
It means meals are ready when I get home. And there’s nothing like coming home to the smell of homemade soup.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Slow cooking is great for meal prep too. I make a big batch of homemade cream of chicken soup. Then, I portion it out for the week.
This makes meal planning easy. I can control what I eat and stay healthy. It’s a win-win.
Ingredients for Delicious Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup
Making creamy chicken soup is easy with the right ingredients. Each part adds flavor, making the soup yummy and filling. Here are the key ingredients for my homemade soup, along with some swaps for different tastes or diets.
Essential Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken: I like thighs for their softness, but breasts are good too.
- Yellow onion: It adds depth and taste to the soup.
- Carrots and celery: These veggies bring sweetness and a nice crunch.
- All-purpose flour: It’s needed to thicken the soup.
- Kosher salt: It boosts all the flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: This is the base of my creamy soup. Low-sodium broth helps control salt.
- Heavy cream: It makes my soup rich and creamy.
- Frozen peas: They add color and sweetness, balancing the soup.
Possible Ingredient Substitutions
Being flexible is important in cooking. If I don’t have enough heavy cream, half & half works well. For gluten-free, I use cornstarch instead of flour. You can swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter taste. Also, fresh veggies from your fridge can replace frozen ones, just chop them the same size.
How to Make Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup
Making slow cooker cream of chicken soup is simple. I use a clear method for a tasty meal. Here’s how I make it.
Preparation Steps
First, I get all my ingredients ready. This takes about 10 minutes. I chop:
- 2 stalks of celery
- 2 large carrots
- 3 cloves of garlic
Then, I cut 1 1/4 pounds of chicken into small pieces. This helps the chicken cook well in the soup.
Cooking Instructions
Now, I add everything to the slow cooker. I mix:
- Chopped vegetables
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can of cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 2 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 sprigs of fresh thyme
- 1 bay leaf
I make sure everything is well mixed. Then, I set it on low for 6 hours. This makes the chicken tender and the broth rich. In the last 30 minutes, I add more cream of chicken soup and stir in biscuits for a nice texture.
This recipe makes 4 big servings. Each serving has about 668 calories. It’s great for cozy nights and meal prep. By following these steps, you’ll get a soup that’s loved by all.
Customization Options for Your Creamy Chicken Soup
Making creamy chicken soup in a slow cooker is fun. You can make it your own. Try different ingredients and spices to make it special.
Additions and Variations
Think about adding these to your soup:
- Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add depth and a hearty flavor.
- Corn: Sweet corn kernels introduce a delightful crunch.
- Spinach: Adding fresh spinach boosts nutrition and adds color.
- Peas and Carrots: Use frozen peas and carrots for better texture compared to canned options.
Seasoning Tips
Seasonings are key. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start with salt and pepper; adjust slowly to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Add dried herbs like thyme or parsley for aromatic layers.
- Consider a pinch of red pepper flakes for added heat, if desired.
- Feel free to experiment with other spices based on your flavor preferences.
Make your soup just the way you like it. Every change brings a new taste adventure!
The Health Benefits of Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Making homemade cream of chicken soup is good for you. It’s better than store-bought soup. I use fresh veggies and lean chicken in my slow cooker.
This way, I avoid too much salt and fat. It’s quick to make, too. Just five ingredients and under four minutes.
Studies show homemade soup boosts your immune system. Chicken, garlic, onions, and veggies give you lots of vitamins. This helps fight off viruses and can make you feel better when sick.
My homemade soup is healthier than store-bought. For example, it has fewer calories. Campbell’s has too much sodium and many ingredients.
Here’s what’s in my homemade soup:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving (0.25 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 93 |
| Carbohydrates | 5g |
| Protein | 1g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 21mg |
| Sodium | 267mg |
| Potassium | 48mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
Soup is also a great way to eat veggies. It’s a balanced meal. My homemade soup is not just tasty, but also keeps me warm on cold nights.
Storage Tips for Leftover Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup
After enjoying a warm bowl of homemade slow cooker soup, it’s key to store leftovers right. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. Here are my best tips for keeping your creamy chicken soup good for days.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Leftover soup needs to go in the fridge fast to avoid sickness. Here’s how to store chicken soup well:
- Put the soup in an airtight container for the best taste.
- Write the date on the container so you remember when it’s from.
- The soup stays good in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Freezing Instructions
If you have more soup than you can eat soon, freezing is a smart move. Here’s how I freeze my soup:
- Use a freezer-safe, airtight container or resealable plastic bags for storing chicken soup.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
- This tasty homemade slow cooker soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Or, thaw it by submerging the container in warm water. Then, heat the soup on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring often until it’s hot.
Serving Ideas for Your Soup
Choosing the right way to serve Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup makes meals better. I like to serve it with sides that match its creamy taste. Here are my top picks to make any meal special.
Perfect Pairings
Classic comfort foods are the best with creamy chicken soup. Here are some great choices:
- Crusty bread – A warm loaf is perfect for scooping up the soup.
- Soft dinner rolls – Great for dipping, they add a sweet touch.
- Fresh garden salad – It’s a light, refreshing choice that balances the soup’s richness.
Best Sides to Complement the Soup
There are also wonderful sides that make the meal even better:
- Roasted vegetables – Their sweet flavors go well with the creamy soup.
- Garlic bread – It’s crispy outside and soft inside, a hit with guests.
- Quinoa or rice – They soak up the broth, making the meal comforting.
Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup Variations
Trying new things with slow cooker cream of chicken soup can make meals better. You can add different veggies and proteins to make it your own. I like to try new ingredients to make the soup taste great and be healthy.
Different Vegetable Add-Ins
Adding veggies makes the soup colorful and healthy. Here are some veggies I like to add:
- Spinach – adds a nutrient boost and pairs well with chicken
- Zucchini – provides a mild flavor and great texture
- Peppers – offers a pop of color and a hint of sweetness
- Frozen peas – easy to throw in at the end of cooking for a quick addition
- Carrots – bring sweetness and vibrant color
Changing Up the Proteins
Changing the protein can change how the soup tastes and feels. Here are some ideas:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken – saves time and adds a smoky flavor
- Turkey – a leaner alternative to chicken
- Chicken thighs – provide a richer flavor and juiciness
- Vegetarian options – consider using chickpeas or tofu for a meatless variation
| Ingredient | Function | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spinach | Nutrition | High in vitamins A and C |
| Zucchini | Texture | Keep it chunky or finely diced |
| Peppers | Flavor | Bell peppers add a sweet note |
| Shredded rotisserie chicken | Convenience | Quick preparation, great taste |
| Turkey | Lean protein | Try replacing chicken entirely |
Nutrition Information for Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup
Knowing the nutrition facts of my homemade chicken soup is great. It shows how healthy it is. Each serving has good stuff that helps me stay well. Let’s look at what’s in a typical serving of six.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 413 kcal |
| Protein | 46 g |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 144 mg |
| Sodium | 1443 mg |
| Potassium | 890 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 1975 IU |
| Vitamin C | 7 mg |
| Calcium | 37 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
My homemade chicken soup has less sodium than store-bought ones. It’s a tasty and healthy choice. I love eating it and knowing it’s good for me.
Perfect Occasions for Serving Creamy Chicken Soup
Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup is great for many events. It’s warm and comforting, perfect for any gathering. It’s a hit with family and friends at any time.
Cozy Family Dinners
On cold nights, nothing is better than a bowl of this soup. It’s a favorite at our family dinners. The smooth taste is wonderful with bread or over noodles.
Entertaining Guests
Having friends over is easier with this soup. It’s quick to make, so you can spend time with your guests. It’s a hit with biscuits or as a sandwich, making everyone happy.
| Occasion | Key Features | Serving Suggestions |
|---|---|---|
| Cozy Family Dinners | Warm and comforting | Rice, noodles, or bread |
| Entertaining Guests | Easy preparation, delightful taste | Biscuits, open-faced sandwiches |
Additional Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
Looking beyond slow cooker cream of chicken soup opens a world of flavors. There are many tasty slow cooker recipes to try. You’ll find new favorites to enjoy.
Other Comfort Food Classics
Beef stew is a great choice. It’s a hearty meal that warms you up. Mix beef, carrots, potatoes, and spices in your slow cooker.
Cook it for hours. This lets the flavors mix well. Chili is another favorite. It’s full of beans, ground meat, and spices.
These dishes are perfect for a cozy meal.
More Easy Chicken Soup Recipes
Try more crockpot chicken dishes like chicken and noodles. It’s simple. Use chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and noodles in chicken broth.
It cooks for 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Each serving has 357 kcal. It’s a hit with families.
These recipes are flexible. You can change them to fit your taste or what you have. Slow cookers make dinner easy and delicious. Start exploring these tasty options in your kitchen!
Wrapping Up Your Slow Cooker Experience
Thinking about my slow cooker journey, I feel happy. It makes cooking fun, not hard. My favorite is Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup.
It’s great to enjoy homemade soup after a long day. I made it myself, with a little time.
Slow cooking has changed how I prepare meals. It makes me want to try new things. I add spices and veggies to make dishes special.
I love sharing my cooking with others. Feel free to change recipes to fit your taste.
Every bowl of soup reminds me of cooking’s joy. Let’s keep exploring slow cooker recipes. We can make simple ingredients into amazing meals.
