Delicious Slow Cooker Chicken Soup

Slow cooker chicken soup is a delightful and comforting meal that many people look forward to when they want something warm and filling during the colder months of the year or even on a lazy weekend afternoon. This recipe not only provides you with a delicious flavor but also helps in boosting your immune system, as it's rich in vitamins and minerals.

Slow cooker chicken soup is especially beneficial for those days when you’re not feeling well; it’s light yet satisfying and packed full of nutrients that help to aid recovery. The slow cooking process ensures the vegetables remain tender and the chicken remains succulent.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breasts (or a combination)
• 1 large onion, chopped into small pieces
• 4 carrots, sliced thinly
• 6 celery stalks, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, crushed lightly with the side of your knife
• 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or canned)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing vegetables
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 cups water, more as needed
• Optional: ½ cup uncooked long-grain rice or barley (for a heartier soup)

Instructions

Saute the Vegetables:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add onions and sauté until they become translucent.
2. Add celery and carrots to the skillet, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until vegetables have softened slightly.

Seasoning:

3. Cook chicken in a large pan with a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Add garlic, bay leaves, and sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Stir gently until everything is well combined.

Simmer:

5. Pour chicken broth over all ingredients in the slow cooker. If desired, you can add long-grain rice or barley now and stir well.
6. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until your chicken is tender and no longer pink inside; alternatively, use low heat setting and cook for about 6-8 hours.

Thicken:

7. Dissolve the flour in a small bowl of water. Stir this mixture into the soup, then let it simmer on high until thickened to your preference. You may need more or less water depending upon how soupy you like your chicken soup.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Soup?

This delicious and hearty chicken soup pairs perfectly with a side of crusty bread, fresh steamed vegetables, or even a simple green salad. You can garnish the bowl with extra herbs such as parsley or dill for that final touch.

Health Benefits

Chicken soup is well-known for its medicinal properties, making it an excellent choice to have when you are feeling unwell. It not only helps in providing necessary nutrients but also assists your body in fighting off infections by helping the immune system function optimally. Additionally, it can help reduce inflammation and ease a sore throat.

Storage Tips

Leftover chicken soup should be refrigerated within two hours of preparation and consumed within three days for best quality. You may also freeze portions if desired; make sure to do so in an airtight container or freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy the taste of slow cooker chicken soup anytime without having to spend too much time on cooking.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chicken soup is not only comforting but also nourishing with its blend of vegetables and protein-rich chicken. The preparation method is simple yet efficient, requiring minimal effort once you've set it up in the morning or even before you leave for work. With its flexibility to be adapted according to your taste buds, there's no reason why this dish shouldn't find a place in everyone’s meal plan.