Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of deliciousness? This Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup is not just a meal; it's an experience that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy! With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a medley of flavors simmered to perfection, this hearty soup is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for busy days, it requires just 15 minutes of prep and lets your slow cooker do the magic for the next 6 hours. Dive into this recipe and discover how easy it is to create a nourishing dish that your whole family will love!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, chop carrots and celery into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Place the whole boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker as the first layer.
- Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Pour the diced tomatoes with their juice over the vegetables, ensuring even distribution.
- Sprinkle minced garlic and Italian seasoning across the top of the ingredients.
- Carefully pour chicken broth over all ingredients, making sure the chicken is mostly covered.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, using a light hand as chicken broth is already seasoned.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, remove chicken breasts and shred them using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken back to the slow cooker and stir to combine with vegetables and broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy mornings, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss everything into the slow cooker in the morning.
- Layering is Key: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them correctly. Place the chicken at the bottom to ensure it cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious flavors from the broth and vegetables.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute your favorite vegetables! Zucchini, bell peppers, or even spinach can be great additions for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Since chicken broth can vary in saltiness, taste your soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can also enhance the flavor.
- Shred the Chicken: For a more rustic texture, shred the chicken right before serving. It allows the chicken to soak up more of the broth and flavors, making each bite even more delicious!
- Serve with Bread: This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread, perfect for dipping and soaking up the savory broth.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 220kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 80mg
