Let the slow cooker do all the work for this fantastic Slow Cooker Chicken & Veg Soup

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through making a delicious Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup, perfect for a hearty meal with minimal effort. Using inexpensive cuts of meat, this recipe yields a nutritious and comforting dish that pairs wonderfully with crusty bread.

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Gather all the necessary ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 chicken drumsticks
• 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 2 sticks celery, sliced
• 3 medium carrots, roughly chopped
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into bite-sized chunks
• 1 bay leaf
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 liter (4 ¼ cups) strong chicken stock (or water plus 4 stock cubes)

Practical Tip

Chop vegetables ahead of time to save on prep time.

Step 2: Assemble the Soup in the Slow Cooker

Add all the prepared ingredients to your slow cooker:

1. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in the slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced celery, chopped carrots, and potatoes.
3. Toss in the bay leaf, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the chicken stock over the ingredients.

Practical Advice

Make sure the chicken is submerged in the stock for even cooking.

Step 3: Cook the Soup

Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set the cooking time:

• Cook on low for 6 hours
• Alternatively, cook on high for 4 hours

Common Pitfall

Avoid opening the lid during cooking as this can extend the cooking time.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Once cooking is complete, follow these steps:

1. Remove the lid and carefully take out the chicken thighs and drumsticks using tongs.
2. Discard the bay leaf.
3. Place the chicken pieces on a chopping board and remove the skin.
4. Shred the chicken meat using two forks.

Practical Tip

Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding to avoid burns.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir everything together.

1. Divide the chicken soup into bowls.
2. Top with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for added flavor.
3. Serve with a wedge of crusty bread.

Real-World Application

This soup is perfect for meal prep; make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week.

Conclusion

You’ve successfully made a comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Vegetable Soup! This recipe is not only easy to follow but also allows for variations—feel free to add other vegetables or spices to suit your taste. Enjoy your meal with fresh bread, and consider making extra to refrigerate for a quick reheat later on. Happy cooking!