Chicken soup is comfort in a bowl. Whether you’re fighting off a cold, warming up from a rainy day, or just want something nourishing without fuss, this slow cooker chicken soup checks every box. It simmers low and slow to build rich flavor, with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and herbs that fill your home with that familiar, soul-soothing aroma.
This isn’t a complicated recipe. It’s the kind of classic your grandma might have made, only easier thanks to the crockpot. You throw everything in, go about your day, and come back to a hot, healthy, homemade meal. No hovering over the stove, no worrying about timing. Just reliable, tasty, satisfying soup.
The secret to depth in a simple soup like this? A mix of fresh aromatics, a solid chicken base, and time. The long cook allows the vegetables to soften, the chicken to fall apart tender, and the broth to absorb all the flavor. And the best part: no pre-cooking required. Everything goes in raw.
Use boneless skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor and texture, though breasts work too. Thighs stay juicy and shred perfectly after slow cooking. The carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and herbs create a classic medley that never goes out of style. Add some noodles or rice at the end if you want to bulk it up.
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Make it ahead, freeze portions for later, or load it up with extra vegetables. It’s great for meal prepping or feeding a crowd. You can scale it up easily, and it holds well for leftovers.
It also happens to be a great base. Add a squeeze of lemon, a handful of chopped spinach, or even a dash of hot sauce at the table to change things up. But even as-is, it’s deeply satisfying.
This soup isn’t about flash. It’s about doing the basics well. Clean ingredients, slow flavor-building, and the kind of taste that wraps around you like a blanket.
Let your crockpot do the work, and you’ll be rewarded with a soup that feels like home.
Servings: 6 bowls
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low, or 4 hours on high
Total Time: 6-8 hours (hands-off)
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1 cup egg noodles or cooked rice (add in last 15-20 minutes)
Instructions:
- Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings to crockpot.
- Stir lightly to combine. Cover with lid.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaf. Shred chicken with two forks right in the pot.
- Add noodles or rice if using, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Tips:
- Use thighs for richer flavor and texture.
- Add frozen peas or chopped spinach near the end for color and nutrients.
- Make it heartier with potatoes or white beans.
- Freeze in portions for quick future meals.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- One pot, no mess, no pre-cooking.
- Comfort food with minimal effort.
- Easy to customize.
- Hearty, healing, and homey.
This slow cooker chicken soup is a simple, satisfying classic made even easier. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and savory broth, it’s a hands-off, healthy meal that delivers warmth and comfort in every spoonful.
Chicken Soup in the Crockpot Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 carrots peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks sliced
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley
- 1 bay leaf
- Optional: 1 cup egg noodles or cooked rice add in last 15-20 minutes
Instructions
- Add chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings to crockpot.
- Stir lightly to combine. Cover with lid.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Remove bay leaf. Shred chicken with two forks right in the pot.
- Add noodles or rice if using, and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use thighs for richer flavor and texture.
- Add frozen peas or chopped spinach near the end for color and nutrients.
- Make it heartier with potatoes or white beans.
- Freeze in portions for quick future meals.