Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Soup Recipe Easy One-Pot Comfort Meal for Beginners

slow cooker soup recipe - featured image

A simple, hearty slow cooker soup perfect for busy evenings or chilly days, made with wholesome ingredients and minimal prep. This comforting one-pot meal is beginner-friendly and easily adaptable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 oz (170 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and diced
  • 2 medium celery stalks, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups (480 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup (75 g) frozen peas
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Dice the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic cloves. Trim and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Place the chicken pieces, chopped veggies, minced garlic, dried thyme, bay leaf, chicken broth, and water into the slow cooker.
  3. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Adjust seasoning later if needed.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
  5. Check for doneness; if the soup is too thick, stir in a little more water or broth.
  6. Stir in the frozen peas and cook uncovered for 10 more minutes to heat through.
  7. Remove the bay leaf, sprinkle chopped parsley, and add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper before serving.

Notes

Optional to brown chicken first for extra flavor. Use fresh herbs at the end for brightness. Adjust salt carefully due to broth saltiness. Can substitute chicken with tofu or chickpeas for plant-based version. Add lemon juice or vinegar at the end to balance richness. Do not overfill slow cooker; leave about an inch of space.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, easy soup recipe, one-pot meal, comfort food, beginner recipe, chicken soup, healthy soup