Crock Pot Soup Recipe – Easy, Healthy, and Hearty Slow Cooker Meal

Introduction

Nothing comforts the soul quite like a warm bowl of soup simmered to perfection in a crock pot. The aroma alone can fill your home with a sense of calm and anticipation. Crock pot soups are more than just convenient; they bring out deep, slow-cooked flavors that stovetop methods often miss. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or looking to meal prep for the week ahead, a well-made crock pot soup can become your go-to solution for wholesome meals.

Crock pots, or slow cookers, are perfect for drawing out the rich taste of ingredients without requiring constant attention. Toss everything into the pot in the morning, go about your day, and return to a hearty, delicious soup in the evening. From creamy chicken soups to chunky vegetable broths, the possibilities are endless. What makes it even better is that you don’t need to be a seasoned cook to get it right.

This crock pot soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s loaded with vegetables, tender protein, and flavorful herbs that all come together in a savory broth. Best of all, it’s highly customizable based on your dietary preferences and what you have in your pantry. Let’s dive into the details and create a nourishing meal everyone will love.

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Ingredients Needed

Below is a table of the ingredients you’ll need for this crock pot soup, along with approximate calorie counts per serving size. This recipe serves six.

Ingredient	Amount	Calories
Boneless chicken breast	1 pound	500
Carrots	2 medium, sliced	50
Celery stalks	2, chopped	20
Yellow onion	1, diced	45
Garlic cloves	3, minced	15
Russet potatoes	2 medium, cubed	260
Low-sodium chicken broth	6 cups	90
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	120
Dried thyme	1 teaspoon	2
Dried oregano	1 teaspoon	2
Bay leaf	1	0
Salt	To taste	0
Black pepper	To taste	0
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	5

Total calories per serving: 185–210 (depending on how much oil and salt are used)

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients

Start by washing and chopping all the vegetables. Dice the onion, slice the carrots, chop the celery, and cube the potatoes. Mince the garlic cloves finely. Trim any visible fat from the chicken breasts.

2. Sauté the aromatics (optional but recommended)

In a small pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic and sauté until translucent and fragrant. This extra step helps develop a deeper flavor base.

3. Layer the ingredients in the crock pot

Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the crock pot. Then layer in the potatoes, carrots, celery, sautéed onions, and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth until all ingredients are covered.

4. Season and add herbs

Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, and black pepper. Add the bay leaf on top and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to distribute the seasoning.

5. Cook low and slow

Cover and set your crock pot to low heat. Let it cook for 6 to 7 hours, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are soft. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high for 3 to 4 hours, but the flavors won’t develop as richly.

6. Shred the chicken

Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken. Shred it using two forks, then return it to the soup and stir well.

7. Add fresh herbs

Just before serving, add freshly chopped parsley to brighten up the flavor.

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Tips for Customizing the Recipe

One of the best things about crock pot soup is how easily it adapts to different tastes, diets, and what’s already in your kitchen.

Make it vegetarian
Swap the chicken for canned white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add zucchini or spinach toward the end of the cooking process.

Add grains for extra heartiness
Try stirring in cooked quinoa, barley, or brown rice during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This boosts fiber and adds texture.

Spice it up
Add a diced jalapeño, crushed red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce if you prefer a little heat.

Try different proteins
Instead of chicken, use turkey, beef stew meat, or even lentils for a plant-based protein source.

Go dairy-free or creamy
For a creamy twist, blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in. Want it richer? Stir in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end.

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Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough nutritional breakdown per one-cup serving of the base recipe:

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 480mg (using low-sodium broth)

These values may vary depending on ingredient brands and any customizations you make. Regardless, this soup remains a light yet satisfying choice for lunch or dinner.

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Serving Suggestions

This crock pot soup pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider these ideas to complete your meal:

• Warm, crusty bread like a French baguette or sourdough
• A fresh garden salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Grilled cheese sandwiches for a cozy, comforting combination
• Roasted vegetables on the side for added nutrients
• Crackers or cornbread for a Southern-style twist

You can also serve the soup on its own in large mugs for a light lunch or after-school snack.

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FAQs

Can I freeze crock pot soup?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

What size crock pot works best for this recipe?
A standard 6-quart crock pot works perfectly for this recipe and leaves enough room for stirring and expanding ingredients.

Can I make this soup overnight?
It’s not recommended to leave soup cooking overnight unless you plan to monitor it. Cooking during the day is safer and more practical.

How can I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove one cup of the soup, blend it, and stir it back in. You can also add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking.

Is it okay to add frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be added during the last hour of cooking to prevent overcooking.

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Conclusion

Making a delicious, nourishing soup in a crock pot doesn’t have to be complicated. With a bit of chopping, layering, and patience, you’ll end up with a hearty meal that’s comforting, versatile, and perfect for busy schedules. This crock pot soup recipe brings together simple ingredients and cozy flavors in a way that feels like home.