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A collection of warming crockpot soup recipes simmering in a slow cooker.

Hearty Slow-Cooker Chicken & Herb Soup with Secret Broth Booster

This hearty slow-cooker soup features tender chicken, vegetables, and aromatic herbs, boosted by a secret ingredient for an extra layer of flavor. It's perfect for a comforting and easy meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • slow cooker

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks diced
  • 2 garlic minced
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth low sodium recommended
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 0.5 teaspoon dried rosemary crushed
  • bay leaf
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup small pasta e.g., ditalini, elbow macaroni - optional
  • 0.5 cup fresh parsley chopped for garnish

Secret Broth Booster

  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste for chicken/veg broth
  • 1 parmesan rind if making a creamy or tomato-based soup, remove before serving
  • Worcestershire sauce for beefier broths

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then sauté chopped onion, carrots, and celery for 5-7 minutes until softened and lightly browned. Stir in minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant.
  • If using chicken pieces, sear them in the skillet for 2-3 minutes per side until lightly browned. If using ground meat, cook until no longer pink and drain any excess fat.
  • Transfer the sautéed vegetables and seared meat to your slow cooker.
  • Pour in the broth, diced tomatoes, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf, then season with initial salt and pepper.
  • Stir in your chosen "Broth Booster."
  • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the meat is tender and vegetables are soft.
  • If adding pasta, stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cooking on high, or the last hour on low, until al dente.
  • Remove the bay leaf and any parmesan rind, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve.

Notes

For a richer broth, don't skip the optional searing step for the chicken. The "Secret BROTH Booster" really elevates the flavor, so be sure to include one!