# Hearty Chicken and Vegetable Soup Crock Pot Recipe
If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this soup crock pot recipe. This hearty chicken an……
If you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal that practically cooks itself, look no further than this soup crock pot recipe. This hearty chicken and vegetable soup is perfect for those busy days when you want a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Using a crock pot, or slow cooker, allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
## Ingredients
To make this soup crock pot recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups of water
- 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) of diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup of frozen corn
- 1 cup of green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## Instructions
1. **Prepare the Ingredients**: Begin by washing and chopping all your vegetables. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
2. **Layer the Ingredients**: In your crock pot, start by adding the chicken pieces. Next, layer the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and green beans. Pour in the chicken broth and water. Add the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, and then stir in the frozen corn.
3. **Season the Soup**: Add the dried thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together to ensure the ingredients are well combined.
4. **Cook the Soup**: Cover the crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The long, slow cooking process will allow the flavors to develop and the chicken to become tender.
5. **Finish and Serve**: Once the cooking time is complete, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Remove the bay leaf. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
## Tips for the Best soup crock pot recipe
- **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh vegetables and herbs will give your soup the best flavor. However, if you're in a pinch, frozen vegetables can be a convenient alternative.
- **Don't Skip the Searing**: If you have a few extra minutes, searing the chicken in a hot skillet before adding it to the crock pot can add an extra layer of flavor to your soup.
- **Customize Your Soup**: This soup crock pot recipe is highly versatile. Feel free to add or substitute vegetables based on what you have on hand. Potatoes, zucchini, or even kale can be great additions.
- **Storage**: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave when ready to serve.
## Nutritional Benefits
This soup crock pot recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Chicken provides a good source of lean protein, while the variety of vegetables contributes vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Using low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the sodium content in check, making this a heart-healthy option.
## Conclusion
Making a hearty chicken and vegetable soup using a soup crock pot recipe is an excellent way to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal with minimal effort. The slow cooking process ensures a rich, flavorful broth and tender ingredients that are sure to satisfy. Whether you're preparing it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a must-try for any soup lover. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delicious dish, and don't forget to share it with friends and family!