Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Soup
Grandma’s Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Soup: Comfort in Every Bite
Is there anything more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup? This isn’t just any chicken soup, though. This is Grandma’s Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Soup, a recipe passed down through generations and adapted for the modern, busy cook. Forget spending hours simmering on the stovetop – this recipe lets your slow cooker do all the work, delivering incredibly flavorful and tender soup with minimal effort.
We’re talking fall-off-the-bone chicken, perfectly tender vegetables, and a broth that’s rich, nourishing, and packed with goodness. It’s the perfect meal for a chilly evening, when you’re feeling under the weather, or simply craving a taste of home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Effortless: Seriously, it’s mostly hands-off cooking.
- Flavorful: Using a whole chicken creates a richer, more complex broth than using pre-cut pieces.
- Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with vegetables and lean protein.
- Versatile: A great base for adding other veggies or herbs you enjoy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Makes a large batch, ideal for lunches or freezing for later.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
The secret lies in using a whole chicken. This imparts a depth of flavor that you just can’t achieve with chicken breasts or thighs. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a truly comforting and satisfying soup. We also love the addition of quinoa for a boost of protein and texture.
Tips for Success:
- Don’t skimp on the water: Ensure the chicken and vegetables are mostly submerged for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste: Salt and pepper are essential, but feel free to add other herbs and spices you enjoy.
- Remove the skin (optional): For a lower-fat soup, remove the skin from the chicken before cooking.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap out or add other vegetables like green beans, peas, or kale.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use pre-cut chicken pieces?
A: While you can, using a whole chicken will result in a much richer and more flavorful broth.
Q: Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes! Reduce the cooking time significantly. Pressure cook on high for about 30-40 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Q: What if I don’t have quinoa?
A: You can substitute with rice, barley, or another grain of your choice.
Q: Can I add other herbs or spices?
A: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different flavors. Thyme, bay leaf, and garlic are all great additions.
Get ready to enjoy a bowl of pure comfort. This Grandma’s Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Soup is a family favorite for a reason – it’s simply delicious!
Grandma's Slow Cooker Whole Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken
- 2 medium onions
- 6-8 medium potatoes
- 1 large sweet potato or 1 cup diced pumpkin
- 4 large carrots
- 4 medium zucchini
- 2 sticks celery sliced
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- water as needed water
Instructions
- Plug in your Slow Cooker and turn to high.
- Add Whole chicken and two cups of water, rosemary, onion, salt and pepper. Cook on high for 2 hours.
- Add quinoa and all vegetables except zucchinis. Pour in boiling water until Crock pot is ¾ full.
- Cook for 1½ hrs until chicken breaks away from the bone and vegetables are tender.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and take the chicken off the bone. Put the unboned chicken pieces back into the pot and dispose of the bones.
- Add zucchinis and cook for 30 minutes.
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