Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Soup Recipe
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked meal perfect for any day. Tender chicken breasts simmer with aromatic garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and crushed tomatoes in a rich broth, then finished with creamy heavy cream and Parmesan cheese for a luscious texture. Easy to prepare and ideal for busy schedules, this soup delivers hearty satisfaction with every spoonful.
- Author: Naya
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Chicken and Broth
- 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy and Thickening
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thickening)
- Prepare the crock pot: Place the raw chicken breasts or thighs in the bottom of the crock pot, ensuring they are evenly distributed for even cooking.
- Add aromatics and seasonings: Add the finely chopped yellow onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and the can of crushed tomatoes on top of the chicken.
- Add broth: Pour 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth over the ingredients in the crock pot to combine all flavors.
- Cook the soup: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 6 to 7 hours, or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot, stirring it into the soup.
- Add cream: Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream to bring a rich, creamy texture to the soup.
- Optional thickening: If desired, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Slowly stir this slurry into the soup to thicken it.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Gradually add 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has completely melted into the soup.
- Final simmer: Cook the soup uncovered on low heat for an additional 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Season and garnish: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley just before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful soup, or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, increase the crushed red pepper flakes.
- The cornstarch slurry is optional but helps achieve a thicker, creamier consistency.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream and Parmesan cheese with coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Keywords: Crock Pot Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Slow Cooker Soup, Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Soup, Creamy Tomato Soup