This cozy chicken soup is a breeze to make, using just five simple ingredients. Toss everything in the crockpot, and let it simmer until tasty magic happens!
The best part? It’s healthy and filling, perfect for chilly days. I love coming home to this warm bowl of goodness after a long day—it feels like a big hug in a cup!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this soup since they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re looking for alternatives, try thighs for a richer flavor or even turkey for a change!
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the soup healthy and lets you control the saltiness. If you’re avoiding chicken, vegetable broth works great too! Homemade broth can add even more flavor.
Carrots & Celery: These two add sweetness and crunch. You can easily swap carrots with sweet potatoes or parsnips. For celery, try bell peppers or zucchini if they are more available or to suit your taste.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a fresh touch at the end. If you don’t have parsley, cilantro can offer a different but tasty twist. Dried herbs like thyme or oregano can also work in the soup itself.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken in My Soup?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s super simple once you know how! The key is to let the chicken cook until it’s tender—this usually takes the full time suggested in the recipe.
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot using tongs. Let it rest for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Use two forks or your hands to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. If it feels tough, it may need a bit more cooking.
- Mix the shredded chicken back into the soup, allowing it to absorb more flavor!
Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning after shredding to make sure it’s just right before serving!
Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Paleo Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious chicken soup will take you about 10 minutes to prepare. Once you have everything in the crockpot, let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. After cooking, you’ll need a few extra minutes to shred the chicken and finish your soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by laying your boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of the crockpot. This will create a nice base for your soup. Next, slice your carrots and celery. These veggies will add great flavor and texture to your delicious soup.
2. Add the Vegetables and Broth:
Gently place the sliced carrots and celery on top of the chicken in the crockpot. Then, pour in the chicken broth, making sure everything is nicely submerged in the liquid. This is where all the flavors will meld together!
3. Season and Cook:
Now, sprinkle some salt and pepper over the top according to your taste preferences. Cover the crockpot with its lid. If you’re in a hurry, set it on high for 3-4 hours, or if you have more time, cook it on low for 6-8 hours. It’ll be ready when the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Shred and Serve:
When your cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup for a hearty finish. Before serving, ladle the soup into bowls and top it off with fresh parsley for a lovely garnish. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and enjoy your comforting and healthy paleo chicken soup!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to increase the cooking time by an hour or so if using frozen chicken breasts. There’s no need to thaw them first since they’ll cook thoroughly in the crockpot. Just check for doneness at the end of the cooking time!
What If I Don’t Have Chicken Broth?
No worries! You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth or even water, though using broth will add more flavor. If using water, consider adding a splash of soy sauce or a pinch of bouillon for added taste!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to chop them into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly. Add them in the last hour of cooking on low to prevent overcooking!
