Making homemade cream of chicken soup is good for you. It’s better than store-bought soup. I use fresh veggies and lean chicken in my slow cooker. This way, I avoid too much salt and fat. It’s quick to make, too. Just five ingredients and under four minutes. Studies show homemade soup boosts your immune system. Chicken, garlic, onions, and veggies give you lots of vitamins. This helps fight off viruses and can make you feel better when sick. My homemade soup is healthier than store-bought. For example, it has fewer calories. Campbell’s has too much sodium and many ingredients. Soup is also a great way to eat veggies. It’s a balanced meal. My homemade soup is not just tasty, but also keeps me warm on cold nights.
Ingredients
For the Dijon Dressing
- ▢1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ▢1 lemon, juiced
- ▢1 garlic clove, minced
- ▢1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes)
- ▢1 teaspoon sumac (or lemon zest)
- ▢Kosher salt
- ▢Black pepper
- ▢1/4 cup Extra virgin olive oil
For the Salad
- ▢2 (15-ounce) cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- ▢1 large English cucumber, chopped
- ▢2 cups grape tomatoes, halved
- ▢2 roasted red peppers, seeded and chopped (or a 16-ounce jar roasted peppers in oil)
- ▢1 small red onion or 2 shallots, finely chopped
- ▢1 cup chopped parsley leaves
- ▢1/2 cup chopped mint leaves
- ▢1 avocado, pitted and roughly chopped
Instructions
- Make the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together the Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, Aleppo pepper, sumac, and salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon each). Whisk, and while whisking, drizzle in enough olive oil to make it nicely glossy and well-balanced. Continue to whisk until emulsified.
- Mix. To the bowl with the dressing, add the chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, roasted bell peppers, onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently. Add the avocado and toss very gently once more.
- Enjoy! Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking and serve immediately.
Storage Tips for Leftover Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup
After enjoying a warm bowl of homemade slow cooker soup, it’s key to store leftovers right. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. Here are my best tips for keeping your creamy chicken soup good for days.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Leftover soup needs to go in the fridge fast to avoid sickness.
Here’s how to store chicken soup well:
- Put the soup in an airtight container for the best taste.
- Write the date on the container so you remember where it’s from.
- The soup stays good in the fridge for 4-5 days.
Here’s how I freeze my soup:
- Use a freezer-safe, airtight container or resealable plastic bags for storing chicken soup.
- Leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand when frozen.
- This tasty homemade slow cooker soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
To enjoy the frozen soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Or, thaw it by submerging the container in warm water. Then, heat the soup on medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring often until it’s hot.
Serving Ideas for Your Soup
Choosing the right way to serve Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup makes meals better. I like to serve it with sides that match its creamy taste. Here are my top picks to make any meal special.
Perfect Pairings
Classic comfort foods are the best with creamy chicken soup. Here are some great choices:
Crusty bread – A warm loaf is perfect for scooping up the soup.
Soft dinner rolls – Great for dipping, they add a sweet touch.
Fresh garden salad – It’s a light, refreshing choice that balances the soup’s richness.
Best Sides to Complement the Soup
There are also wonderful sides that make the meal even better:
Roasted vegetables – Their sweet flavors go well with the creamy soup.
Garlic bread – It’s crispy outside and soft inside, a hit with guests.
Quinoa or rice – They soak up the broth, making the meal comforting.
Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup Variations
Trying new things with slow cooker cream of chicken soup can make meals better. You can add different veggies and proteins to make it your own. I like to try new ingredients to make the soup taste great and be healthy.
Different Vegetable Add-Ins
Adding veggies makes the soup colorful and healthy. Here are some veggies I like to add:
Spinach – adds a nutrient boost and pairs well with chicken
Zucchini – provides a mild flavor and great texture
Peppers – offers a pop of color and a hint of sweetness
Frozen peas – easy to throw in at the end of cooking for a quick addition
Carrots – bring sweetness and vibrant color
Changing Up the Proteins
Changing the protein can change how the soup tastes and feels.
Here are some ideas:
Shredded rotisserie chicken – saves time and adds a smoky flavor
Turkey – a leaner alternative to chicken
Chicken thighs – provide a richer flavor and juiciness
Vegetarian options – consider using chickpeas or tofu for a meatless variation
My homemade chicken soup has less sodium than store-bought ones. It’s a tasty and healthy choice. I love eating it and knowing it’s good for me.
Perfect Occasions for Serving Creamy Chicken Soup
Slow Cooker Cream of Chicken Soup is great for many events. It’s warm and comforting, perfect for any gathering. It’s a hit with family and friends at any time.
Cozy Family Dinners
On cold nights, nothing is better than a bowl of this soup. It’s a favorite at our family dinners. The smooth taste is wonderful with bread or over noodles.
Entertaining Guests
Having friends over is easier with this soup. It’s quick to make, so you can spend time with your guests. It’s a hit with biscuits or as a sandwich, making everyone happy.
Occasion Key Features Serving Suggestions
Cozy Family Dinners Warm and comforting Rice, noodles, or bread Entertaining Guests Easy preparation, delightful taste Biscuits, open-faced sandwiches
Additional Delicious Slow Cooker Recipes
Looking beyond slow cooker cream of chicken soup opens a world of flavors. There are many tasty slow cooker recipes to try. You’ll find new favorites to enjoy.
Other Comfort Food Classics
Beef stew is a great choice. It’s a hearty meal that warms you up. Mix beef, carrots, potatoes, and spices in your slow cooker. Cook it for hours. This lets the flavors mix well. Chili is another favorite. It’s full of beans, ground meat, and spices.
These dishes are perfect for a cozy meal.
More Easy Chicken Soup Recipes
Try more crockpot chicken dishes like chicken and noodles. It’s simple. Use chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, and noodles in chicken broth. It cooks for 5 to 6 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Each serving has 357 kcal. It’s a hit with families.These recipes are flexible. You can change them to fit your taste or what you have. Slow cookers make dinner easy and delicious. Start exploring these tasty options in your kitchen!
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