Who doesn’t love a bowl of hearty soup on a cold day? This Chicken and Veg Soup is not only delicious but also super easy to make. It’s packed with chicken, veggies, and lentils for a filling meal that will warm you up from the inside out. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare in the slow cooker. The best part? No need to blend anything just let the slow cooker do all the work!

Method in Detail

Chop the Veggies

Start by preparing your vegetables. Begin with the carrots, cutting them into small chunks so they cook evenly and are easy to eat. For the celery and leeks, slice them to your preference, but remember that bite-sized pieces are ideal for soups. This will ensure each spoonful has a balanced mix of flavors and textures. The preparation might take a few minutes, but the final result is so worth it!

Load the Slow Cooker

Once your veggies are ready, it’s time to assemble everything in the slow cooker. Start by adding your chopped vegetables, followed by the cooked chicken, which should be shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. Then, measure and pour in the barley or lentils (or soup mix), depending on what you’re using. The barley will give the soup a lovely, hearty texture, while the lentils will thicken it and add extra protein. Next, pour in the chicken stock. If you’re using store-bought stock, aim for around 1.4 liters, or just fill the slow cooker to the top, ensuring that the ingredients are submerged. Season with salt and pepper to taste this is your chance to add flavor before it begins to cook.

Cook

Now, it’s time to let the slow cooker work its magic! Set the cooker to high for about 3 hours or low for 5 hours. If you have the luxury of time, it’s a good idea to add the chicken towards the end of the cooking process (the last hour or two). This helps the chicken stay juicy and tender without falling apart into strings. However, if you’re short on time, go ahead and add it at the beginning, knowing that it will eventually break down into soft, flavorful pieces. The long cooking time allows the ingredients to meld together, so don’t worry if it seems like everything is falling apart the flavors will be richer and the textures just right.

Serve

Once the cooking time is up, give the soup a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Using a soup ladle, carefully scoop the soup into individual bowls. The warm, aromatic broth will fill your kitchen with a comforting scent, perfect for a chilly day. For an extra touch, serve the soup with a side of crusty bread, ideal for dipping into the delicious, savory broth. If you want a burst of fresh flavor, sprinkle some finely chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and extra taste.

Necessary Tools

Slow cooker
Knife and chopping board
Measuring cups
Soup ladle
Serving bowls

Chicken and Veg Soup

Recipe by Simon Davies

0.0 from 0 votes

Cuisine: ChineseDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

hours

Total time

hours

minutes

Ingredients

300g cooked chicken
700g mixed veggies (carrots, celery, leeks)
Fresh parsley
Salt & pepper to taste
1/2 cup barley/lentils (you can use a soup mix for convenience)
1.4L chicken stock (or enough to fill your slow cooker)

Directions

Chop the Veggies: Start by chopping the carrots into small chunks. The celery and leeks can be chopped to your preference, but make sure everything is bite-sized.
Load the Slow Cooker: Add the chopped veggies, cooked chicken, barley (or soup mix), and chicken stock into the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook: Set your slow cooker to high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. If you have time, add the chicken in the last hour or two to keep it from falling apart. If you’re in a rush, you can add it right at the start. The longer it cooks, the more it breaks down into a tender, stringy texture.
Serve: Once it’s done, grab your ladle and scoop the soup into bowls. Serve with some crusty bread for a perfect meal.

Notes

Don’t overcook the chicken: If you add the chicken from the start, keep an eye on the time to avoid it turning too stringy. Adding it near the end of cooking keeps it tender and juicy.
Adjust for taste: As with any slow cooker recipe, feel free to taste and adjust the seasoning at the end. You can always add more salt and pepper as needed.
Barley/Lentils: If you want to stretch the soup further, you can add extra barley or lentils. Just be sure to adjust the liquid levels accordingly to keep it from getting too thick.

Serving Suggestions

This soup is already hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a slice of warm, crusty bread for dipping. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and extra flavor. For a more filling meal, try serving it alongside a light salad.

Fun Fact

Did you know that this type of chicken and veg soup is a traditional Irish dish? It’s a staple comfort food in many Irish households, especially during colder months. The hearty mix of veggies and chicken is not just delicious, it’s also packed with nutrients to keep you energized!

Conclusion

This Chicken and Veg Soup is the ultimate comfort food simple to make, tasty, and filling. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for an easy meal for yourself, this soup ticks all the boxes. So, grab your slow cooker, throw in the ingredients, and enjoy a warm, nourishing bowl of goodness!