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Easy Cozy Dump-and-Go Slow Cooker Chicken Soup Recipe for Busy Nights

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A simple, comforting slow cooker chicken soup perfect for busy nights, made with bone-in chicken thighs, fresh vegetables, and herbs. This dump-and-go recipe requires minimal prep and delivers rich, tender flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 bone-in, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt to taste (about 1 teaspoon)
  • Black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon)
  • 1 cup egg noodles or any small pasta (optional, add in last 30 minutes)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice the carrots, chop celery and onion, mince garlic (about 10 minutes prep).
  2. Place the bone-in chicken thighs flat at the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic over the chicken.
  4. Pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth to cover ingredients.
  5. Sprinkle dried thyme, dried parsley, salt, pepper, and add the bay leaf.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours (or high for 3-4 hours if in a hurry).
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, remove chicken thighs, shred the meat with two forks, discard bones, and return shredded chicken to the soup.
  8. If using, stir in 1 cup egg noodles and cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes until tender.
  9. Stir in 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice if desired.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper before serving.

Notes

If fresh garlic is unavailable, garlic powder can be used. Frozen mixed vegetables can substitute fresh veggies if added towards the end. For gluten-free, omit noodles or use gluten-free pasta. Adding noodles at the end prevents mushiness; alternatively, cook noodles separately and add before serving. A splash of soy sauce or chicken bouillon powder can enhance umami. Lemon juice brightens the flavor and should not be skipped. Bone-in chicken thighs provide richer flavor; if using boneless, reduce cooking time by about an hour.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken soup, easy chicken soup, dump-and-go soup, cozy soup recipe, slow cooker recipe, comfort food, chicken thighs soup