This Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly days or when you need a nourishing meal. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop slowly, resulting in tender chicken and a rich, flavorful broth. This soup is simple to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it an easy yet satisfying dish for any day of the week.
What is Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup?
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup is a hearty, homemade soup made with chicken, vegetables, herbs, and broth, slowly cooked to perfection. The slow cooking process helps to tenderize the chicken and allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and comforting soup. This dish is ideal for meal prep or when you want a healthy, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
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Why You Should Try This Recipe
- Minimal prep, maximum flavor: The slow cooker does most of the work, leaving you with a rich, flavorful soup.
- Healthy and nourishing: Packed with protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients.
- Great for meal prep: Make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later.
- Comforting and warming: Perfect for cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the vegetables or herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Chicken thighs (500g, bone-in, skinless): Adds flavor and becomes tender after slow cooking.
- Carrots (2 large, chopped): Adds sweetness and heartiness to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Provides a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds depth and sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with aromatic flavor.
- Potatoes (2 medium, diced): Makes the soup more filling and hearty.
- Chicken stock (1 liter): Forms the base of the soup, adding richness.
- Bay leaves (2): Adds an earthy, herbal flavor.
- Fresh thyme (1-2 sprigs or 1 tsp dried): Provides a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, chopped): Adds a fresh finish.
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Knife and cutting board
- Ladle
- Mixing spoon
Instructions to Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic.
- Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Add stock and season: Pour the chicken stock over the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the thighs from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning: Stir the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
What Goes Well with Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup?
- Crusty bread: Perfect for soaking up the rich broth.
- Garlic bread: Adds extra flavor and texture to the meal.
- Green salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled cheese sandwich: Pairs well with the hearty, comforting soup.
- Roasted vegetables: Serve alongside roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.
Expert Tips for Making the Best Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Use bone-in chicken: Bone-in chicken thighs add more flavor to the broth. You can remove the bones before serving for easier eating.
- Add the herbs at the end: For a brighter, fresher flavor, add fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving.
- Adjust the texture: If you prefer a thicker soup, remove a cup of the cooked vegetables, blend them, and stir them back into the soup.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Easy Variations of Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Add noodles: For a chicken noodle soup variation, add cooked noodles or pasta during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
- Creamy version: Stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk for a creamier texture.
- Spicy twist: Add chili flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Lemon chicken soup: Add the juice of one lemon and some lemon zest for a zesty, bright flavor.
- Vegetarian option: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or lentils, and use vegetable stock for a plant-based version.
Best Practices to Store Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for longer storage: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Portion for convenience: Freeze the soup in individual portions for easy reheating.
Best Practices to Reheat Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
- Reheat on the stovetop: Pour the soup into a saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Microwave for quick reheating: Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until hot.
- Add liquid if necessary: If the soup thickens after refrigeration or freezing, add a splash of water or stock while reheating to adjust the consistency.
How Can I Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup Healthier?
- Use skinless chicken: Opt for skinless chicken thighs or breasts to reduce the fat content.
- Add more vegetables: Increase the amount of vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or kale for extra nutrients.
- Use low-sodium stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt content.
- Skip the cream: Keep it a broth-based soup for a lighter, healthier version.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
Final Words
The Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s hearty, healthy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the slow cooking process. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a warm and satisfying meal that’s ideal for meal prepping or serving on cold days.
Give it a try, and you’ll have a new go-to soup recipe that the whole family will love!
More By British Baking Recipes
- Hairy Bikers Leek And Potato Soup
- Hairy Bikers Carrot And Coriander Soup
- Jamie Oliver Carrot And Ginger Soup
- Jamie Oliver Carrot And Red Lentil Soup
- Hairy Bikers Shortcrust Pastry
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 420
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: British
Description
Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chicken Soup is a hearty, homemade soup made with chicken, vegetables, herbs, and broth, slowly cooked to perfection. The slow cooking process helps to tenderize the chicken and allows all the ingredients to meld together, creating a rich and comforting soup. This dish is ideal for meal prep or when you want a healthy, home-cooked meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (500g, bone-in, skinless): Adds flavor and becomes tender after slow cooking.
- Carrots (2 large, chopped): Adds sweetness and heartiness to the soup.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Provides a subtle, earthy flavor.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped): Adds depth and sweetness.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the soup with aromatic flavor.
- Potatoes (2 medium, diced): Make the soup more filling and hearty.
- Chicken stock (1 liter): Forms the base of the soup, adding richness.
- Bay leaves (2): Adds an earthy, herbal flavor.
- Fresh thyme (1-2 sprigs or 1 tsp dried): Provides a fragrant, herbaceous note.
- Salt and pepper: To taste.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, chopped): Adds a fresh finish.
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Peel and chop the carrots, celery, potatoes, and onion. Mince the garlic.
- Add ingredients to the slow cooker: Place the chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chopped vegetables, garlic, bay leaves, and thyme.
- Add stock and season: Pour the chicken stock over the ingredients. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook on low: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove the thighs from the slow cooker and shred the meat using two forks. Discard the bones and return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning: Stir the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad.
