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For this soup, I use: - 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 large onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 medium carrots, sliced - 2 celery stalks, diced These main ingredients create a solid base. The chicken thighs are juicy and tender, making the soup hearty. The broth adds depth, while the veggies bring freshness and crunch. The key seasonings are: - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste These herbs add warmth and earthiness. The lemon zest and juice brighten the soup, making it fresh. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, making them pop. For a finishing touch, I like to add: - Fresh parsley or dill for garnish These herbs not only look great but also add a burst of flavor. You can sprinkle them on top before serving. They make each bite even more enjoyable! First, gather all your ingredients. You need chicken thighs, broth, and vegetables. Start with the onion. Dice it into small pieces. Next, take the garlic and mince it. Slice the carrots into thin rounds. Finally, chop the celery into small bits. Now, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Take the boneless chicken thighs and place them on a cutting board. You can leave them whole. We will shred them later. Once your vegetables and chicken are ready, you can move on. Grab your slow cooker. Place the whole chicken thighs at the bottom. Next, add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery on top of the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the vegetables and chicken. Sprinkle dried thyme, oregano, and lemon zest on top. Add salt and pepper to taste. Make sure everything is spread out evenly. Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you are short on time, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours. Check the chicken after the time is up. It should be fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken thighs and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup. Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes. Finally, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Now you are ready to serve! To make this soup shine, you can adjust the herbs and seasoning. I suggest tasting as you go. If you like more flavor, add extra thyme or oregano. A little more lemon juice can brighten the soup. If you prefer a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes works well. I love using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They stay juicy and tender during cooking. Thighs also soak up the soup's flavors better than chicken breasts. If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts, but they may dry out. To enhance creaminess, heavy cream is perfect. However, you can try alternatives. Coconut milk adds a nice flavor and is dairy-free. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt. Just stir it in slowly to keep the soup smooth. {{image_2}} You can mix in lots of veggies to boost flavor and nutrition. Here are some ideas: - Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach for a nice color and taste. - Zucchini: Add diced zucchini for a soft texture. - Peas: Toss in frozen peas toward the end of cooking for sweetness. - Potatoes: Cube small potatoes for a heartier soup. Feel free to get creative based on what you have. Each vegetable adds a unique taste and texture. If you want to switch up the protein, you have options. Here are some great substitutes: - Turkey: Use ground turkey or turkey thighs for a leaner soup. - Tofu: For a vegetarian option, add cubed tofu. It soaks up the soup's flavors well. - Duck: Shredded duck can add a richer taste. These alternatives keep the soup tasty and satisfying. For a dairy-free version, here’s what you can do: - Coconut Milk: Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for creaminess. - Nut Milk: Use almond or cashew milk for a lighter option. - Thickener: Add a cornstarch slurry to help thicken the soup. These swaps ensure everyone can enjoy this delightful soup. To keep your Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure it cools down first. Place the container in the fridge. This soup stays good for about three days. When you want to eat it again, check for any off smells or changes in color. Freezing this soup is a great option for later meals. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. Label each bag with the date. This soup can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When you reheat your soup, aim for gentle warmth to keep the flavor and texture. You can use the stove or microwave. If using the stove, pour the soup into a pot and heat on low. Stir often to prevent sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a splash of broth or cream if it seems too thick. Enjoy your delicious soup just like it was fresh! Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs in this recipe. When using frozen meat, cooking times change. If you use frozen chicken, cook on high for about 4 to 5 hours. If you prefer low heat, plan for 8 to 9 hours. Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. The soup stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it. Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic in a pot. Then, add the carrots, celery, and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil before adding the chicken. Let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Shred the chicken, then stir in cream and lemon juice. Cook for another 10 minutes for a creamy finish. In this article, we covered how to make a hearty slow cooker chicken soup. We discussed key ingredients like chicken thighs and fresh veggies. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips to perfect the flavors. We also looked at fun variations, storage info, and answered common questions. Making this soup can be easy and fun. Keep experimenting with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup

Indulge in the comforting flavors of Slow Cooker Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup! This easy recipe combines tender chicken thighs with fresh veggies, fragrant herbs, and a zesty lemon twist for a creamy, hearty meal. Perfect for busy days, this dish simmers gently in the slow cooker, ensuring rich flavors develop. Ready in just a few steps, it's a must-try for any dinner table. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and bring warmth to your home!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs

4 cups chicken broth

1 large onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, sliced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Zest of 1 lemon

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons lemon juice

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish

Instructions
 

Place the boneless chicken thighs at the bottom of the slow cooker.

    Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and diced celery on top of the chicken.

      Pour in the chicken broth, and sprinkle with dried thyme, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

        Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

          Once cooked, remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup.

            Stir in the heavy cream and lemon juice, and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

              Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

                Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 8 hours | Servings: 6