If you’re craving a meal that’s easy to make and deliciously comforting, this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is for you. With tender chicken, fluffy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy broth, this recipe brings warmth to your table without a fuss. I’ll guide you through simple steps, from gathering ingredients to perfecting texture. Get ready to satisfy your hunger with a dish that’s sure to please everyone!
Ingredients
To make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup carrots, diced
– 1 cup celery, diced
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 bay leaf
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1 package (16 oz) gnocchi
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley for garnish
Each ingredient plays an important role in this cozy soup. The chicken provides protein, while the broth adds depth. Carrots and celery give it crunch. Onion and garlic bring out flavor. Thyme and oregano add warmth. Spinach makes it healthy, and the gnocchi makes it filling. Heavy cream gives a rich texture.
For serving, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and a fresh taste. You can serve the soup with crusty bread for dipping, too. Enjoy the comfort of this delightful soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Slow Cooker
Start by layering the ingredients in your slow cooker. First, place one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom. Next, add four cups of chicken broth for a rich base. Then, toss in one cup of diced carrots, one cup of diced celery, and one small chopped onion. Don’t forget the three cloves of minced garlic! For flavor, sprinkle in one teaspoon each of dried thyme and oregano, plus one bay leaf. Finish with salt and pepper to taste.
Now, cover the slow cooker. You can cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when done.
Cooking the Soup
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker.
Next, it’s time to add the gnocchi. Pour in one package (16 oz) of gnocchi and two cups of baby spinach. Stir everything together gently. This is where the soup begins to take shape!
Now, pour in one cup of heavy cream for that creamy finish. Stir until everything mixes well and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. This will ensure the gnocchi gets tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
When serving, ladle the soup into bowls. A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a lovely touch. For an extra treat, serve some crusty bread on the side. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. Enjoy every comforting sip!
Tips & Tricks
Adjusting Flavor
To make this soup shine, balance the seasonings well. Start with salt and pepper. Taste often and adjust. You can add more thyme or oregano for depth. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the flavors too.
To enhance the broth flavor, use good-quality chicken broth. Homemade broth packs more flavor than store-bought. You can also add a splash of white wine for an extra kick.
Perfecting Texture
Achieving the right consistency is key. You want a creamy soup, not too thick or thin. The heavy cream adds richness, so stir it in at the end.
To avoid mushy gnocchi, add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking. They cook quickly, and this keeps them tender. If you add them too early, they might fall apart.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. If you cook it too long, it can become dry. Cook just until tender, then shred it.
Also, remember that slow cookers vary. If yours runs hot, check the soup sooner. Each slow cooker has different heat levels, so adjust as needed.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can change the proteins in this soup. Instead of chicken, try turkey or tofu. Turkey gives a nice flavor, while tofu makes it vegan. Both options keep your soup tasty and filling.
For vegetables, switch things up based on what you like. You can add peas for sweetness or bell peppers for crunch. Zucchini and corn also add great texture. Feel free to mix and match!
Dairy-Free Options
If you want to skip dairy, you have options. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut milk. It gives a rich flavor without the dairy. Almond milk is another good choice. It keeps your soup light and tasty.
To make a lighter version, reduce the cream. You can also add more broth or use a thicker vegetable puree. This way, you still get a creamy feel without all the calories.
Seasonal Additions
Using seasonal veggies makes this soup even better. In spring, toss in fresh asparagus or peas. In summer, add diced tomatoes or squash for a pop of color. In fall, consider sweet potatoes or kale, which add great flavor.
Don’t forget to adjust your herbs! In winter, use hearty spices like rosemary. In spring and summer, fresh basil or dill can brighten your soup. These little changes make each bowl unique and full of flavor!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store your leftover soup, let it cool first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. This keeps the soup fresh and tasty. The soup lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Remember to label the container with the date you made the soup. This helps you track how long it’s been stored.
Freezing and Reheating
You can freeze chicken gnocchi soup for longer storage. First, let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. This soup can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw the soup overnight in the fridge.
To reheat, pour the soup into a pot on the stove. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also microwave it in a bowl, but be sure to cover it. Heat it in short bursts to avoid hot spots. If the soup seems thick after freezing, add a bit of broth or water to bring it back to life. Enjoy your cozy bowl of soup any time!
FAQs
How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
It takes about 15 minutes to prep the soup. After that, you cook it for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. The total time from start to finish is around 7 hours and 30 minutes. This includes cooking and prep time. The slow cooker does most of the work for you!
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make this soup in advance! It stores well in the fridge. Simply let it cool before placing it in an airtight container. It can last for 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just remember to leave out the gnocchi when freezing. You can add it fresh when you reheat the soup.
What sides pair well with Chicken Gnocchi Soup?
This soup is rich and filling. It pairs well with crusty bread for dipping. A simple side salad with greens also works great. You can add a little lemon juice for extra flavor. Cheese bread or garlic bread complements the soup nicely too!
This blog post covers the essential steps to make a delicious slow cooker chicken gnocchi soup. We discussed key ingredients, cooking methods, and storage tips. Remember, you can adjust flavors and textures to suit your taste. Try using different proteins or seasonal vegetables for unique variations. With these tips, your soup will be perfect every time. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying dish that warms the heart. Happy cooking!
