When the weather turns cold or when you simply crave comfort in a bowl, nothing beats the rich and satisfying flavor of a warm, hearty soup. Enter the Chicken and Mushroom Soup-a dish that’s not only packed with nourishing ingredients but also brimming with flavor. And the best part? It’s made effortlessly in a crock pot! A crock pot (or slow cooker) is a game-changer for those who love homemade meals but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. With minimal prep, you can set it and forget it, allowing all the ingredients to meld together into a creamy, savory delight.
This particular recipe combines tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and a velvety broth that’s both filling and nutritious. Whether you’re looking to feed a busy family, or you’re just craving a comforting meal, this Chicken and Mushroom Soup is perfect for any occasion. So, let’s break down the recipe and get you into the kitchen!
Chicken And Mushroom Soup Crock Pot Recipe
This recipe takes the best elements of classic chicken soup-tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a flavorful broth-and enhances it with earthy mushrooms and a creamy finish. Plus, cooking it in the crock pot means you’ll have a hands-off approach, with flavors slowly developing throughout the day.
Ingredients Needed
To bring this soup to life, here’s everything you’ll need. The combination of ingredients ensures you get that rich, savory depth of flavor that everyone will love.
- Chicken Breasts or Thighs (Boneless and Skinless) – You’ll need around 2 pounds. Chicken breasts will provide a lighter texture, while thighs offer a richer, juicier flavor.
- Mushrooms (8 oz) – Sliced button or cremini mushrooms are ideal. You could also use portobello for a more intense mushroom flavor.
- Carrots (2-3 medium) – Thinly sliced or diced for a bit of sweetness and texture.
- Celery (2 stalks) – Adds a subtle crunch and freshness.
- Yellow Onion (1 medium) – Diced, to create a savory foundation for the soup’s base.
- Garlic (3-4 cloves) – Minced, to infuse the broth with a warm, aromatic kick.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups) – Use low-sodium broth if you’re mindful of salt intake, or go with regular for a more robust flavor.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – This will give your soup that smooth, creamy consistency that elevates it from a simple broth to a decadent meal.
- Thyme (1 tsp dried) – A lovely herb to give the soup an earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with chicken and mushrooms.
- Bay Leaves (2) – These subtle leaves add a layer of depth, almost like a whisper of flavor.
- Salt and Pepper – Season to taste, and feel free to adjust based on your preference.
- Flour (2 tbsp) – A little flour will help thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.
- Parsley (fresh, for garnish) – Optional, but adds a pop of color and freshness to the final dish.
Cooking Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to make sure your chicken and mushroom soup turns out perfectly.
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Prepare Your Ingredients
- Start by slicing your mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. This is all about creating a good mise en place, so everything’s ready to go when you need it.
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Brown The Chicken (Optional)
- While this step is optional, browning the chicken in a skillet for a couple of minutes on each side can really enhance the flavor of your soup. It’s a great way to develop a richer, deeper taste.
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Add Everything To The Crock Pot
- Place the sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and bay leaves into the crock pot. Add the chicken (either whole or in pieces) on top. Then, pour in the chicken broth.
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Season
- Sprinkle in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently to combine, and then cover the crock pot.
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Cook
- Set the crock pot to low and cook for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be cooked through and tender, while the vegetables become soft and flavorful.
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Shred The Chicken
- Once the soup is done cooking, take the chicken out and shred it using two forks. You can return the shredded chicken to the soup, or leave it on the side for a more chunky texture if you prefer.
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Make The Soup Creamy
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and flour until smooth. Slowly stir this mixture into the soup. Let the soup cook for another 30 minutes to thicken and achieve that creamy, comforting texture.
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Garnish And Serve
- Once the soup is thickened to your liking, taste it and adjust seasoning as necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Ingredient Insights
Each ingredient in this soup has a specific role to play, both in flavor and texture:
- Chicken: The star of the show, chicken provides the hearty base of the soup, giving it that protein-packed richness.
- Mushrooms: These bring an earthy, umami flavor that enhances the soup’s depth. They’re also a great source of antioxidants and nutrients.
- Carrots and Celery: These vegetables lend both sweetness and texture. Together, they create the perfect balance between savory and sweet in the soup.
- Heavy Cream: The heavy cream is what transforms this soup from a simple broth into something decadent and smooth.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatics are the backbone of any great soup. They develop rich flavors as they simmer, creating a savory base.
- Thyme and Bay Leaves: The herbs bring layers of flavor that complement the chicken and mushrooms beautifully.
Expert Tips
- Make Ahead: This soup actually gets better with time! Feel free to prepare it the day before, and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently before serving.
- Customize the Texture: If you want a thicker, creamier soup, you can blend part of the soup (after shredding the chicken) to create a more uniform consistency.
- Control the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half as a substitute.
- Herb Alternatives: If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or sage can work as great alternatives to give the soup an herby kick.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about soup is how flexible it is. Here are some variations you can try based on your preferences:
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or almond milk. It will give a slightly different flavor but still add richness to the soup.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like potatoes, leeks, or parsnips. You could also use vegetable broth for a more plant-based soup.
- Spicy Kick: For some heat, add a chopped jalapeño or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Add Noodles or Rice: To make this soup even heartier, you can add some cooked noodles or rice towards the end of the cooking process.
Final Words
This Chicken and Mushroom Soup is the epitome of comfort food. It’s warm, filling, and just the right balance of flavors. Thanks to the magic of the crock pot, you get all the richness of a slow-cooked meal without the hours of effort. It’s the perfect recipe for busy weeknights or when you want to have leftovers for days.