Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender chicken, sweet corn, and a flavorful blend of vegetables and herbs. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, this wholesome soup offers rich taste and nutrition with minimal effort—perfect for busy weeknights or warming up on chilly days.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Proteins
- 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Vegetables
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
Liquids & Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 to 2 teaspoons dried thyme (or preferred herbs like rosemary or basil)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. Mince the garlic cloves to release their fragrant oils, setting the base flavors for the soup.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer the chopped vegetables and corn on top. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle with dried thyme, salt, and pepper to create the perfect slow-cooking environment.
- Slow Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker on low heat and cook for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for about 4 hours. This slow cooking ensures juicy chicken and tender vegetables.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stir well, and let cook for another 10 minutes to absorb remaining flavors.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for an extra cozy touch before serving.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs or breasts for richer flavor, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
- Choose high-quality chicken broth or make your own for a robust base.
- Shredding chicken after cooking improves flavor distribution.
- Layer heavier ingredients on the bottom for even cooking.
- Use appropriately sized slow cooker to prevent over-concentration of flavors or drying out.
- Variations include adding jalapeños or cayenne for spice, cream or coconut milk for creaminess, extra vegetables like potatoes or zucchini, and swapping herbs like rosemary or basil.
- Serve over grains such as rice, quinoa, or pasta to make it more substantial.
- Spoon each serving with garnishes like sour cream, Greek yogurt, fresh herbs, or cracked black pepper.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days, freeze in portions for longer storage.
- Reheat gently on stovetop with a splash of broth or water if needed.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: slow cooker chicken soup, chicken and corn soup, easy slow cooker recipes, hearty chicken soup, gluten free soup