Chicken, Carrot, and Celery Soup

This homemade Chicken, Carrot, and Celery Soup is the perfect recipe for a cozy, hearty meal. Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs, this slow cooker soup is easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy chicken soup, a comforting winter meal, or a simple slow cooker recipe, this dish checks all the boxes. With ingredients like chicken, carrots, celery, and thyme, it’s a nutritious, flavorful option for any time of the year. Plus, it’s gluten-free and can be customized with your favorite vegetables or pasta. Make it ahead, freeze it for later, and enjoy it all week long!

Ingredients

• 1 Springer Mountain Farms whole chicken
• 3-4 carrots, diced
• 3-4 celery stalks, diced
• 1 onion, quartered
• 6-8 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 ½ tablespoons dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 1 (8 oz) box of cooked pasta (optional)
• 7 cups water

Instructions

1. Start by removing the giblets and neck from the chicken and rinse it under cold water.
2. Stuff the cavity of the chicken with a small portion of the onion, celery, 2 sprigs of thyme, and carrots. Tie the cavity closed with butcher’s twine.
3. Place the diced onion, celery, and carrots into a large slow cooker or crockpot. Pour in 7 cups of water.
4. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, and dried parsley. Rub this seasoning mixture all over the chicken, making sure to coat all sides evenly.
5. Place the chicken breast side up into the crockpot, on top of the vegetables. Add the remaining thyme sprigs and sprinkle the chicken with paprika.
6. Cover and cook on high for 5-6 hours or on low for 7-8 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
7. Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the crockpot and place it on a plate to cool.
8. After the chicken has cooled, discard the skin, shred the meat off the bones, and return the shredded chicken to the crockpot.
9. Add the cooked pasta to the soup and stir to combine. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken, Carrot, and Celery Soup is a hearty and comforting dish, perfect for chilly days. The slow-cooked chicken is incredibly tender, and the vegetables add a natural sweetness to the broth. The addition of pasta makes it even more filling, turning it into a complete meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for meal prepping, as it can be stored in the fridge for several days or frozen for future use.

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Tips

• Shredding the Chicken: Make sure to allow the chicken to cool a bit before shredding to avoid burns. Using two forks works best for shredding the meat into bite-sized pieces.
• Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to taste the broth after cooking and adjust the seasoning. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs according to your preference.
• Make-Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Just wait to add the pasta until you’re ready to serve.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Add Extra Vegetables: You can include other vegetables such as parsnips, potatoes, or leeks to enhance the flavor and nutrition of the soup.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can substitute the whole chicken with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply add it towards the end of cooking, shredding it and adding it to the soup.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this soup gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta or omit the pasta altogether and serve with crusty bread on the side.
• Herbs and Spices: Experiment with adding garlic, rosemary, or sage for an additional depth of flavor.

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FAQs

Can I use a frozen chicken? Yes, you can use a frozen chicken. Just be aware that it will take a bit longer to cook, especially if you’re using a slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe on the stovetop instead of in a slow cooker? Yes, you can. In a large pot, add the chicken, water, vegetables, and seasonings. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Then proceed with the shredding and adding the pasta.

How do I store leftovers? Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Let the soup cool before refrigerating or freezing.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve this soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
• For a garnish, you can top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon juice for extra freshness.
• If you like spice, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade, comforting chicken soup!