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autumn essentials: chicken, chicken soup

Andy59 avatar
Recipe by
Andy Anderson !
@Andy59
Wichita, KS

I love soups and stews any old time of the year; however, they just seem so much better when the days get shorter, and the temps begin to drop. And at the time of the year I am posting this the temps are REALLY beginning to drop. This is an excellent soup that gets its flavors from a few simple ingredients, plus quality time in your slow cooker. This is comfort food at its finest. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

yield serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 7 Hr
method Slow Cooker Crock Pot

Ingredients For autumn essentials: chicken, chicken soup

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • 2 Tbsp
    sweet butter, unsalted
  • 1 md
    yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 clove
    garlic, minced
  • 3 - 4 md
    carrots, bite-size pieces
  • 3 md
    celery stalks, bite-size pieces
  • 1/2 tsp
    dried thyme
  • 1/2 Tbsp
    dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp
    dried dill
  • 2 md
    bay leaves, dried
  • 4 c
    chicken stock, not broth
  • 4 c
    filtered water
  • 1
    whole chicken, about 4 pounds, give or take
  • 1 Tbsp
    salt, kosher variety
  • 1/2 tsp
    white pepper, freshly ground, or to taste

How To Make autumn essentials: chicken, chicken soup

  • 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • 2
    You will need a slow cooker, instant pot, or crockpot to make this recipe.
  • 3
    If the chicken comes with giblets, and/or the neck, remove them, and freeze for making things like chicken stock.
  • 4
    Since we are not adding any pasta or rice directly to the soup, it will last in the fridge for about 4 – 5 days before beginning to lose its flavor. However, if you properly freeze it, it will last several months.
  • 5
    Gather your ingredients (mise en place).
  • 6
    Add the butter to a saucepan over medium-low heat, then add the onions.
  • 7
    Cook until they soften and are just beginning to brown, about 15 – 20 minutes.
  • 8
    When I am browning onions, I like to work low-and-slow. I actually spent an hour getting them to this golden-brown yumminess. But, if you do not have that much time, you can add a bit more heat. Just make sure that they do not burn.
  • 9
    About 3 – 4 minutes before they are ready, toss in the garlic and mix with the onions.
  • 10
    Chop up the carrots and celery.
  • 11
    Add the onions, carrots, celery, and the dry spices to the slow cooker. Then pour in the water and stock. Give it a stir to mix the ingredients together and place the chicken on top.
  • 12
    Seal and set the slow cooker to low with a time of 7 hours.
  • 13
    Remove the chicken, allow to cool, then remove the skin, shred (I just use my hands), and return the meat to pot (discard the bones).
  • 14
    Slow cook for an additional 15 minutes.
  • 15
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So Yummy
    16
    Ladle into soup, bowls, and possibly garnish with a bit a Parmesan cheese, and serve with crackers, or crusty bread. Enjoy.
  • Stud Muffin
    17
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
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