t was one of those chilly autumn evenings when I just couldn’t shake the chill in my bones. The kind of night that makes you crave something hearty, comforting, and piping hot. That’s when I remembered my secret weapon – Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. I don’t know what it is about this dish, but it has a way of warming you up from the inside out and filling your home with the most mouthwatering aromas.
As I gathered the ingredients and started prepping the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, my kids came running into the kitchen, eyes wide with anticipation. “Mom, is that your famous soup?” they asked excitedly. I couldn’t help but smile, knowing that this recipe has become a staple in our household – a cozy tradition that brings us all together, no matter how chilly it gets outside.
Why This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is truly special because it’s the perfect balance of rich, creamy indulgence and classic Italian flavors. The secret lies in the slow-cooking process that allows the chicken to become meltingly tender, while the Parmesan, heavy cream, and seasonings meld together into a velvety broth that’s simply out of this world. And the best part? This recipe yields 6 hearty servings, so you can enjoy it all week long or feed a crowd with ease.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, you’ll need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
This recipe takes 370 minutes total – 10 minutes for prep and 360 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large Crock Pot or slow cooker to make this delicious soup. Once you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to get cooking!
1- Start by placing the 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your Crock Pot.
2- In a bowl, whisk together the 4 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of heavy cream, 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, 1 diced onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3- Pour the creamy broth mixture over the chicken in the Crock Pot, making sure the chicken is fully submerged.
4- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork.
5- Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it right in the Crock Pot.
6- Serve the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil, if desired. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
For the best Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup, I have a few pro tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t be tempted to add more cream – the 1 cup is the perfect amount to achieve that velvety consistency.
- Let the soup cook low and slow for the full 6 hours to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Shred the chicken right in the Crock Pot for ease and to keep it nice and tender.
Serving and Storing Your Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Perfect Pairings for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
This Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is the ultimate comfort food, and it pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad and crusty bread for dipping. It also makes a fantastic main course, with each 1 cup serving providing a satisfying and nourishing meal. For a complete dinner, you can’t go wrong with a glass of crisp white wine or a cold, refreshing iced tea.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply store it in an airtight container and reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop when ready to enjoy. You can also freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
Creative Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Variations
For a twist on the classic, you can try adding diced tomatoes, spinach, or even roasted red peppers to the Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone, in place of the Parmesan. And if you’re a fan of a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can really amp up the flavor.
Making Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup Diet-Friendly
To make this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup more diet-friendly, you can use low-fat or non-fat milk or plain Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream. For a gluten-free version, simply serve the soup over gluten-free pasta or crusty bread. And for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for cooked chickpeas or lentils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours on low to allow the chicken to fully cook through.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 cup.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup is a great make-ahead meal. Simply follow the recipe, then let the soup cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
A: If you find the soup is a bit too thin for your liking, you can make a simple cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Whisk this into the hot soup and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the desired thickness is achieved.
Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Total Time: 370
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup. Featuring tender chicken, a rich and creamy parmesan broth, and aromatic herbs, this soup is the perfect way to warm up on a chilly day.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 oz cream cheese, softened
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tsp dried basil
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. 1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. 2. In a medium bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, parmesan cheese, chicken broth, milk, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. 3. Pour the cheese mixture over the chicken in the slow cooker.
4. 4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and shreds easily.
5. 5. Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir it back into the soup.
6. 6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour or cornstarch to the cheese mixture before adding it to the slow cooker. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 360
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
I hope this Crock Pot Creamy Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe becomes a new favorite in your household, just like it is in mine. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and classic Italian flavors is simply irresistible. Give it a try on your next chilly evening and let me know what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts and see your creations. Happy cooking!