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Why You'll Love This familyapproved slow cooker chicken and kale soup for chilly days
- Easy to Make: This recipe is perfect for busy days, as it requires minimal effort and can be prepared in just a few minutes.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This soup is filled with tender chicken, nutritious kale, and flavorful vegetables, making it a satisfying meal for the whole family.
- Customizable: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes by adding or substituting different ingredients, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms.
- Slow Cooker Friendly: This recipe is perfect for slow cookers, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender and juicy.
- Nutritious: This soup is packed with nutritious ingredients, including kale, which is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and chicken, which is a good source of protein.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a large batch of soup, which can be refrigerated or frozen for later use, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Comforting and Delicious: This soup is the perfect comfort food, with a rich, flavorful broth and tender, juicy chicken that's sure to become a family favorite.
- Easy to Store: This soup can be easily stored in the refrigerator or freezer, making it a great option for busy families.
Ingredient Breakdown
The key ingredients in this recipe are chicken breast or thighs, kale, diced vegetables (such as carrots, celery, and onion), chicken broth, and canned diced tomatoes. The chicken provides protein and flavor, while the kale adds a boost of nutrients and a delicious, slightly bitter taste. The diced vegetables add natural sweetness and texture, while the chicken broth and diced tomatoes create a rich, flavorful broth. When selecting these ingredients, look for fresh, high-quality produce and opt for low-sodium chicken broth to reduce the overall salt content of the soup. You can also substitute different types of protein, such as ground turkey or beef, or add other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers or sliced mushrooms, to suit your tastes.
How to Make familyapproved slow cooker chicken and kale soup for chilly days
Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Rinse the kale and remove the stems, then chop it into smaller pieces.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet and cook until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped kale and cook until it is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Add the browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, chicken broth, and canned diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and the vegetables should be cooked through.
Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated cheese, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Results
Fresh ingredients, such as kale and herbs, will give your soup a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Choose the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results.
Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is tender and juicy, but still retains some moisture.
Adding aromatics, such as onion, carrots, and celery, will add depth and complexity to your soup. Saute the aromatics in a little bit of oil before adding the other ingredients for the best flavor.
Using low-sodium broth will help to reduce the overall salt content of your soup. You can always add more salt to taste, but it's harder to remove excess salt from the soup.
Adding different spices and herbs can give your soup a unique and exciting flavor. Experiment with different combinations to find the one you like best.
Serving the soup with a side of crusty bread will help to soak up the flavorful broth. Choose a hearty, crusty bread that will hold up to the soup.
Adding some crusty bread and a side salad will turn the soup into a complete meal. You can also add some grated cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor and creaminess.
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Simply ladle the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is tender and juicy, but still retains some moisture.
Fix: Check the chicken regularly and remove it from the slow cooker when it is cooked through.
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Not Browning the Chicken: Failing to brown the chicken can result in a lack of flavor and texture. Browning the chicken will add a rich, caramelized flavor to the soup.
Fix: Take the time to brown the chicken in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
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Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Using old or wilted ingredients can result in a lackluster flavor and texture. Choose the freshest ingredients you can find for the best results.
Fix: Take the time to select fresh, high-quality ingredients, and use them within a day or two of purchase.
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Not Seasoning the Soup: Failing to season the soup can result in a bland, unappetizing flavor. Take the time to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Fix: Taste the soup regularly and add salt, pepper, and other seasonings as needed to achieve the perfect flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also add some diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra flavor.
Add some heavy cream or half-and-half to give the soup a rich, creamy texture. You can also add some grated cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, for extra flavor.
Replace the chicken with some cubed tofu or tempeh, and use a vegan broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some diced mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
Replace the chicken broth with a gluten-free broth, and be sure to check the ingredients of the canned diced tomatoes to ensure they are gluten-free. You can also add some gluten-free noodles or rice to make the soup more filling.
Use low-sodium chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes to reduce the overall salt content of the soup. You can also add some fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, for extra flavor without adding salt.
Cook the soup on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours. You can also brown the chicken and saute the vegetables in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
Storage & Make-Ahead
The soup can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After 2 hours, it's best to refrigerate or freeze the soup to prevent bacterial growth.
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this recipe up to 2 days in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool to room temperature before freezing, and reheat it to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving. You can also freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
Is this soup gluten-free?
This soup can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes. Be sure to check the ingredients of the canned diced tomatoes to ensure they are gluten-free. You can also add some gluten-free noodles or rice to make the soup more filling.
Can I use frozen kale?
Yes, you can use frozen kale in this recipe. Simply thaw the kale and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the soup. You can also use frozen kale that has been thawed and drained.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this soup in a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and saute the vegetables in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.
Can I add other ingredients to this soup?
Yes, you can add other ingredients to this soup to suit your tastes. Some options include diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or grated cheese. You can also add some cooked noodles or rice to make the soup more filling.
Is this soup suitable for a special diet?
This soup can be made suitable for a variety of special diets, including gluten-free, low-sodium, and vegan. Simply substitute the ingredients as needed and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Can I serve this soup at a party?
Yes, this soup is perfect for a party. You can make a large batch and serve it in a slow cooker or chafing dish. You can also add some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a fun and easy snack.
familyapproved slow cooker chicken and kale soup for chilly days
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chopped kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves coarsely chopped
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Remove the stems from the kale and coarsely chop the leaves.
- Step 2: Brown the chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the aromatics. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the garlic and kale. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute. Then, add the chopped kale and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 5: Transfer to the slow cooker. Transfer the chicken, vegetables, and kale to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Step 6: Cook the soup. Cook the soup on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Step 7: Serve and enjoy. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Recipe Notes
- Storage tip: Let the soup cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze for later use.
- Make ahead: Prepare the ingredients and cook the soup up to a day in advance.
- Substitution: Swap the kale for spinach or collard greens if desired.
- Pro tip: Use low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier option.
