Craving the comfort of chicken parmesan but need something warm and cozy? Look no further! This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup recipe captures all the delicious flavors of the classic dish in a hearty, easy-to-make soup that’s perfect for a chilly evening. Get ready for a family favourite!
What is Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup?
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a creamy, comforting soup that brings together the iconic flavors of chicken parmesan in a convenient, slow-cooked format. Imagine tender chicken simmered in a rich tomato broth infused with garlic, herbs, and plenty of parmesan cheese. It’s topped with cheesy croutons for the full parmesan experience! Unlike the baked version, this soup offers a comforting warmth and requires minimal effort, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
This recipe is not only incredibly satisfying but also a fantastic way to warm up during the cooler months. Serve it with some crusty bread for dipping and you have a complete, delicious meal! Are you ready to experience this unique twist on a classic Italian favourite? Put on your apron and let’s get started!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup:
- Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless, skinless. Cut into 1-inch cubes.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, for searing the chicken.
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced.
- Canned Diced Tomatoes: 28 ounces, undrained.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, low sodium.
- Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons.
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons.
- Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a little heat).
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus extra for garnish.
- Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup.
- Fresh Basil: 1/4 cup, chopped, for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Croutons: For topping (optional). Cheesy croutons highly recommended!
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For topping (optional).
How to Make Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup:
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is incredibly simple to make, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the work! With a preparation time of just around 20 minutes, and then a gentle cooking time on low heat, this recipe is perfect for a hassle-free weeknight dinner. Its creamy texture, rich tomato base, and savory chicken create a satisfying and delicious taste that you’ll love. The cheesy croutons add a delightful crunch, completing the chicken parmesan experience in a soup form.
- Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sear on all sides until lightly browned. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup, but if you are low on time, you can skip this.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer to Crockpot: Transfer the seared chicken, onions, and garlic to a 6-quart or larger crockpot.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, and tomato paste. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Salt and pepper to taste.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred Chicken (Optional): If you prefer shredded chicken, remove the chicken breasts and use two forks to shred them. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot. This step is optional; you can leave the chicken in cubes if you prefer.
- Stir in Parmesan and Cream: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil, extra parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cheesy croutons. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup:
This Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a weeknight winner! The main highlight of this soup is its incredible flavor, perfectly capturing the essence of chicken parmesan in a comforting soup. It’s also incredibly budget-friendly. Making it at home is significantly cheaper than ordering takeout or dining at a restaurant, plus you control the quality of the ingredients. What makes it truly special are the toppings – the fresh basil, extra parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese and especially the cheesy croutons add layers of flavour and texture that elevate the soup to the next level.
If you’re searching for a quick and easy meal, you might also enjoy our Creamy Tomato Soup recipe. Both are delicious and comforting, but the Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup offers a unique Italian twist! Ready to make this delicious Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup yourself? Give it a try and enjoy the taste of Italy with minimal effort!
What to Serve Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup With:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: Enhances the Italian flavors of the soup.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Adds a comforting element to the meal.
- Roasted Vegetables: Provides a healthy and flavorful side dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup:
- Sear the Chicken: Don’t skip searing the chicken! This step adds a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using good quality canned diced tomatoes, chicken broth and parmesan cheese will make a big difference in the overall flavor.
- Adjust the Broth: If you prefer a thicker soup, use less chicken broth. If you like it thinner, add more.
- Add Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, celery, or zucchini for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it Up: If you like a little spice, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream.
- Timing Adjustments: If you’re short on time, you can cook the soup on high for a shorter period. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through.
5 Facts about Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup:
- It’s a twist on a classic dish, making it a fun and unique meal.
- The crockpot makes it incredibly easy to prepare and cook.
- It’s a great way to use up pantry staples.
- It can be easily customized to your liking with different toppings and spices.
- It’s a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 1-2 minute intervals, stirring in between, until warmed.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
Final Thoughts:
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish, perfect for busy weeknights or chilly days. Its creamy texture, rich flavors, and cheesy toppings make it a family favorite. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan Soup FAQs:
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely before searing.
Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop?
A: Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Sauté the chicken and vegetables in a large pot, then add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Q: Can I make this without heavy cream?
A: Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream.
Q: Can I add pasta to this soup?
A: Yes, you can add small pasta shapes such as ditalini or elbow macaroni. Add the pasta to the crockpot during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Q: What can I use if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
A: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, you can use a combination of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.