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Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup

Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup

This Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup is a comforting, hearty, and effortless meal featuring tender chicken, sweet corn, and classic vegetables slow-cooked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep, it offers a flavorful, nourishing experience that’s budget-friendly and customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1.5 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

Vegetables

  • 1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced (optional for thickening)

Liquids

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • ½ to 1 cup heavy cream or milk (optional)

Spices and Herbs

  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or rosemary/parley as variation)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • 1 diced jalapeño or pinch of cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
  • Shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese (for cheesy twist)
  • Fresh parsley or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery into bite-sized pieces. If using potatoes, peel and dice them evenly. Rinse the chicken and pat dry for easy handling.
  2. Layer in the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped vegetables in the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the chicken thighs or breasts on top, then pour in the chicken broth. Sprinkle your preferred spices evenly over the ingredients for balanced flavor.
  3. Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender enough to shred easily.
  4. Shred the Chicken and Add Corn: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker. Stir in the sweet corn kernels and let cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  5. Final Touches: If using cream or milk, stir it in gently one last time to create a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.

Notes

  • Use bone-in chicken for extra flavor; remove bones after cooking.
  • Browning chicken beforehand adds deeper taste but is optional.
  • Thicken naturally using mashed potatoes or a cornstarch slurry if skipping cream.
  • Cook on low heat to keep vegetables tender and prevent overcooked chicken.
  • Add fresh herbs like parsley near the end for a burst of freshness.
  • Frozen corn can be used instead of fresh, added during the last cooking stage.
  • This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker, chicken soup, corn soup, easy dinner, meal prep, comfort food, gluten free