Easy Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup
Slow cooker chicken and corn soup is a timeless classic that’s beloved for its comforting flavors and effortless preparation. This recipe delivers all the warmth and heartiness you crave in a soup, with the added convenience of minimal hands-on time. Whether you’re seeking a nourishing weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this slow cooker chicken and corn soup is sure to become a new family favorite.
🌟 What Makes This Recipe Special
What sets this slow cooker chicken and corn soup apart is its perfect balance of tender chicken, sweet corn, and a rich, flavorful broth. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to meld together seamlessly, creating a soup that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences.
🍽️ Ingredients
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
The beauty of this slow cooker chicken and corn soup is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and aromatic herbs creates a comforting, flavor-packed soup that’s perfect for chilly days.
👨🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Corn Soup
• Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
• Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and cornstarch until smooth. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
• Step 4: Add the dried thyme and parsley, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and let the soup simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes to thicken slightly.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Total time: 6-8 hours 10 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 10 minutes (high)
Compared to traditional chicken noodle soup, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this slow cooker chicken and corn soup saves you significant time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
📊 Nutrition Facts
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 498mg
These slow cooker chicken and corn soup provide approximately 50% of your daily protein requirements and 8% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🥬 Make It Even Healthier
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the corn with an extra cup of diced bell peppers or zucchini for a lower-carb option.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Added protein: Stir in a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans to boost the protein content.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced carrots, celery, or kale to the slow cooker for extra nutrition and fiber.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 15% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the slow cooker chicken and corn soup.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich or a crisp, fresh baguette for a comforting lunch or dinner.
• Complement the soup with a fresh, green salad or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a balanced meal.
• For a special occasion, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or with a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, or chopped scallions.
❗ Cooking Pitfalls to Skip
• Forgetting the cornstarch: Don’t skip the cornstarch-milk mixture, as it helps to thicken the soup and create a rich, creamy texture.
• Skimping on seasoning: Make sure to season the soup generously with salt and pepper to bring out the full flavor of the ingredients.
• Not adjusting cooking time: Slow cooker times can vary, so be prepared to adjust the cooking time as needed based on your specific slow cooker model.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Ensure that the ingredients have enough room to cook evenly by not overfilling the slow cooker.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These slow cooker chicken and corn soup retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the milk-cornstarch mixture. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and adding the milk-cornstarch mixture.
• Freezing baked: Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, being careful not to overheat.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This slow cooker chicken and corn soup is a perfect make-ahead meal. You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the milk-cornstarch mixture, then refrigerate or freeze it for later use. When ready to serve, simply thaw (if frozen) and reheat, then stir in the milk-cornstarch mixture to thicken the soup.
Can I substitute the chicken with a different protein?
Yes, you can easily substitute the chicken with other proteins, such as turkey, pork, or even shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. The cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly, but the overall method and flavor profile will remain similar.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this slow cooker chicken and corn soup is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use a gluten-free chicken broth and cornstarch, and you’re good to go. You can also substitute the cornstarch with arrowroot powder or potato starch for a completely grain-free option.
What if my soup is too thin?
If your soup is a bit too thin for your liking, you can easily thicken it up. Simply make a slurry with an additional 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch and a few tablespoons of broth, then stir it into the slow cooker. Let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the cornstarch to fully activate and thicken the broth.
Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This slow cooker chicken and corn soup is very versatile, and you can easily add extra vegetables to boost the nutrition and flavor. Some great options include diced carrots, celery, bell peppers, or even leafy greens like spinach or kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These slow cooker chicken and corn soup represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and nutrition. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, they’re sure to impress with their rich, creamy broth and tender chicken. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this slow cooker chicken and corn soup demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the slow cooking process. So why not give this easy and delicious recipe a try? Your taste buds (and your family) are sure to thank you!
