Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup Comfort in a Bowl

by
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup carrots, diced into small pieces - 1 cup celery, diced The chicken is the star here. It adds protein and flavor. I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook well and shred easily. Fresh spinach adds a nice color and boosts nutrition. Carrots and celery give a sweet crunch to the soup. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative) Garlic powder and onion powder bring warmth to the dish. Dried thyme adds a lovely herbal note. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the soup balanced. You can use heavy cream for richness or coconut cream if you want it dairy-free. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper Fresh parsley adds a bright touch at the end. I always use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Adjust them to your taste for the best result. This soup is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making your bowl of soup comforting and full of flavor. Seasoning the chicken Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small pieces. Season these pieces with salt and black pepper. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of seasoning. This step is key to bringing out the chicken's flavor. Correctly layering the ingredients Next, take your slow cooker. Lay the diced carrots and celery evenly at the bottom. These veggies add sweetness and texture. Then, add the chopped spinach on top. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme next. Finally, place the seasoned chicken on top of the veggies. This layering helps the flavors meld well during cooking. Adding broth and slow cooking Now, gently pour the chicken broth over the layers. Make sure it covers everything but does not disturb the chicken too much. Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken will be tender and juicy when it's done. Shredding the chicken after cooking Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, mixing it well with the broth and veggies. Incorporating gnocchi Stir in the gnocchi gently. This step is vital for making the soup hearty. Cook on high for another 30 minutes. The gnocchi will become soft and plump, soaking up all the tasty flavors. Finishing with cream and serving Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir this in well to blend. Let the soup heat through for another 10 to 15 minutes. Taste it and add salt if needed. Finally, ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness! For the best taste, season your chicken well. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures flavor in every bite. You can also try adding more herbs if you like. Dried thyme works great here. To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking. Cooking on low for 6 hours is ideal. If you are short on time, you can use the high setting for 3 hours. Always check the chicken for tenderness before serving. The slow cooker has two main settings: low and high. Low is perfect for a long, slow cook. High cooks faster but can dry out the chicken if not monitored. Look for signs that the chicken is done. It should shred easily with a fork. For gnocchi, they are ready when they float to the top. This usually takes about 30 minutes on high. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. For sides, consider garlic bread for extra flavor. When serving, use warm bowls to keep the soup hot. A generous scoop ensures everyone enjoys a hearty meal. Aim for about 1.5 cups per serving. Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley for that final touch. {{image_4}} For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this kind. Check labels to ensure they fit your needs. If you want a dairy-free soup, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a nice flavor and keeps it creamy. Feel free to add other veggies. Zucchini, peas, or bell peppers can work well. You can also change the protein. Try using turkey or even tofu if you want a vegetarian twist. Each swap can change the flavor and texture of your soup. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Dried herbs also work but fresh gives more depth. You can also switch up the broth. Try using vegetable broth for a lighter version, or add a splash of white wine for extra richness. These changes can make your soup unique every time. To store leftovers, let the soup cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep out air. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade and the texture can change. If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. It stays fresh for about three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on a low setting. You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop, heat it gently in a pot. Stir often to keep the soup from sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of one minute. Check and stir in between. You may need to add a little water or broth to keep the texture creamy. Enjoy the warmth of this soup again! Cooking this soup takes about 6 hours on low and 3 hours on high. Both methods will yield tender chicken and soft veggies. The low setting is best for flavors to blend well. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. Frozen chicken may change the soup's texture slightly. It might be a bit less tender than fresh chicken. Yes, this recipe is great for kids. You can adjust it by cutting the veggies smaller. You can also leave out the black pepper for picky eaters. Most kids love gnocchi, so they will enjoy this soup! This blog post outlined a simple and tasty Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup. I shared the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the recipe. You learned how to modify ingredients for different diets and how to store leftovers safely. In the end, this dish is easy to make and great for all ages. Enjoy trying new flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Do you crave a warm, hearty soup that’s as easy to make as it is delicious? Look no further! My Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken, fresh veggies, and delightful gnocchi, this dish warms you from the inside out. Plus, it cooks hands-free. Ready to learn how to make this cozy bowl of goodness? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

– 1 cup carrots, diced into small pieces

– 1 cup celery, diced

The chicken is the star here. It adds protein and flavor. I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook well and shred easily. Fresh spinach adds a nice color and boosts nutrition. Carrots and celery give a sweet crunch to the soup.

Seasonings and Broth

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

– 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative)

Garlic powder and onion powder bring warmth to the dish. Dried thyme adds a lovely herbal note. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the soup balanced. You can use heavy cream for richness or coconut cream if you want it dairy-free.

Additional Garnishes

– Fresh parsley, chopped

– Salt and pepper

Fresh parsley adds a bright touch at the end. I always use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Adjust them to your taste for the best result.

This soup is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making your bowl of soup comforting and full of flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken

Seasoning the chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small pieces. Season these pieces with salt and black pepper. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of seasoning. This step is key to bringing out the chicken’s flavor.

Correctly layering the ingredients

Next, take your slow cooker. Lay the diced carrots and celery evenly at the bottom. These veggies add sweetness and texture. Then, add the chopped spinach on top. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme next. Finally, place the seasoned chicken on top of the veggies. This layering helps the flavors meld well during cooking.

Cooking Process

Adding broth and slow cooking

Now, gently pour the chicken broth over the layers. Make sure it covers everything but does not disturb the chicken too much. Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken will be tender and juicy when it’s done.

Shredding the chicken after cooking

Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, mixing it well with the broth and veggies.

Final Steps

Incorporating gnocchi

Stir in the gnocchi gently. This step is vital for making the soup hearty. Cook on high for another 30 minutes. The gnocchi will become soft and plump, soaking up all the tasty flavors.

Finishing with cream and serving

Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir this in well to blend. Let the soup heat through for another 10 to 15 minutes. Taste it and add salt if needed. Finally, ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Recipe

For the best taste, season your chicken well. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures flavor in every bite. You can also try adding more herbs if you like. Dried thyme works great here.

To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking. Cooking on low for 6 hours is ideal. If you are short on time, you can use the high setting for 3 hours. Always check the chicken for tenderness before serving.

Cooking Time Adjustments

The slow cooker has two main settings: low and high. Low is perfect for a long, slow cook. High cooks faster but can dry out the chicken if not monitored.

Look for signs that the chicken is done. It should shred easily with a fork. For gnocchi, they are ready when they float to the top. This usually takes about 30 minutes on high.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. For sides, consider garlic bread for extra flavor.

When serving, use warm bowls to keep the soup hot. A generous scoop ensures everyone enjoys a hearty meal. Aim for about 1.5 cups per serving. Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley for that final touch.

Variations

Dietary Modifications

For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this kind. Check labels to ensure they fit your needs. If you want a dairy-free soup, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a nice flavor and keeps it creamy.

Ingredient Swaps

Feel free to add other veggies. Zucchini, peas, or bell peppers can work well. You can also change the protein. Try using turkey or even tofu if you want a vegetarian twist. Each swap can change the flavor and texture of your soup.

Flavor Enhancements

To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Dried herbs also work but fresh gives more depth. You can also switch up the broth. Try using vegetable broth for a lighter version, or add a splash of white wine for extra richness. These changes can make your soup unique every time.

Storage Info

Refrigerator Storage

To store leftovers, let the soup cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep out air. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade and the texture can change.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. It stays fresh for about three months in the freezer. When it’s time to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on a low setting.

Reheating Methods

You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop, heat it gently in a pot. Stir often to keep the soup from sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of one minute. Check and stir in between. You may need to add a little water or broth to keep the texture creamy. Enjoy the warmth of this soup again!

FAQs

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup?

Cooking this soup takes about 6 hours on low and 3 hours on high. Both methods will yield tender chicken and soft veggies. The low setting is best for flavors to blend well.

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. Frozen chicken may change the soup’s texture slightly. It might be a bit less tender than fresh chicken.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is great for kids. You can adjust it by cutting the veggies smaller. You can also leave out the black pepper for picky eaters. Most kids love gnocchi, so they will enjoy this soup!

This blog post outlined a simple and tasty Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup. I shared the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the recipe. You learned how to modify ingredients for different diets and how to store leftovers safely.

In the end, this dish is easy to make and great for all ages. Enjoy trying new flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup carrots, diced into small pieces - 1 cup celery, diced The chicken is the star here. It adds protein and flavor. I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook well and shred easily. Fresh spinach adds a nice color and boosts nutrition. Carrots and celery give a sweet crunch to the soup. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative) Garlic powder and onion powder bring warmth to the dish. Dried thyme adds a lovely herbal note. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps the soup balanced. You can use heavy cream for richness or coconut cream if you want it dairy-free. - Fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper Fresh parsley adds a bright touch at the end. I always use salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Adjust them to your taste for the best result. This soup is all about simple, fresh ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making your bowl of soup comforting and full of flavor. Seasoning the chicken Start by cutting the chicken breasts into small pieces. Season these pieces with salt and black pepper. Make sure each piece gets a good coat of seasoning. This step is key to bringing out the chicken's flavor. Correctly layering the ingredients Next, take your slow cooker. Lay the diced carrots and celery evenly at the bottom. These veggies add sweetness and texture. Then, add the chopped spinach on top. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme next. Finally, place the seasoned chicken on top of the veggies. This layering helps the flavors meld well during cooking. Adding broth and slow cooking Now, gently pour the chicken broth over the layers. Make sure it covers everything but does not disturb the chicken too much. Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The chicken will be tender and juicy when it's done. Shredding the chicken after cooking Once the cooking time is up, carefully take the chicken out. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to eat. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, mixing it well with the broth and veggies. Incorporating gnocchi Stir in the gnocchi gently. This step is vital for making the soup hearty. Cook on high for another 30 minutes. The gnocchi will become soft and plump, soaking up all the tasty flavors. Finishing with cream and serving Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream. Stir this in well to blend. Let the soup heat through for another 10 to 15 minutes. Taste it and add salt if needed. Finally, ladle the soup into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your cozy bowl of goodness! For the best taste, season your chicken well. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper. This ensures flavor in every bite. You can also try adding more herbs if you like. Dried thyme works great here. To keep the chicken tender, avoid overcooking. Cooking on low for 6 hours is ideal. If you are short on time, you can use the high setting for 3 hours. Always check the chicken for tenderness before serving. The slow cooker has two main settings: low and high. Low is perfect for a long, slow cook. High cooks faster but can dry out the chicken if not monitored. Look for signs that the chicken is done. It should shred easily with a fork. For gnocchi, they are ready when they float to the top. This usually takes about 30 minutes on high. This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A simple green salad adds a nice crunch. For sides, consider garlic bread for extra flavor. When serving, use warm bowls to keep the soup hot. A generous scoop ensures everyone enjoys a hearty meal. Aim for about 1.5 cups per serving. Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley for that final touch. {{image_4}} For those who need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands offer this kind. Check labels to ensure they fit your needs. If you want a dairy-free soup, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a nice flavor and keeps it creamy. Feel free to add other veggies. Zucchini, peas, or bell peppers can work well. You can also change the protein. Try using turkey or even tofu if you want a vegetarian twist. Each swap can change the flavor and texture of your soup. To boost flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or thyme. Dried herbs also work but fresh gives more depth. You can also switch up the broth. Try using vegetable broth for a lighter version, or add a splash of white wine for extra richness. These changes can make your soup unique every time. To store leftovers, let the soup cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well to keep out air. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the flavors may fade and the texture can change. If you want to freeze the soup, use freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top as the soup will expand when frozen. It stays fresh for about three months in the freezer. When it's time to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight or use the microwave on a low setting. You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop, heat it gently in a pot. Stir often to keep the soup from sticking. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts of one minute. Check and stir in between. You may need to add a little water or broth to keep the texture creamy. Enjoy the warmth of this soup again! Cooking this soup takes about 6 hours on low and 3 hours on high. Both methods will yield tender chicken and soft veggies. The low setting is best for flavors to blend well. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. Frozen chicken may change the soup's texture slightly. It might be a bit less tender than fresh chicken. Yes, this recipe is great for kids. You can adjust it by cutting the veggies smaller. You can also leave out the black pepper for picky eaters. Most kids love gnocchi, so they will enjoy this soup! This blog post outlined a simple and tasty Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup. I shared the main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips for perfecting the recipe. You learned how to modify ingredients for different diets and how to store leftovers safely. In the end, this dish is easy to make and great for all ages. Enjoy trying new flavors and ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Warm up with a delicious bowl of Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup. This comforting recipe features tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and pillowy gnocchi simmered to perfection. With easy step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready for the family. Don’t miss out on this hearty dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner. Click through to explore the full recipe and make this cozy soup today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup carrots, diced into small pieces

1 cup celery, diced

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 package (16 oz) gnocchi

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative)

Salt, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Season the cut chicken pieces with a sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring they are evenly coated.

    Layer Ingredients: In your slow cooker, start by placing the diced carrots and celery evenly across the bottom. Then add the chopped spinach, followed by the garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Finally, place the seasoned chicken pieces on top of the vegetable layer.

      Add Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth over the layered ingredients, allowing it to cover them without disturbing the chicken too much.

        Slow Cook: Securely cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender when finished.

          Shred the Chicken: Once cooking is complete, gently remove the chicken chunks from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the slow cooker with the rest of the soup.

            Add Gnocchi: Stir in the gnocchi carefully and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the gnocchi become tender and plump.

              Finish with Cream: Pour in the heavy cream or coconut cream, stirring well to combine. Let the soup heat through for another 10-15 minutes, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

                Serve: Ladle the soup into warm bowls, ensuring everyone gets a generous portion of chicken, gnocchi, and vegetables. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a bright finish.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 7 hours | 6 servings

                    WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?