Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the most tantalizing aroma of a hearty Italian-inspired soup that practically cooks itself! This Crockpot Chicken Minestrone is not just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that combines the ease of slow cooking with the rich, comforting flavors of a classic Italian soup. Perfect for busy families, health-conscious foodies, and anyone craving a nutritious, delicious meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup carrots, chopped
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup green beans, chopped
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup pasta (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare all vegetables by washing and chopping carrots, celery, and green beans into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- Dice chicken breast into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for consistent cooking.
- Open and drain kidney beans, rinsing thoroughly under cold water to remove excess sodium.
- Place diced chicken breast into the crockpot as the first layer.
- Add chopped carrots, celery, and green beans on top of the chicken.
- Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice and drained kidney beans.
- Slowly pour vegetable broth over the ingredients, ensuring all components are mostly covered.
- Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly across the top of the mixture.
- Cover crockpot and set to low heat setting for 6 hours.
- During the last 30 minutes of cooking, add pasta if desired, stirring gently to incorporate.
- Check chicken's internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving hot in deep bowls.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: Chop all vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the soup.
- Chicken Matters: Use fresh chicken breast and cut into consistent 1-inch cubes for even cooking and tender results.
- Seasoning Secret: Don't be shy with the Italian seasoning - it's the flavor backbone of this soup. Feel free to adjust to your taste preferences.
- Pasta Precision: If adding pasta, wait until the last 30 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain the perfect al dente texture.
- Food Safety First: Always ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee it's fully cooked.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with additional vegetables or swap out kidney beans for other varieties to customize the soup.
- Freezer-Friendly: This soup freezes beautifully, so make a double batch and save some for later!
- Serving Suggestion: Top with fresh grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra flavor boost.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
