Perfect for busy weeknights, this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients.
Fun Fact: I have never used my slow cooker more in my entire life than I have in recent months! Between the 4 feet of snow on the ground and the craziness of caring for a 3 month old and 2 year old all day, slow cooking is a complete lifesaver.
The Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup that I created in honor of Katie is actually a twist on one of our long time favorites: Slow Cooked Tuscan Chicken and Beans. It is perfect for a new mom who may only have a few moments to think about dinner but needs a hearty and healthy meal more than anyone!
As I work towards losing the rest of the baby weight, I’ve found that eating leftovers for lunch the next day is not only a huge time saver but a great way to keep my calories in check for the day. This soup is naturally gluten-free, full of protein and extremely satisfying. If you prefer soup on the spicier side, double the chili flakes. To keep the dish milder, use black pepper instead.
One last tip: whenever you slow cook food for many hours, I recommend garnishing with fresh herbs before serving. It brightens up the dish and adds a much needed fresh flavor to round out the meal.
Can fresh kale be substituted for frozen?
Yes. To use fresh kale instead of frozen simply add it 15 minutes before the end of the cooking time.
What is a good alternative to fresh kale?
Swiss chard or spinach works well as a substitute.
Do you cook the chicken first or let it cook in the slow cooker?
Chicken can be added raw. It will cook in the slow cooker.
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 red pepper (seeded and diced)
- 15 oz cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 oz diced tomatoes (low sodium)
- 2 cups chopped frozen kale
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (or black pepper)
- fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients except for the fresh parsley in a slow cooker and heat on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
- Garnish with fresh parsley to serve.
Cam
The sodium is too high for me (doctors orders) and I wonder how it would work with homemade chicken broth? I don’t use salt in it but do use a salt substitute of herbs and spices.
Liz DellaCroce
It would be even better with homemade broth. :) Great idea!
Wancharida
Love baked spaghetti. The addition of the ranch dressing mix sounds perfect and no twisting with this pasta! ??
CW
Nice recipe. Extremely easy to make which is fantastic. Flavor is fine but not mind blowing, it tastes very nice with a slice of buttered toast. I added a bit of extra salt and pepper at the end.
Liz DellaCroce
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
NYPete
This soup sounds DELICIOUS, but I do have a stupid question, do you cook the chicken first or let it cook in the slow cooker?
I have a GREAT fear of under-cooked chicken as I’ve encountered it more than once in restaurants!
Thanks!
Liz DellaCroce
Nope it cooks in the slow cooker!! You can use raw. :)
Ann P.
Had friends over for dinner last night, and we made this soup. We did it on the stovetop instead of using the slow cooker – worked great, and the soup was delicious! Have some leftovers to continue enjoying. Thanks for the recipe!
Liz DellaCroce
Oh I’m so glad you liked it!!!
JulieD
I love this soup, Liz!! And in the slow cooker…love it!! Thanks so much for joining in on our celebration for Katie!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you, once again, for hosting!! You’re the best!!
Christine (Cook the Story)
I hear you! The slow cooker is a huge help when you’ve got little ones to care for. I love the fresh herbs added at the end. Great idea for taking a slow cooker recipe to a bright fresh level. Thanks for joining with us to celebrate Katie!
Liz DellaCroce
I always try to add fresh herbs at the end!! Thanks for hosting a great shower!
leslie
Ohh Liz..I want to burry my face in a big bowl of this!
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you do Leslie!! So good and healthy!
Paula – bell’alimento
Should I not mention that even non “new” moms only have a few moments to think about dinner too? lol I must try this soup soon for my busy days of taxi driving the kids around.
Liz DellaCroce
That is the absolute truth!! I never had time even before I had kids – who am I kidding. ;)
Danielle
This soup sounds delicious! Love soups at this time of year especially. May I ask what you use/recommend for calculating nutritional information for a recipe?
Liz DellaCroce
I hope you like it!! I use MyFoodDiary.com! :)
Caroline @ chocolate & carrots
Slow cooker meals are the best! So many great flavors in this one!
Liz DellaCroce
Thank you so much Caroline!!
Joanne
Soup leftovers are definitely the best for keeping me on track as well! I love how many veggies you threw into this soup! Totally craveable.
Liz DellaCroce
I need to remember to do it more often!!
julia
I love a good slow cooker soup. This Italian Chicken Soup looks so hearty and perfect for this cold weather that is still hanging around!
Liz DellaCroce
I am so over this weather!! Hope you are doing well!
Liz
Thanks for the nice soup recipe, Liz. Have a Wonderful Day!
Liz DellaCroce
Same to you Liz!
Laurie {Simply Scratch}
Me too! I used to hate the slow cooker… this year it’s quickly become my bff! Next on my list to make… this soup!
Liz DellaCroce
I used to hate it too!!!! hahahha
Meredith
So delicious and so easy in the slow cooker!
katie
Liz–I’m so glad we got to meet last year. Thank you so much for participating in my virtual baby shower. My heart is so full from all the thoughtful post/recipes/crafts. You know I love a good soup and even more so the slow cooker. I already embrace the slow cooker so I have a feeling its going to really become my new best friend in the coming months! :)
Liz DellaCroce
Aww I’m so glad you enjoyed your shower!! You deserve it friend!!
Gaby
This looks like a fabulous comforting meal!
Aggie
It’s raining and I want soup! This looks delicious! Slow cookers & new babies for the win.
Liz DellaCroce
Isn’t that the truth! That should be a blog name: Slow Cookers and New Babies lol
Wanda @MySweetZepol
I love soup and the thought of making them in a slow cooker is icing on the cake. This Italian Chicken Soup sounds perfect and looks divine. Thanks Liz for sharing, can’t wait to try it soon.
Liz DellaCroce
The slow cooker saves my life!!
Kim | Just For Clicks
I’m always on the hunt for Slow Cooker meals. And YES having healthy leftovers for lunch options is great. I have the ingredients on hand (including frozen kale — a new to me find)… THANKS for dinner tonight!
Liz DellaCroce
YES!! We started buying frozen kale too!!! It’s the best. xo