Perfect for busy weeknights, this Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients.
Looking for a new slow cooker recipe? This slow cooker dish is naturally gluten-free, full of protein, and extremely satisfying. My Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup is actually a twist on one of my long time favorites: Slow Cooked Tuscan Chicken and Beans. Like most slow cooker meals, it is perfect for a busy mom who may only have a few moments to think about dinner, but needs a hearty and healthy meal more than anyone!
How to Make Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup
Start your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup by preparing all the produce. Dice your onion, zucchini, and red pepper, and chop your kale.
Then drain and rinse your cannellini beans, and add them to your slow cooker.
Followed by the can of diced tomatoes, not drained.
Then add the diced red bell pepper.
And the diced zucchini.
Next add cubed chicken breast, and season with salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and garlic powder.
Then for a bit of spice, add red chili flakes. Add more or less depending on your heat preference.
Stir it all together to help it cook evenly.
Then place the chopped kale on top, and season with additional salt and pepper.
Finish with the chicken broth before placing the lid on the pot.
Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Serve garnished with fresh parsley, and enjoy your Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup!
Easy Substitutions
- Make it vegetarian or vegan. Instead of chicken, use a hearty, meaty vegetable like mushrooms or butternut squash.
- Switch out the greens. Use what you have! Spinach, chard, or whatever you like.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can frozen vegetables be substituted for fresh?
For some ingredients, yes you could. It would be okay to use frozen kale and onion, but would only use fresh zucchini and red pepper.
Can you make this soup in a pressure cooker?
Yes! To make this soup in something like an Instant Pot, follow the instructions of adding all ingredients to the pot. Then seal the lid, press pressure cook on high pressure, and set the time for 25 minutes.
Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker?
Yes! Chicken can be added in raw; it will cook in the slow cooker with the rest of the soup.
How do you store leftovers?
Keep leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
More Slow Cooker Meals
- Slow Cooker Vegetarian Chili
- Slow Cooked BBQ Pulled Chicken
- 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Beef and Eggplant
- Slow Cooker Barbacoa Beef
Eat It, Like It, Share It!
Did you try this soup? The next time you make it, snap a picture and share it to your socials. Tag @thelemonbowl and #thelemonbowl so we can admire and share your meal.
One last tip for my Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup – or whenever you slow cook food – 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.
Your spoon is waiting.
Slow Cooker Italian Chicken Soup
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed)
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 red pepper (seeded and diced)
- 15 ounces cannellini beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounces diced tomatoes (low sodium)
- 2 cups kale (chopped)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ 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 and serve.
Love baked spaghetti. The addition of the ranch dressing mix sounds perfect and no twisting with this pasta! ??
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.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
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!
Nope it cooks in the slow cooker!! You can use raw. :)
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!
Oh I’m so glad you liked it!!!
I love this soup, Liz!! And in the slow cooker…love it!! Thanks so much for joining in on our celebration for Katie!
Thank you, once again, for hosting!! You’re the best!!
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!
I always try to add fresh herbs at the end!! Thanks for hosting a great shower!
Ohh Liz..I want to burry my face in a big bowl of this!
I hope you do Leslie!! So good and healthy!
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.
That is the absolute truth!! I never had time even before I had kids – who am I kidding. ;)
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?
I hope you like it!! I use MyFoodDiary.com! :)
Slow cooker meals are the best! So many great flavors in this one!
Thank you so much Caroline!!
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.
I need to remember to do it more often!!
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!
I am so over this weather!! Hope you are doing well!
Thanks for the nice soup recipe, Liz. Have a Wonderful Day!
Same to you Liz!
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!
I used to hate it too!!!! hahahha
So delicious and so easy in the slow cooker!
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! :)
Aww I’m so glad you enjoyed your shower!! You deserve it friend!!
This looks like a fabulous comforting meal!
It’s raining and I want soup! This looks delicious! Slow cookers & new babies for the win.
Isn’t that the truth! That should be a blog name: Slow Cookers and New Babies lol
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.
The slow cooker saves my life!!
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!
YES!! We started buying frozen kale too!!! It’s the best. xo