01 -
First things first, get those veggies chopped. I usually dice my onion and mince the garlic, but for the carrots and celery, I go for thicker slices or chunks. This is where I sometimes get a little too ambitious with my knife skills, which usually results in uneven pieces—but hey, it's homemade, right? Toss them right into your slow cooker. You'll already start to smell that fresh, earthy aroma, which is a good sign, honestly.
02 -
Next, nestle the raw chicken breasts right on top of the veggies in the crockpot. Don't worry about browning them first; that's the beauty of easy crockpot soup recipes—minimal fuss! Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the chicken is mostly submerged. This step always feels like the beginning of something wonderful, you know? Like setting the stage for a delicious, hands-off meal to come.
03 -
Now for the flavor! Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, a good pinch of salt, and a generous grind of black pepper. Give everything a gentle stir, making sure those spices are distributed. I once forgot the Italian seasoning entirely and only realized it when the soup tasted... flat. Major oops! Don't be like me; double-check your spices before you walk away.
04 -
Cover your crockpot and set it to low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. This is the magical part where your kitchen starts to smell incredible without you doing much. I usually set a timer because, to be real, I'd get lost in a book or a show and forget time exists. The chicken will get so tender it practically falls apart, which is exactly what we want for these easy crockpot soup recipes.
05 -
Once the cook time is up, carefully remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. They should be super tender! Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup. Now, for that luscious texture, add the cream cheese and milk. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and creamy. Sometimes, I have to nudge the cream cheese to melt completely, but it always gets there.
06 -
Taste the soup and adjust the seasonings if needed. This is your chance to make it perfect for your palate—maybe a little more salt, a dash more pepper. Stir in that fresh parsley right before serving. The vibrant green against the creamy soup just looks so inviting, and the smell is just pure comfort. Ladle it into bowls and enjoy your truly simple crockpot soup!