The Sassy Preppers Homemade Slow Cooker & Crockpot Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Preppers
When it comes to comfort food that doubles as a prepper’s dream, nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade chicken soup. Whether you’re dealing with a long day in the garden or need something easy to whip up after a day of prepping, this slow cooker or crockpot chicken soup is as easy as it gets. Plus, it’s the perfect way to use up whatever fresh veggies you have on hand from your survival garden.
Throw everything into your slow cooker, and let it simmer while you go about your day. By the time you're ready to eat, you'll have a hearty, nutritious meal that’s perfect for refueling your prepper body.
Why You Need This Chicken Soup Recipe in Your Prepper Arsenal
➡ No Fuss, All Flavor: With minimal effort, you get a meal that’s comforting, nutritious, and packed with flavor.
➡ Great for Leftovers: This soup makes enough to feed an army (or just you and your prepper crew for days).
➡ Full of Nutrients: The chicken and veggies provide a healthy, protein-packed meal that’ll fuel you through whatever comes your way.
➡ Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick, easy meals in the future.
➡ Versatile: This recipe can be modified based on what you have in your pantry or garden. Swap in different veggies, herbs, or even types of meat for a variety of flavors!
Ingredients:
2 lbs chicken breast or thighs (bone-in or boneless, skinless)
6 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
1-2 cups frozen peas (or fresh if you have them)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken: If you’re using bone-in chicken, remove the skin and trim any excess fat. You can also leave the bones in for more flavor, especially if you’re using chicken thighs. If you’re using boneless skinless chicken breast, just cut it into large chunks for easier shredding later.
2. Layer the Ingredients: In your slow cooker or crockpot, add the chicken first. Then pile on the carrots, celery, potatoes, garlic, and onion.
3. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the ingredients are mostly submerged. Add in the thyme, rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss in the bay leaf for extra flavor.
4. Set and Forget: Cover your slow cooker or crockpot with the lid. Set it to low and cook for 6-8 hours (or on high for 3-4 hours). The chicken should be tender and fall apart easily when done.
5. Shred the Chicken: After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup, stir everything together, and taste to adjust seasoning (salt, pepper, etc.).
6. Add the Peas: If you’re using frozen peas, stir them in now, and let the soup cook for another 15 minutes or so until they’re heated through.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with some crusty bread (or crackers) and enjoy the hearty, soul-soothing goodness.
Sassy Prepper Pro Tips:
➡ Use What You’ve Got: This recipe is super adaptable. If you don’t have fresh carrots or celery, swap them for frozen veggies or whatever you have in your survival pantry. Don’t hesitate to toss in any leftover cooked veggies or grains from your prepping stash.
➡ Frozen Chicken Works Too: If you don’t have fresh chicken on hand, frozen chicken works just as well. Just be sure to cook it for a little longer if it's frozen.
➡ Add a Little Spice: For some extra warmth, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crushed red pepper flakes. It adds a nice kick and will help boost circulation, which is always a good thing when you’re prepping for all types of weather.
➡ Make It a Full Meal: Add some noodles or rice for a heartier meal. You can toss in dry noodles about 30 minutes before the soup is done or add cooked rice just before serving.
➡ Stash Some for Later: This soup makes great leftovers. Store it in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months for easy meals down the road. Perfect for long-term storage if you're building up your prepper pantry!
Why This Chicken Soup is a Prepper's Secret Weapon
Not only is this slow cooker chicken soup a warm, nourishing meal, but it’s also packed with nutrients to keep you energized and healthy during your prepper journey. The combination of protein from the chicken, vitamins from the vegetables, and the healing properties of garlic and herbs makes it a powerful immune-boosting meal that’ll keep you strong in the face of any challenges.
When the power goes out or things get a little tense in the world, having a homemade meal like this ready to go will bring comfort, calm, and nourishment. Plus, it’s the ultimate comfort food that you can rely on to fill your belly and keep you grounded. Who said prepping can’t be cozy?
So, grab your slow cooker, throw in the ingredients, and let the magic happen. Your future self will thank you for having a hearty bowl of homemade chicken soup waiting for you at the end of a long day of prepping.