Here’s the WordPress Recipe Post:
## Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Soup
With the cool weather encompassing, there’s nothing like warming up to a hearty, nutritious bowl of chicken and lentil soup. And certainly, there’s nothing more gratifying than letting a slow cooker do most of the work for you!
Total Time: Approximately 6 hours 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6 hours
## Why Make this Recipe
If you prefer a soup that’s full of flavor, healthy, and filling enough to serve as a meal, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil soup is what you’re looking for. It’s comforting, protein-rich, and ideal for meal prep – it tastes even better the next day!
## How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Soup
## Ingredients:
For this soup, you will need:
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed and drained
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
– 2 celery stalks, sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 bay leaf
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
## Directions:
Follow these steps to make the soup:
1. Begin by chopping the onion, carrots, celery, and mincing the garlic.
2. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken breasts, lentils, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and diced tomatoes.
3. Next, season the mixture with cumin, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the bay leaf, and pour the chicken broth over all of the ingredients.
4. Cover, and cook on the low setting for 6-8 hours, or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked thoroughly.
5. Once done, remove the chicken, shred it using a fork, and return it to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley.
## How to serve Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Soup
This wholesome soup is a meal itself. Serve it warm with a piece of crusty bread on the side.
## How to Store Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Soup
You can store the leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
## Tips to Make Slow Cooker Chicken and Lentil Soup
For a smooth texture, blend half of the soup before adding the shredded chicken back. This gives your soup an incredibly creamy texture.
## Variation (if any)
Substitute chicken with turkey, or even make it vegetarian by leaving out the meat and using vegetable broth.
## FAQs
Q1: Can I use canned lentils?
A: Yes, just be sure to add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid them turning mushy.
Q2: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs. They will make your soup even more flavorful.
Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.