Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Tender chicken and potato gnocchi swim in a rich, creamy broth filled with fresh vegetables in this Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup. Perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to potlucks, this dish is the epitome of comfort food. The combination of flavors and textures creates a delightful experience that will warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful Comfort Food: The creamy broth and tender chicken make it ideal for chilly nights.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the veggies or add your favorite herbs for a personal touch.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: The soft gnocchi and mild flavors are sure to please even picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is your main tool that allows you to set it and forget it, making meal prep effortless.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables with ease.
• Knife: A sharp knife ensures quick and safe slicing of all your ingredients.
• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine ingredients like cream and cornstarch before adding them to the soup.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken and Broth

• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken base (optional)
• Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Vegetables

• 3-4 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
• 1-2 stalks celery, chopped
• ½ medium yellow or white onion, chopped
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Gnocchi and Creaminess

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 1 cup cream or half and half
• 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch

Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• 4 slices cooked Turkey Bacon, crumbled (optional)

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Add your chicken, veggies (carrots, celery, onion), parsley, garlic, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir in the bouillon and pepper flakes if using.

Step 2: Add Chicken Stock

Pour in that chicken stock. Give it a gentle stir, cover it up, and let it cook away—6-8 hours on low or 4 hours on high.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Once time’s up, shred that chicken right in the pot using two forks. It should fall apart easily!

Step 4: Add Creaminess

Mix your cream with cornstarch in a separate bowl. Add this mixture to the pot along with the gnocchi and spinach. Cook on high for another 30-45 minutes.

Step 5: Thicken If Needed

If you want your soup thicker, add more cornstarch mixed with cold water. Give it a final taste test and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 6: Serve Up

Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled Turkey Bacon if you like! Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Serving Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup can elevate your mealtime experience. This dish is not only hearty but also versatile, allowing you to pair it with various options that enhance its flavors.

Fresh Herb Garnish

• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and flavor.
• Chives – Add finely chopped chives for a mild onion taste that complements the soup well.

Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread – Serve with slices of warm sourdough bread for dipping in the creamy broth.
• Garlic Bread – Pair with garlic bread for added flavor; it’s perfect for soaking up every drop.

Salad Options

• Caesar Salad – A light Caesar salad balances the richness of the soup.
• Mixed Green Salad – A simple salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast.

Cheese Topping

• Parmesan Cheese – Grate fresh Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for an added savory depth.
• Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta adds a tangy flavor that pairs nicely with the creamy soup.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup can turn an already delicious dish into a standout meal. Here are some tips to ensure your soup is exceptional.

• Use Quality Stock – Start with high-quality low-sodium chicken stock for the best flavor base.
• Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi – Add gnocchi towards the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Adjust Creaminess – Modify the amount of cream based on your preference; use less for a lighter soup or more for extra richness.
• Experiment with Veggies – Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and variety.
• Season Gradually – Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking; this helps build layers of flavor.
• Shred Chicken Thoroughly – Shredding chicken into smaller pieces allows it to absorb more of the broth’s flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup can enhance your meal. Here are some delightful options:

1. Garlic Knots – Soft, buttery knots brushed with garlic butter make an irresistible addition.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while complementing the soup’s flavors.
3. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a light contrast to the rich soup.
4. Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and garlic creates a refreshing starter.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms – Baked mushrooms stuffed with cheese or veggies provide a savory bite alongside the soup.
6. Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad packed with herbs and lemon adds texture and health benefits to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup, it’s easy to make mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using the wrong chicken cut: Choosing bone-in or skin-on chicken can lead to a greasy soup. Stick with boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for best results.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Ensure your slow cooker has enough space for even heat distribution.
• Neglecting seasoning: Not seasoning properly will result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasonings during cooking to enhance flavors.
• Not following cooking times: Cooking on high when low is required may lead to overcooked chicken. Always adhere to recommended cooking times for tender meat.
• Skipping the cornstarch mix: Adding cornstarch directly can create lumps. Mix it with cold liquid first before stirring into the soup for a smooth texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup that might help you out:

What type of gnocchi works best?

You can use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, but homemade versions add a personal touch. Just ensure they are cooked according to package instructions if not adding them directly.

Can I customize the vegetables in this soup?

Absolutely! Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or peas based on your preferences.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken should shred easily when cooked through. Use a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C) at its thickest part.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative for a creamy texture without dairy.

How does this recipe freeze?

This soup freezes well, but note that gnocchi may change texture after freezing and reheating. For best results, consider adding fresh gnocchi after thawing.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. Its creamy broth and tender chicken make it delightful and satisfying. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or spices. Give this easy recipe a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!