Made With Love: Crockpot Chicken Soup

Today is Chicken Soup For The Soul Day! Here's some fun facts and a simple recipe for you!

I am a huge believer in natural remedies and medicine. As much as possible, I try to stick to natural methods of treating and curing illnesses. One staple that is not only popular in winter, but is the go-to amongst the masses for battling a cold, is chicken soup. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about this yummy, hearty dish:

• Chicken is a rich source of protein, needed for repairing tissues and supporting muscle growth. It's chocked full of important amino acids that aid in immune system function, which helps fend off illnesses.

• Vegetables, which come in various assortments in each hearty bowl of chicken soup, have many important nutrients. Carrots, a common ingredient, are packed with beta-carotene, providing the body with vitamin A which promotes healthy cell growth. Other vegetables like celery and onions contain many antioxidants and vitamins that help strengthen the immune system.

• Bone broth is rich in collagen which supports healthy joints, hair, skin, and nails. It also contains essential amino acids like glycine and proline. It also provides hydration since water is a major component helping to replenish fluids and electrolytes.

• Herbs and spices, depending on the type, add depth to the flavor and come with their own amazing health benefits.

Crockpot Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients:

All ingredients I purchased from Kroger. I always try for organic over regular product for added nutritional value and minimal processing. Feel free to adjust brands and quantities for your desired amount and taste preference.

• 2 32oz containers of Simple Truth Organic Chicken Bone Broth

• 1 bunch of Simple Truth Organic Celery Hearts (4-5), diced

• 1 large sweet jumbo yellow onion, diced

• 1lbs bag Simple Truth Organic Baby Carrots, diced

• 1 15oz can Simple Truth Organic No Salt Added Sweet Peas, drained (green beans can be substituted if preferred)

• 1 Deli Simple Truth Whole Roasted Chicken, hot/pre-cooked and shredded

• Knorr Granulated Chicken Flavor Bouillon

• Poultry seasoning

• Italian seasoning

• Garlic powder (NOT garlic salt)

• Sea salt

• Black pepper

• Parsley flakes (or fresh, chopped)

• 1 16oz bag Wide/Extra Wide Egg Noodle (Kroger brand is what I used)

• 1/2 - 1Tbsp of butter (optional)

Directions:

1. Gather, chop and dice celery, onion, and baby carrots to preference, see photo above.

2. Pick and shred all meat from the roasted chicken

3. Drain canned peas

4. In crockpot combine chopped celery, onion, and baby carrots, peas and all chicken and mix together evenly. Careful not to smash the peas.

5. In a large mixing bowl pour 1-1.5 containers of bone broth and add all seasonings to match your taste preference. I did not measure mine, I went for what tasted good to me.

6. Pour mixture of broth and seasonings into crockpot and stir to mix your veggies and chicken thoroughly. Add extra broth if needed to cover the entire contents. You may need to add in a bit more seasonings and bullion. Simply go by what you prefer.

7. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or until all vegetables are tender. Reduce heat to warm.

8. In a separate pot, prepare egg noodles to desired tenderness. Be careful not to overcook, as they will fall apart. I find that it only takes a few minutes. Drain noodles and add a bit of butter to keep them from drying out. Serve in a bowl and add soup overtop.

I prepare my egg noodles separately because they tend to turn to mush in the crockpot, especially if you would like to keep the remaining soup for leftovers. You can also omit the parsley from the bulk recipe and add it at the end to your own individual serving, if preferred.

About Chicken Soup For The Soul Day:

National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day is celebrated to inspire people who are going through a difficult phase in life and help them heal their souls. It encourages people to work on their emotional health. Take time today to reflect, meditate, journal, and read. Do things that soothe your spirit and ease your mind. Read books that inspire and motivate. Talk to other you trust about your struggles and open up to opportunities to learn and grow through the hard times. Have a nice, warm bowl of chicken soup! And as always, reach out if you need me.

With love always,

Sandra Lynn Chamberlain