Healthy Crockpot Potato Soup with Chicken 🍲

Ingredients:

  • 4 slices bacon (or low-fat turkey bacon)
  • 1 large onion, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and sliced thin
  • 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
  • 2 cups sliced carrots
  • 2 cups sliced celery
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1/3 cup fresh chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook Bacon and Vegetables:
    • Place a skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and cook until browned. Add the onions and garlic and sauté for 3-4 minutes to soften. (If using turkey bacon, cook in a nonstick skillet.) Pour the onion mixture into the crock of a large 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Layer Ingredients:
    • Place the chicken breast on top of the onions in the slow cooker. Add the sliced potatoes, carrots, celery, chicken broth, thyme, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Cook:
    • Place the lid on the slow cooker. Turn on low and cook for 8-12 hours, stirring occasionally, until the potatoes are extremely soft. (Check the chicken at 7 hours. If it’s cooked through, you can remove it and refrigerate until the potatoes are tender and breaking apart.)
  4. Prepare Soup:
    • Remove the chicken breast from the crock. Stir the potato soup vigorously to break up the potatoes and thicken the broth. For extra creaminess, partially puree the soup with an immersion blender or place 1 1/2 cups of the soup in a regular blender, puree, and stir back into the soup.
  5. Finish and Serve:
    • Shred or chop the chicken and add it back to the slow cooker along with fresh parsley. Stir well. Serve warm, topped with low-fat cheese if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, assuming 6 servings):

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
    • Fiber: 5 g
    • Sugar: 7 g
  • Fat: 8 g
    • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1,000 mg

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8-12 hrs (slow cooker)
Total Time: 8-12 hrs + 15 mins prep

This soup is both hearty and healthy, making it perfect for a comforting meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture! 🥄