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Slow Cooker Hearty Chicken Soup

This cozy slow cooker chicken soup combines bone-in chicken, hearty farro, and fresh vegetables for a richly flavorful, comforting meal perfect for cold days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 382 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Mixing bowl Large

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 6 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 onions chopped
  • 4 carrots chopped
  • 2 parsnips chopped
  • 2 ribs celery chopped
  • 2 leeks chopped
  • 8 peppercorns whole
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 4 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 2–3 pounds bone-in chicken breasts or thighs
  • kosher salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon juice and zest
  • ¾ cup dry farro
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro and/or mixed herbs

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Melt butter and olive oil in a skillet. Sauté onions, carrots, parsnips, celery, and leeks for 5–7 minutes until softened and slightly golden.
  • Transfer sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker. Add chicken stock, peppercorns, bay leaf, thyme, and rosemary. Nestle in the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  • Once chicken is tender, remove and shred. Remove and discard the herbs. Return shredded chicken to the cooker along with lemon juice and zest, and farro. Stir and cook uncovered for 15 more minutes until farro is tender.
  • Serve hot in bowls, topped with fresh herbs. Enjoy with crusty bread.

Notes

For stovetop or Instant Pot adaptations, refer to detailed instructions in the full post. Best enjoyed with fresh bread and improves in flavor overnight.