Healthy Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup (Easy & Nourishing)
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This Healthy Crockpot Chicken and Vegetable Soup is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, a rainbow of nutrient-packed vegetables, and a savory herb-infused broth come together effortlessly in your slow cooker. It’s a light yet satisfying soup that will warm you from the inside out, making it the perfect guilt-free comfort food for any season.
There’s a special kind of magic in a recipe that nourishes your body while also simplifying your life. After years of searching for the perfect “set it and forget it” meal, I developed this healthy crockpot chicken vegetable soup. It has become my go-to for busy weeks, sick days, and any time I crave a bowl of pure, wholesome comfort without the fuss.
Imagine coming home to the incredible aroma of savory herbs, tender chicken, and slow-simmered vegetables filling your kitchen. This isn’t just a soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with vibrant colors and clean flavors that make healthy eating feel like a treat. It’s light enough to feel refreshing but hearty enough to be a truly satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Crockpot Soup
This recipe is more than just convenient; it’s designed to be both delicious and incredibly good for you. Here’s why it will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply chop your veggies, add everything to the slow cooker, and walk away. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weekdays.
- Nutrient-Dense & Low-Calorie: Loaded with lean protein from chicken and a wide array of vitamins and minerals from the vegetables, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and low in calories.
- Completely Customizable: Think of this recipe as a template. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables, use leftover chicken, or add beans and grains to make it your own.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. It stores and reheats beautifully, giving you healthy lunches or dinners for days.
Ingredients for Chicken Vegetable Soup
The beauty of this soup lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, chicken breasts cook perfectly in the slow cooker and are easy to shred. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Using a low-sodium broth allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish. Vegetable broth works well too.
- 1 large yellow onion, diced: Forms the aromatic foundation of the soup, adding a subtle sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds essential savory depth. Don’t be shy with the garlic!
The Vegetables:
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced: Provide sweetness, color, and a healthy dose of Vitamin A.
- 3 celery stalks, sliced: Add a classic savory, slightly peppery flavor that is essential to any good soup.
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed and cut: Fresh or frozen green beans work great, adding a pleasant texture and nutrients.
- 1 zucchini, diced: Zucchini adds bulk and nutrients without many calories and becomes wonderfully tender.
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Adds a touch of acidity and umami that brightens the entire soup.
Herbs and Seasoning:
- 1 tsp dried thyme: Its earthy, minty flavor pairs perfectly with chicken.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a classic, robust Mediterranean flavor.
- 2 bay leaves: Infuse the broth with a subtle, complex herbal note. Remember to remove them before serving!
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Place chicken breasts in the bottom of a 6-quart slow cooker. Layering chicken first ensures it stays moist.

Add all chopped vegetables and the can of undrained diced tomatoes on top of the chicken.

Pour in the chicken broth, then sprinkle with thyme, oregano, pepper, and add the bay leaves. Stir gently.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender and cooked through.

Healthy Crockpot Chicken Vegetable Soup (Easy & Nourishing)
Equipment
- 6-quart slow cooker, chef's knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, forks for shredding
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. This ensures they cook fully submerged in the broth.
- 2
Add the diced onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, celery, green beans, zucchini, and undrained diced tomatoes on top of the chicken.
- 3
Pour the chicken broth over all the ingredients. The liquid should cover everything, which helps the flavors meld.
- 4
Sprinkle in the dried thyme, oregano, black pepper, and add the two bay leaves. Stir gently to combine.
- 5
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- 6
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and place them on a cutting board. Remove and discard the bay leaves.
- 7
Shred the chicken using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir to mix it back into the soup.
- 8
Taste the soup and season with salt as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
Notes
This soup is highly versatile. Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand, such as corn, peas, bell peppers, or potatoes. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding a can of chickpeas or white beans for protein. The soup freezes perfectly for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. For extra flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice into each bowl just before serving to brighten up the dish.
Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Soup
A few simple tricks can elevate this easy recipe from great to absolutely unforgettable:
- Don’t Overcook the Veggies: If you prefer your vegetables with a bit more bite, add the softer ones like zucchini and green beans during the last 30-60 minutes of cooking.
- Shred Chicken with a Hand Mixer: The fastest way to shred the cooked chicken is right in the crockpot! Use a hand mixer on low speed for about 15-20 seconds for perfectly shredded chicken without the mess.
- Brighten at the End: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh parsley stirred in just before serving can dramatically brighten the flavors and make the soup taste even fresher.
- Build More Flavor: For an even richer broth, you can quickly sear the chicken breasts in a hot, oiled skillet for 2-3 minutes per side before adding them to the crockpot. This isn’t necessary but adds a lovely depth.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This healthy crockpot chicken vegetable soup is a fantastic meal on its own, but it’s also fun to dress up. Here are some ideas:
Serving Ideas:
- Serve with a side of crusty whole-grain bread or sourdough for dipping.
- Top with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add a handful of cooked whole-wheat pasta, quinoa, or brown rice to each bowl to make it even heartier.
Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño along with the other vegetables.
- Italian Twist: Use Italian seasoning instead of thyme and oregano, and stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end until it wilts.
- Hearty & Wholesome: Add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or cannellini beans for extra fiber and protein.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup is perfect for making ahead of time. Follow these simple storage tips to enjoy it all week long.
To Store: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To Reheat: Gently reheat individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but stovetop reheating preserves the texture of the vegetables better.
To Freeze: This soup freezes exceptionally well! Let it cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
More Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes
If you loved this easy recipe, be sure to check out these other crockpot favorites:
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