Crockpot Soup For Two

So, you’re looking for something warm, comforting, and delicious, but the thought of doing dishes for an army after cooking makes you want to curl up and cry? Been there, done that, got the stained apron. Good news: I’ve got your back with a crockpot soup for two that’s so easy, your cat could probably make it (if they had opposable thumbs and an interest in anything other than naps). Get ready for your new favorite lazy-day meal!

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Seriously, this isn’t just a recipe; it’s a life hack. You dump stuff in, walk away, and come back to magic. It’s almost too good to be true, but trust me, it is.

• Minimal effort, maximum cozy vibes. Perfect for date night, solo Netflix binges, or when you just can’t adult anymore.
• It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, without the awkward small talk. You’re welcome.
• Plus, leftovers? Practically non-existent with this perfect portion size. Win-win!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather your edible treasures, my friend:

• Chicken breast (1 large or 2 small): Because who doesn’t love a good chicken, right? Pre-cut if you’re feeling extra lazy.
• Chicken broth (3-4 cups): Low sodium, unless you’re into that super salty life. No judgment, just a heads-up.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret weapon for creamy goodness. Don’t knock it ’til you try it.
• Veggies (about 1.5 cups total): Frozen mixed veggies are your BFF here. Or chop up some carrots, celery, and peas if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Onion (1/2 small, chopped): Adds depth, tears, and flavor. Worth it.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Because garlic makes everything better. It’s a fact, look it up.
• Dried Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Your shortcut to ‘I totally know what I’m doing’ flavor.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, my friend. Don’t be shy, but don’t overdo it either.
• Optional fun stuff: A splash of heavy cream for extra richness, some fresh parsley for prettiness, or a handful of egg noodles if you want to make it heartier at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s make some magic happen!

1. Gather your goodies. First things first, assemble your ingredients. Channel your inner chef, even if you’re still in PJs.
2. Toss it all in. Place the chicken breast(s) at the bottom of your crockpot. Then, pile in the chopped onion, minced garlic, frozen veggies, and Italian seasoning. Pour in the chicken broth and the can of cream of chicken soup.
3. Stir it up (a little). Give everything a gentle stir to mix it all together. Don’t worry about perfection; the crockpot does the heavy lifting.
4. Set it and forget it. Cover your crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Seriously, go live your life. Watch that show, read that book, ponder the mysteries of the universe.
5. Shred the chicken. Once the cooking time is up and the chicken is tender (it should shred easily with two forks), take it out. Shred it against the grain – makes it extra yummy – then pop it back into the soup.
6. Taste and adjust. Give your soup a good stir. Taste it! Add salt and pepper to your liking. This is your masterpiece, after all. If you’re adding cream or noodles, now’s the time. Let noodles cook for an extra 20-30 mins on high until tender.
7. Serve it up! Ladle into bowls, maybe sprinkle with some fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy. Enjoy your culinary triumph!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Because nobody’s perfect, but we can try to avoid the obvious blunders:

• Overfilling your crockpot: Rookie mistake! Leaves no room for expansion, leading to a soupy mess on your counter. Nobody wants that.
• Forgetting to season: Don’t skip the salt and pepper! Bland soup is a sad soup. Taste as you go, my friend.
• Stirring too much: This isn’t a stovetop pot. The beauty of the crockpot is letting it do its thing. A gentle stir at the beginning and end is all you need.
• Lifting the lid constantly: Every time you peek, your crockpot loses heat, which adds to the cooking time. Resist the urge! Trust the process.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Got an empty fridge or just feeling rebellious? Here are some ideas:

• Chicken swap: No chicken? No problem! Use turkey or even some hardy white beans for a vegetarian twist (just skip the cream of chicken soup and use a cream of mushroom or vegetable instead). Cook times might vary slightly, FYI.
• Veggie variety: Hate peas? Love corn? Go wild! Broccoli, green beans, potatoes (cut small!) – whatever floats your boat. Fresh veggies might need a slightly longer cook time than frozen.
• Cream factor: Want it even creamier? A splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese stirred in at the end does wonders. Or if you’re dairy-free, try coconut milk for a surprisingly delish twist.
• Herb-acious options: Swap Italian seasoning for a dash of thyme, rosemary, or even some smoked paprika for a different vibe. Your kitchen, your rules!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Got questions? I’ve got answers (and maybe some sass):

• Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Can I freeze leftovers? You bet! Just make sure it cools completely before freezing. It’ll last about 2-3 months in the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
• What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup? Gasp! Okay, you can make a roux (butter + flour + milk/broth) or use a similar creamy condensed soup like cream of mushroom. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll still be tasty.
• Is this really just for two people? It’s sized for two generous servings, maybe with a little leftover for lunch. If you want more, just double everything! The crockpot can handle it.
• Can I use fresh chicken stock instead of canned broth? Oh, fancy pants! Yes, please do! Fresh is always better, IMO. Just adjust salt accordingly.
• What should I serve with it? Crusty bread for dipping, a simple side salad, or just a spoon. Your call!

Final Thoughts

See? You just whipped up a delicious, cozy, and impressive meal with minimal effort. Who’s the culinary genius now? You are! So go ahead, pat yourself on the back, snuggle up with your SO (or your pet, no judgment), and enjoy the fruits of your very minimal labor. You’ve earned this bowl of warm goodness. Now, about those dishes… oh wait, there aren’t many! Winning!