As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness enters the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty bowl of soup. Our Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight is the quintessential taste of the season, a true embodiment of autumn in a bowl. This dish promises not just a meal, but an experience – a fragrant, fulfilling embrace that makes even the busiest weeknights feel cozy. It’s the ultimate slow cooker chicken soup for those seeking warmth and flavor, a genuine Cozy Autumn Crockpot Chicken Soup designed to nourish body and soul with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Cozy Autumn Crockpot Chicken Soup
This isn’t just another chicken soup; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and the magic of slow cooking. Here’s why the Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight will become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Effortless Elegance: With just about 20 minutes of prep, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting. Imagine stepping into a home filled with the inviting aroma of herbs and simmering goodness, ready to be enjoyed after a long day.
- A Symphony of Flavors: Tender, succulent chicken pieces meld beautifully with the natural sweetness of butternut squash, the earthy notes of carrots and celery, and a delicate blend of thyme, sage, and nutmeg. The touch of cream at the end brings it all together in a velvety finish.
- Wholesome & Hearty: Packed with lean protein and an abundance of vibrant vegetables, this soup is both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully nutritious. It’s a complete meal in one bowl.
- Seasonal Comfort: It captures the very essence of autumn. The golden hues of the squash and carrots evoke harvest season, while the warmth and richness provide unparalleled comfort on a chilly evening.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The beauty of this soup lies in its wholesome ingredients and the flexibility they offer.
- Chicken: We recommend 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes. Thighs will offer a richer flavor and stay incredibly tender; breasts are a leaner option.
- Butternut Squash: 1 medium squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4-5 cups). This is the star! Its natural sweetness and creamy texture are essential. If fresh isn’t available, frozen cubed butternut squash can be used – no need to thaw.
- Aromatic Vegetables: 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced. These form the foundational flavor base.
- Broth: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Using low-sodium allows you to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Creaminess: 1/2 cup heavy cream. For a dairy-free alternative, full-fat coconut milk works wonderfully, adding a subtle tropical note that complements the squash beautifully.
- Herbs & Spices: 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These warm spices are what give the soup its distinctly autumnal character.
- Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional). A pop of fresh green brightens both the appearance and flavor.
How to Make Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight
Creating this delicious soup is incredibly straightforward, thanks to the magic of the slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This initial sauté step adds a depth of flavor that can’t be achieved by simply adding raw vegetables to the slow cooker.
- Assemble in Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the cubed chicken, butternut squash, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
- Season & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the dried thyme, dried sage, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The goal is for the chicken to be cooked through and incredibly tender, and the vegetables to be very soft and yielding.
- Finish with Cream: Once cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). This adds a luxurious creaminess and richness. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Uniform Cuts: Ensure your chicken and butternut squash are cut into roughly 1-inch cubes. This promotes even cooking and ensures every bite is balanced.
- Don’t Skip the Sauté: Sautéing the onion and garlic first develops their flavor, creating a more robust foundation for your soup.
- Thicker Consistency: For a heartier, thicker soup, you can mash some of the tender butternut squash against the side of the slow cooker insert with a spoon or fork before stirring in the cream. This naturally thickens the broth without needing a separate slurry.
- A Hint of Heat: If you enjoy a subtle kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the other spices. It won’t make it spicy, but it will awaken the flavors.
- Resist the Urge to Peek: Opening the slow cooker lid releases heat and extends the cooking time. Let it do its magic undisturbed!
Serving Suggestions
This wholesome soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple accompaniments.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty loaf of bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth.
- Simple Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Grains: Serve alongside a scoop of brown rice or quinoa for extra bulk and texture.
- More Comfort: For another comforting chicken dish, consider serving this soup as a starter before a satisfying main course like a Cheesy Garlic Chicken Loaf.
Storage & Reheating
This soup is fantastic for meal prepping or enjoying throughout the week.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Leave some headspace if using containers, as liquids expand when frozen.
- Reheating: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
FAQ
Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?
Absolutely! Pre-cut butternut squash is a fantastic time-saver. Just ensure the pieces are roughly 1-inch cubes.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
You can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, added with the other dried spices.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein, consider adding a can of drained cannellini beans or chickpeas during the last hour of cooking.
Can I cook this on the stovetop?
While designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it. Sauté all aromatics and chicken, then add remaining ingredients (minus cream) to a large pot. Simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is cooked and squash is tender. Stir in cream, season, and serve.
The Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the season, embrace simplicity, and indulge in genuine comfort. Its rich, aromatic flavors and incredibly easy preparation make it an essential addition to your autumn culinary repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and prepare to be enveloped in the warmth and deliciousness of this exceptional Cozy Autumn Crockpot Chicken Soup.
Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight
This recipe for Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight is pure autumn in a bowl. Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces mingling with sweet, velvety butternut squash, hearty carrots, and aromatic herbs, all simmered slowly to perfection in a rich, savory broth. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal, filling your home with an inviting aroma and your belly with warmth. Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or a cozy weekend feast, this soup delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making fall cooking a joyous experience.
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4-5 cups)
- 3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (or full-fat coconut milk for dairy-free)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the cubed chicken, butternut squash, sliced carrots, and sliced celery.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Stir in the dried thyme, dried sage, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are very tender.
- Once cooked, gently stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle the Golden Harvest Chicken & Butternut Squash Slow Cooker Delight into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash some of the butternut squash against the side of the slow cooker before stirring in the cream. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg