This crock pot chicken parmesan soup is one of our favorite cozy dinners, a rich, creamy soup that simmers all day in the slow cooker with almost no effort. For us that kind of warm, hands off comfort is exactly what real food for real life is about. It is the kind of dinner that practically makes itself, a rich, creamy soup that simmers all day in the slow cooker with almost no effort from you.
Chicken thighs slow cook with tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs, then get finished with heavy cream and a generous amount of Parmesan. This crock pot chicken parmesan soup tastes like a bowl of chicken Parmesan turned into a comforting, creamy soup, perfect for a busy day. Slow cooking chicken thighs with tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs and finishing with heavy cream and plenty of Parmesan tastes like a bowl of chicken Parmesan turned into a comforting, creamy soup.
Slow simmered with tomatoes and herbs, then finished with cream and Parmesan, this crock pot chicken parmesan soup is rich, cozy, and full of flavor.
Why You Will Love This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup
- Hands off cooking. The slow cooker does the work, simmering everything while you go about your day.
- Rich and creamy. Heavy cream and Parmesan make a luxurious, comforting broth.
- All the chicken Parm flavor. Tomatoes, garlic, and herbs give it that classic Italian taste in soup form.
- Tender shredded chicken. Chicken thighs turn meltingly tender after slow cooking.
- Great for a crowd. It makes a big, cozy pot perfect for family dinners or leftovers.
What Makes This Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup So Good
Great crock pot chicken parmesan soup starts with the slow cooker building flavor. Cooking chicken thighs with onion, garlic, Italian herbs, and crushed tomatoes for hours lets everything meld into a deep, savory base before any cream goes in. Cooking chicken thighs with onion, garlic, Italian herbs, and crushed tomatoes for hours lets everything meld into a deep, savory base before any cream goes in.
Chicken thighs are the right choice here, since they stay tender and juicy through long, slow cooking and shred easily into the soup. Returning the shredded meat to the pot makes every spoonful hearty. Chicken thighs stay tender and juicy through long, slow cooking and shred easily into the soup, and returning the shredded meat to the pot makes every spoonful hearty.
Finishing this crock pot chicken parmesan soup with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan off the boil is the key to a smooth, rich texture. Stirring the Parmesan in gradually helps it melt evenly without clumping. Finishing with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan off the boil is the key to a smooth, rich texture, and stirring the Parmesan in gradually helps it melt evenly without clumping.
Optional Pro Tip: Add Dairy at the End
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan only during the last part of cooking, after the chicken is done. For the best crock pot chicken parmesan soup, add the Parmesan gradually and keep the heat low so the dairy stays smooth and does not separate or curdle. Stirring in the cream and Parmesan only in the last part of cooking, after the chicken is done, plus adding the Parmesan gradually over low heat, keeps the dairy smooth and free of curdling.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Use freshly grated Parmesan and stir it in gradually so the crock pot chicken parmesan soup stays smooth, and add the cream at the end rather than the start. Using freshly grated Parmesan and stirring it in gradually keeps the soup smooth, and adding the cream at the end rather than the start protects the texture.
Taste and adjust the salt at the end, since Parmesan and broth both add salt. For a thicker soup, stir in a little cornstarch slurry. Tasting and adjusting the salt at the end accounts for the Parmesan and broth, and a little cornstarch slurry thickens the soup if you want it heartier.
Variations and Add Ins
- Spicy. Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
- Extra veggies. Stir in spinach or kale near the end.
- Tomato basil. Add fresh basil for a brighter, herby finish.
- Lighter. Use half and half in place of heavy cream.
- With pasta. Stir in cooked small pasta to make it heartier.
How to Store and Make Ahead
Store leftover crock pot chicken parmesan soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavor deepens overnight, making leftovers especially good. Stored airtight, the flavor deepens overnight, which makes leftovers of this soup especially good for an easy, satisfying lunch.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened. Avoid boiling, which can affect the creamy texture. Reheating gently over low heat and stirring often keeps the creamy texture smooth, and a splash of broth or cream loosens it if it has thickened.
Serving Suggestions for Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Serve this hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, with crusty bread or a side salad. It makes a cozy, filling dinner on a cold or busy day. Topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley, with crusty bread or a side salad, it makes a cozy, filling dinner on a cold or busy day.
A slow cooker simmers food gently for hours, making it ideal for unattended, hands off meals like this, as described in this overview of the slow cooker. That long, gentle cooking is what gives this crock pot chicken parmesan soup its deep flavor and tender chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, though thighs stay more tender through long cooking. If using breast, avoid overcooking so it does not dry out before shredding. Breasts work, though thighs stay more tender through long cooking, so if you use breast, avoid overcooking so it does not dry out before shredding.
How long does it cook in the crock pot?
About six to seven hours on low or three to four hours on high, until the chicken is tender enough to shred. A long cook on low or a shorter one on high both work, just cook until the chicken is tender enough to shred.
When do I add the cream and Parmesan?
Add them at the end, after the chicken is cooked and shredded, then warm gently so the dairy stays smooth. Adding the cream and Parmesan at the end, after the chicken is cooked and shredded, and warming gently afterward keeps the dairy smooth.
Why did my soup curdle?
Dairy can separate if boiled. Keep the heat low after adding cream and Parmesan, and stir the cheese in gradually. Dairy can separate if boiled, so keeping the heat low after adding the cream and Parmesan and stirring the cheese in gradually prevents curdling.
How do I thicken the soup?
Stir in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water near the end, then let it cook uncovered for a bit to thicken. Stirring a slurry of cornstarch and cold water in near the end and letting it cook uncovered for a bit thickens the soup nicely.
Can I make it ahead?
Yes. It reheats well and the flavor deepens overnight, so it is great for meal prep and leftovers. Because it reheats so well and the flavor deepens overnight, it is great for meal prep and makes especially good leftovers.
Can I freeze it?
Cream based soups can change texture when frozen. For the best result, freeze before adding the dairy, then add it when reheating. For the best texture, freeze the soup before adding the dairy, then stir in the cream and Parmesan when you reheat it.
What Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothest and has the most flavor. Pre grated can clump more. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothest and has the most flavor, while pre grated can clump more, so grate it yourself when you can.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Spinach, kale, or extra tomatoes all work well stirred in near the end. Spinach, kale, or extra tomatoes all stir in nicely near the end, adding color and a little extra nutrition to the bowl.
What do I serve with it?
Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a crisp salad all pair nicely. Crusty bread, garlic bread, or a crisp salad all pair nicely and round the soup into a complete, comforting meal.
A Cozy Soup Worth Coming Home To
This crock pot chicken parmesan soup brings all the comforting flavor of chicken Parmesan into a rich, creamy bowl that practically makes itself. Tender chicken and a savory, cheesy broth are pure comfort.
Set it in the morning and come home to a warm, ready dinner, then finish it with cream and Parmesan. It is an easy, crowd pleasing soup for cold days and busy nights alike.
If you love cozy, comforting meals like this, you will also enjoy our cheesy gnocchi bake, another favorite from our kitchen.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the raw chicken thighs into the bottom of your crock pot.
- Then layer in your chopped onions, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and crushed tomatoes.
- Pour the chicken broth over everything, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat for 6 to 7 hours or high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
- Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove it with tongs or a slotted spoon.
- Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir it in.
- Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- If you want the soup slightly thicker, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water, then stir that slurry into the soup as well.
- Gradually sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan, stirring continuously until fully melted and combined.
- Let it continue cooking on low for another 20 to 30 minutes, uncovered, so the soup thickens slightly and the cheese fully integrates.
- Taste your soup and adjust with salt and pepper, if needed.
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for a vibrant, savory finish.
Nutrition
Notes
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