Comfort Food (Print Version)
Ingredients:
01 -
1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts.
02 -
3-4 medium whole carrots, peeled and chopped.
03 -
1-2 stalks celery, chopped.
04 -
1/2 medium yellow or white onion, chopped.
05 -
2 Tablespoons fresh parsley (flat or curly), chopped.
06 -
4-5 cloves garlic, minced.
07 -
1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning.
08 -
Salt and black pepper, to taste.
09 -
1 teaspoon Better than Bouillon chicken seasoning base (optional).
10 -
Pinch red pepper flakes (optional).
11 -
4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or broth.
12 -
1 cup cream or half and half.
13 -
1-2 Tablespoons cornstarch.
14 -
1 pound potato gnocchi.
15 -
3 cups baby spinach.
16 -
4 slices cooked bacon (optional, for serving).
Instructions:
01 -
Place chicken, carrots, celery, onion, parsley, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large slow cooker.
02 -
Add Better than Bouillon paste and red pepper flakes, if using. Stir to combine.
03 -
Pour chicken stock or broth on top and gently mix. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
04 -
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
05 -
In a small bowl, whisk together cream (or half and half) with 1 Tablespoon of cornstarch. Add to the soup along with gnocchi and spinach. Set slow cooker to high and cook for another 30-45 minutes.
06 -
If desired, thicken the soup by adding an additional cornstarch slurry (1 Tablespoon cornstarch + 1 Tablespoon cool water). Stir and let thicken for 5 minutes.
07 -
Season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Optional: add a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh basil, or more red pepper flakes.
08 -
Serve topped with crumbled bacon if desired.
Notes:
01 -
For a thicker soup, add more cornstarch slurry as directed.
02 -
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for best flavor.
03 -
Bacon garnish is optional but adds a delicious flavor contrast.