When the air turns crisp and the evenings lean into early darkness, nothing quite hits the spot like a bowl of slow cooker chicken onion soup. This recipe is all about gentle, patient cooking that teases out the deep sweetness of caramelized onions and melds it with tender chicken in a broth that feels like a quiet comfort.
I remember one evening last fall, aiming to multitask and get dinner started before the usual post-work rush. I caramelized the onions while glancing at a half-finished book, the aroma pulling me back every few minutes. The slight sizzle and the faint sound of bubbling broth from the slow cooker were oddly hypnotic. Somewhere between stirring the pot and setting the timer, I almost forgot to add the wine — but that little slip just made the finish feel more like a discovery than a recipe. It wasn’t perfect, but it was exactly what I needed: warm, a little rustic, and utterly satisfying.
- The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, so you can set it and forget it for hours.
- Caramelized onions add a natural sweetness that balances savory chicken broth perfectly.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No need for a dozen fancy ingredients or complicated steps.
- The soup thickens just enough to feel hearty without weighing you down.
If you’re a bit wary of slow cooker recipes, this one is totally forgiving. You don’t have to be precise with every stir or timing; it’s more about the long, slow melding of flavors than exact science.
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Onion Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and flavorful slow cooker chicken onion soup made with tender chicken, caramelized onions, and savory broth. Perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 20 minutes.
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried rosemary, salt, and black pepper to the onions and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the chicken broth, chicken breasts, bay leaf, white wine, and Worcestershire sauce to the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and discard the bay leaf.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
Stir the cornstarch mixture into the soup and cook on high for 15 minutes to thicken slightly.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
For this soup, a slow cooker or any similar appliance with a low and high setting works just fine — nothing fancy required. I like to serve it with crusty bread or a simple side salad to keep things light but fulfilling. Sometimes, I swap the white wine for a splash of apple cider for a slightly different tang, but I haven’t tested all variations thoroughly. Adding a handful of fresh herbs at the end feels nice if you have them on hand, but it’s not a must.
FAQs
Can I make this soup without the wine? Yes, just replace it with a bit more broth or a splash of apple cider vinegar for balance.
How do I store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze for longer storage.
Is it okay to shred the chicken inside the slow cooker? It’s easier to shred chicken after removing it from the pot, but you can do it right in there if you’re careful.
When you’re ready to cozy up with a bowl of something comforting, this slow cooker chicken onion soup is waiting to be your quiet, delicious companion.