Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
Warm up with this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delicious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a perfect blend of spices. Ideal for chilly evenings, it simmers in your crockpot for hours, filling your home with irresistible aromas.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and satisfying with every bite
- Easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights
- A delightful kick of spice that warms you from the inside out
A Comforting Meal for Any Occasion
This Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is perfect for cozy nights in or when hosting friends and family. The combination of tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi creates a heartwarming dish that is sure to satisfy everyone around the table. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort, making it a go-to recipe for any season.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy a quiet evening at home or impress guests at a dinner party, this soup fits the bill. Its rich flavors and inviting aroma will have everyone flocking to the kitchen. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones rather than stressing in the kitchen.
Health Benefits of the Ingredients
Packed with nutritious ingredients, this soup not only delights the palate but also provides health benefits. The chicken thighs are a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair. They also contain important vitamins and minerals that support overall health. Adding vegetables like carrots and celery boosts the nutritional profile of the soup, contributing vitamins A and C, as well as fiber.
The spices in this recipe, such as red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, not only add flavor but may also offer anti-inflammatory benefits. Enjoying this soup can be a delicious way to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into your diet while still indulging in comfort food.
Customization Tips
One of the great things about this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup is its versatility. Feel free to customize the recipe according to your taste preferences or dietary needs. If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes or substitute them with a dash of black pepper. For a heartier soup, consider adding other vegetables like spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
You can also switch up the protein by using shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey instead of chicken thighs. For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to make this soup your own!
Ingredients
Gather all the ingredients for a seamless cooking experience.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ensure all ingredients are fresh for the best flavor.
Instructions
Follow these steps for a delicious soup that cooks itself.
Prepare the Chicken
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Combine Ingredients in Crockpot
In the crockpot, add browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir well.
Cook the Soup
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Add Gnocchi and Cream
About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi and heavy cream to the crockpot. Stir and cover again.
Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Enjoy your delicious and spicy soup!
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers of this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing portions. Just ensure you let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over medium heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the soup, as the gnocchi can absorb some liquid during storage.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your dining experience, consider serving this soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can perfectly complement the richness of the soup, while crusty bread can help soak up every delicious drop. Pairing it with a glass of white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc, can also enhance the flavors and make for a delightful meal.
For a touch of elegance, you can top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs like basil or dill can also add a refreshing contrast to the warm and spicy flavors of the soup.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly in this recipe. Just add them in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
→ How can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients the night before and store them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.
→ What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup
Warm up with this Spicy Crockpot Chicken Gnocchi Soup, a delicious blend of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Created by: Poppy Walsh
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 6 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 pound gnocchi
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How-To Steps
In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown on both sides for about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
In the crockpot, add browned chicken, sautéed vegetables, red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, thyme, and chicken broth. Stir well.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
About 30 minutes before serving, add the gnocchi and heavy cream to the crockpot. Stir and cover again.
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
- Sodium: 85mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 6g