Making slow cooker Chicken Carcass Soup is a perfect way to make use of any leftovers from a roast chicken dinner, making it an economical and flavorful meal option.

To prepare Chicken Carcass Soup in your slow cooker, place the chicken carcass, 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, and a halved onion inside. Pour in 8 cups of water with 2 bay leaves, a teaspoon of peppercorns, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. Let it cook on low for 8-10 hours before adding the rest of the ingredients for an additional 6-7 hours, ensuring a deeply flavored and comforting soup.

Don’t miss out on this easy, delicious recipe. See how you can turn leftovers into a scrumptious slow cooker feast that will impress your taste buds and save you time!

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How can I make my Chicken Carcass Soup thicker or creamier?

To make your Chicken Carcass Soup thicker or creamier, consider adding a cup (about 240 ml) of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, blending part of the soup until smooth and then reincorporating it can also enhance thickness.

Can I substitute the pasta with another type of grain or noodle in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with another type of grain or noodle in this recipe. For instance, using a cup of cooked rice or quinoa instead of pasta not only works well but also introduces a different texture and nutritional profile to your soup.

Slow Cooker Chicken Carcass Soup Ingredients

For Chicken Stock:

• 1 large chicken carcass (or two small carcasses)
• 8 cups of water (approximately 2 liters), or as needed
• 2 large carrots, coarsely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, coarsely chopped
• 1 large onion, cut in half
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon of peppercorns
• 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar

For Chicken Soup:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
• 2 carrots (taken from the stock preparation), diced
• 2 large potatoes, peeled and cut into cubes
• 1 cup of butternut squash (about 200g), peeled and cubed
• 14 ounces (about 400g) of canned chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, or to your taste
• 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
• 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 cup (about 120g) of small pasta or noodles
• 3 tablespoons of finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

How To Make Slow Cooker Chicken Carcass Soup

1. Start with the Stock: Place the chicken carcass(es), chopped carrots, celery, onion halves, bay leaves, peppercorns, and apple cider vinegar into your slow cooker. Fill with water until it nearly covers the ingredients. Set to cook on low for 8-10 hours or overnight, ensuring the flavors fully infuse into the stock.
2. Strain and Reserve: After the stock is done, strain it through a colander into a large bowl. Keep the liquid and the carrots. Allow the carcass to cool a bit, then proceed to remove any meat from the bones. Dice the carrots saved from the stock; they’ll be added back into the soup later.
3. Prepare the Soup Base: Return the slow cooker to duty. Add the finely chopped onion, diced celery, carrots from the stock, cubed potatoes, and butternut squash into it. Pour the strained chicken stock over these vegetables. If the stock isn’t enough, add a bit of water to just cover the ingredients.
4. Add Flavor and Protein: Toss in the shredded chicken meat, drained chickpeas, lemon juice, soy sauce, and Tabasco to the slow cooker. These ingredients will add a rich depth of flavor and a nice protein boost to your soup.
5. Set to Cook: Cover and cook the mixture on low for another 6-7 hours. This slow cooking phase allows the vegetables to become tender and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Introduce the Pasta: With about 30 minutes left on your cooking time, stir in the small pasta or noodles. Continue cooking until the pasta is soft and fully cooked through.
7. Season to Taste: Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground pepper. This is your moment to fine-tune the flavors according to your preferences.
8. Finish with Freshness: Sprinkle the finely chopped flat-leaf parsley into the soup, stirring it through. This not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
9. Serve Warm: Ladle the hearty and comforting Slow Cooker Chicken Carcass Soup into bowls, pairing it with a slice of crusty bread for an added treat.

Recipe Variation

• Spicy Kick Chicken Soup: To add a bit more spice to your soup, consider incorporating a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This will introduce a warm, spicy flavor that complements the rich taste of the chicken soup.
• Vegetarian Delight: For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken carcass with a hearty mix of mushrooms and vegetable stock, adding soy sauce for depth. This alternative offers a rich, umami-packed flavor profile suitable for those preferring plant-based meals.
• Creamy Dreamy Chicken Soup: Incorporating a cup of heavy cream or coconut milk during the last 30 minutes of cooking transforms the soup into a creamy delight. This addition enriches the soup’s texture, making it more indulgent and satisfying.
• International Twist: Adding a tablespoon of curry powder or garam masala introduces an exotic twist to the traditional recipe. This variation brings a new layer of flavors, offering a unique and memorable tasting experience

What To serve With your Chicken Carcass Soup

Serve your Chicken Carcass Soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping, a simple green salad dressed in vinaigrette, steamed green beans, garlic parmesan roasted carrots, and fluffy quinoa for a hearty and balanced meal.

How To Store Chicken Carcass Soup

In The Fridge:

Cool the soup completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it sealed to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other flavors.

In The Freezer:

Chicken Carcass Soup freezes well. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How To Reheat Chicken Carcass Soup

Reheat your Chicken Carcass Soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. This should take about 10 minutes; ensure it reaches a simmer for even heating.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Lamb Cawl
• Slow Cooker Broccoli And Stilton Soup
• Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Pasta