This Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Soup is a warm and hearty dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors. The combination of slow-cooked chickpeas, tender chicken, and rich spices creates a deeply satisfying meal that is both nutritious and comforting. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a dish that is rich, aromatic, and full of depth. Perfect for meal prep or a cozy night in, this soup is easy to prepare and packed with nourishing ingredients. The addition of artichokes and olives brings a subtle tanginess that enhances the overall flavor profile, while fresh herbs provide a burst of freshness. Whether served with a side of crusty bread or enjoyed on its own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried chickpeas, soaked overnight and drained
- 4 cups water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ lbs bone-in, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup canned or frozen artichoke hearts, chopped
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Directions:
- Place the soaked chickpeas into a 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker.
- Add water, chopped onion, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf, cumin, paprika, cayenne, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Nestle the chicken thighs into the mixture, ensuring they are mostly submerged.
- Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or on High for 4 hours.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it cool slightly.
- Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the artichoke hearts, olives, and salt.
- Shred the chicken, discarding the bones, then return the shredded meat to the slow cooker. Stir well.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours (Low) or 4 hours (High) | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes (Low) or 4 hours 15 minutes (High)
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 6
The Inspiration Behind This Recipe
This recipe draws inspiration from Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, where chickpeas and warm spices are often used to create rich, aromatic dishes. Chickpeas, also known as garbanzo beans, are a staple in many traditional recipes across North Africa, the Middle East, and Southern Europe. They bring a mild nutty flavor and creamy texture to the soup, making it extra satisfying.
Slow-cooked chicken adds a tender, juicy texture, absorbing the flavors of cumin, paprika, garlic, and cayenne pepper. The addition of artichokes and Kalamata olives provides a tangy contrast to the rich broth, enhancing the overall complexity of the dish. These Mediterranean ingredients come together beautifully to create a soup that is both nourishing and incredibly flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Effortless Cooking – This is a true “set it and forget it” recipe. Simply add the ingredients to your slow cooker, let it cook for several hours, and return to a fully prepared meal.
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Nutritious & Balanced – This soup is high in protein from the chicken and chickpeas, rich in fiber, and loaded with vitamins from the tomatoes, onions, and garlic. It’s a filling meal that will keep you satisfied for hours.
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Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers taste even better.
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Naturally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free – No need to make substitutions; this recipe is already free from gluten and dairy, making it a great option for those with food sensitivities.
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Budget-Friendly Ingredients – Chickpeas, canned tomatoes, and spices are inexpensive pantry staples. Chicken thighs are also a more affordable cut of meat compared to chicken breasts while providing extra flavor and tenderness.
The Nutritional Benefits of Chickpeas
One of the key ingredients in this soup is chickpeas, which are an excellent source of plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Chickpeas are known for their ability to support digestion, stabilize blood sugar levels, and keep you feeling full longer. They are also packed with important vitamins and minerals, such as iron, folate, and magnesium.
Because chickpeas have a relatively neutral taste, they absorb the flavors of the soup beautifully, creating a creamy, hearty texture without the need for dairy or thickeners. When slow-cooked, they become even more tender, melting into the broth and adding body to the dish.
Slow Cooking Enhances Flavor & Texture
The magic of a slow cooker is in how it allows ingredients to cook slowly over an extended period, resulting in deeper, more developed flavors. The long, gentle cooking process allows the spices to infuse into the broth, creating a rich, aromatic base for the soup.
Another benefit of slow cooking is that it makes chicken extra tender. Instead of becoming dry or overcooked, chicken thighs break down beautifully in the broth, making every bite juicy and flavorful. Plus, the broth itself becomes slightly thickened from the chickpeas and tomatoes, creating a velvety consistency that is perfect for dipping with crusty bread.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Soup
This soup is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit your preferences:
- With Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, toasted bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Over Rice or Couscous: If you want a heartier meal, serve the soup over cooked rice, couscous, or quinoa for extra texture and substance.
- With a Side Salad: A simple Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese makes a great light pairing.
- Topped with Fresh Herbs: Garnishing the soup with fresh parsley or cilantro adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced broth.
- A Squeeze of Lemon: A final touch of lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavors and enhances the overall taste.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
One of the best things about this soup is that it stores beautifully. Here’s how you can make the most of your leftovers:
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Variations & Customizations
This recipe is easy to adapt to your tastes or dietary needs. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Make It Vegan: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of water. Add extra chickpeas or include lentils for added protein.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add extra cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or harissa paste for a spicier kick.
- Use Different Proteins: Swap chicken thighs for chicken breasts, turkey, or even lamb for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Veggies: Bulk up the soup with extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Creamier Texture: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or coconut milk before serving for a richer, creamier broth.
Conclusion:
Slow Cooker Chicken & Chickpea Soup is a must-try dish for anyone who loves easy, flavorful, and nutritious meals. Its combination of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, slow-cooked tenderness, and deep, savory flavors make it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal to enjoy on a chilly evening or a convenient dish to meal prep for the week, this soup is a fantastic choice. It’s budget-friendly, packed with nutrients, and full of warmth and goodness. Plus, it’s easy to customize, so you can make it your own with different ingredients and variations.
