Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup. This hearty and flavorful soup combines tender chicken, wholesome vegetables, and the distinct tang of Frank’s Kraut, all simmered together to create a rich, comforting, and utterly irresistible dish. The addition of sour cream and a simple roux provides a velvety creaminess without being overly heavy. Every spoonful offers a delightful balance of savory, tangy, and smooth flavors, reminiscent of a beloved family recipe passed down through generations.
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup is a complete meal in a bowl, perfect for chilly days or any time you crave a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dinner. The combination of tender chicken, classic vegetables like carrots, celery, and potatoes, and the signature tang of Frank’s Kraut creates a symphony of flavors that will warm you from the inside out. The soup is simmered to perfection in a rich, velvety broth that tastes like it’s been cooking all day – because it has! The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully. A simple stovetop roux adds the perfect creamy finish, transforming this humble soup into a truly decadent experience. This is the kind of comforting soup that the whole family will love, perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free meal.
Crockpot Chicken and Sauerkraut Cream Soup: The Easy Way to Deliciousness
If you’re a fan of easy slow cooker recipes, this Creamy Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup is a dream come true. Simply toss all the ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and forget it. Hours later, you’ll be greeted with a warm, inviting, and incredibly flavorful soup that’s ready to be enjoyed. The creamy broth complements the tangy flavor of Frank’s Kraut perfectly, creating a nostalgic, home-style taste that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s a delightful twist on classic chicken soup, offering a unique and flavorful experience that will leave you wanting more.
This recipe is also a fantastic way to utilize leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it a convenient and time-saving option for busy weeknights. And because this recipe makes a generous batch, it’s ideal for family dinners or for stocking the refrigerator with easy and delicious lunches throughout the week. To elevate the flavor even further, consider adding optional toppings like crispy bacon crumbles and fresh green onions. These additions provide extra texture and flavor, taking each bowl of soup to a whole new level of deliciousness.
This recipe post is sponsored by Frank’s Kraut.
This creamy chicken and sauerkraut soup is a modern and flavorful take on the classic Amish chicken and sauerkraut soup, a dish cherished for its simple, wholesome ingredients and comforting tang. Like the traditional version, this soup features tender chicken, savory vegetables, and that unmistakable sauerkraut flavor. However, the addition of a creamy, velvety broth elevates the dish to a new level of indulgence. It’s a perfect blend of classic and contemporary flavors, creating a soup that’s both familiar and exciting.
Key Ingredients for Delicious Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup
You can find the complete list of ingredients and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post. But first, let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this soup so special:
- Cooked Chicken: This ingredient provides the heartiness and protein that makes this soup a satisfying meal. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option, as it adds a rich, savory flavor with minimal effort. You can also use leftover cooked chicken or even diced chicken breasts.
- Potatoes: Potatoes help to bulk up the soup, making it extra cozy and filling. They also contribute a subtle sweetness and creamy texture to the broth. Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes work well in this recipe.
- Bay Leaves: These aromatic leaves add a gentle, savory depth to the soup as it simmers. They infuse the broth with a subtle, complex flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.
- Celery: Celery brings that classic soup flavor and a touch of freshness to the mix. Its subtle, slightly peppery flavor complements the other vegetables and adds a pleasant aroma to the soup.
- Onion: Onion forms the foundation of a savory base that every good soup needs. It adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, creating a rich and aromatic foundation for the other ingredients.
- Carrots: Carrots add a vibrant pop of color, a touch of sweetness, and a subtle texture to the soup. They also contribute important nutrients, such as beta-carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in the body.
- Frank’s Kraut: This is the star ingredient that truly sets this soup apart! Its bright, tangy flavor perfectly balances the creamy broth, adding a unique and irresistible element that will keep you coming back for more.
- Chicken Stock: Chicken stock creates a rich and flavorful base for the soup. It adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile, creating a foundation that allows the other ingredients to shine. Use a high-quality chicken stock for the best results.
- Salt & Pepper: These simple seasonings are essential for waking up the flavors of the soup and bringing everything together. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your personal preference.
- Butter: Butter helps to create the roux that thickens the soup and gives it its luxuriously creamy texture. It also adds a rich, buttery flavor to the broth.
- Flour: Flour works in conjunction with the butter to thicken the broth and create a smooth, velvety texture. All-purpose flour is the standard choice for making a roux.
- Sour Cream: Sour cream is added at the end to provide the perfect tangy creaminess that makes this soup so irresistible. It adds a subtle richness and a delightful tang that balances the other flavors perfectly.
- Bacon (optional): Crispy bacon adds a smoky, salty finishing touch that elevates each bowl of soup to a new level of deliciousness. Crumble the bacon and sprinkle it over the top of the soup just before serving.
- Green Onions (optional): Fresh green onions add a vibrant pop of color and flavor when serving. Their mild, oniony flavor complements the other ingredients and adds a touch of freshness to the soup.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort and yielding maximum flavor. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create this delicious soup in your own kitchen:
Add the cooked chicken, potatoes, celery, carrots, onion, Frank’s Kraut, and bay leaves to your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins! The combination of these ingredients will create a symphony of flavors as they simmer together.
Pour in the chicken stock, reserving 1 cup for the roux. The chicken stock will act as the base of the soup, infusing the other ingredients with its rich, savory flavor. Reserving a cup of stock will allow you to create a smooth and creamy roux later on.
Stir everything together to ensure that all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. This will help the flavors to meld together beautifully as the soup simmers.
Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for about 4 hours, until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded. The slow cooking process is key to developing the rich, complex flavors of this soup. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Remove and discard the bay leaves before proceeding. The bay leaves have done their job of infusing the soup with their aromatic flavor, and they are no longer needed.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to cook out the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the reserved 1 cup of chicken stock, making sure to incorporate it completely to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, stirring constantly, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir the roux into the slow cooker along with the sour cream. Mix until creamy and well combined, ensuring that the roux is fully incorporated into the soup. The roux and sour cream will transform the broth into a velvety, creamy texture that is simply irresistible.
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your personal preference, ensuring that the soup is perfectly balanced and flavorful.
Serve warm and garnish with your favorite toppings. Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions for added flavor and texture.
Stovetop Directions: An Alternative Cooking Method
If you prefer to make this soup on the stovetop, you absolutely can! Simply add the chicken, vegetables, Frank’s Kraut, bay leaves, and chicken stock (remember to reserve 1 cup) to a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for approximately 35-45 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and cooked through.
While the soup simmers, prepare the roux in a separate saucepan as described above. Once the vegetables are tender, whisk the prepared roux into the pot along with the sour cream. Stir continuously until the soup reaches a creamy and smooth consistency. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and serve hot.
How to Store Leftovers: Keeping Your Soup Fresh
To properly store any leftover Creamy Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup, transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. When stored correctly, the soup will remain fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy another bowl, simply reheat the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the soup has thickened during storage, add a splash of broth or water to help thin it out and restore its creamy consistency. Freezing this soup is not recommended, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Love it? Pin it! Share the Deliciousness!
If you fall in love with this incredible Creamy Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup recipe (and we’re confident you will!), be sure to keep it readily accessible by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave. This way, you can easily find it again whenever you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal.
Tips & Substitutions: Making It Your Own
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice and adds fantastic flavor to the soup.
- Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetable selection by adding mushrooms, parsnips, or even a handful of frozen peas towards the end of the cooking process.
- Broth: To control the sodium content, use low-sodium chicken broth.
- Lighter Version: To reduce the fat content, substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream.
- Smoky Depth: Incorporating the optional bacon takes this soup to an entirely new level of flavor and enjoyment.
- Caraway Seeds: Sprinkle a few caraway seeds on top of each bowl for a nutty flavor.
Unveiling the Health Benefits of Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut isn’t just about adding bold flavor; it also brings a wealth of health benefits to the table. As a naturally fermented food, sauerkraut is packed with probiotics that support a healthy gut and efficient digestion. It also provides essential nutrients, including vitamins C and K, as well as minerals like iron and potassium. When you simmer sauerkraut with tender chicken and wholesome vegetables, you create a soup that’s not only comforting and delicious but also incredibly nourishing. Each bowl offers a good source of protein, probiotics, and a variety of feel-good nutrients that contribute to overall well-being.
Read More about Sauerkraut in this informative post.
More Soup Recipes to Love: Expand Your Culinary Horizons
If you’ve enjoyed this recipe, you’re in for a treat! I’ve curated a selection of equally delicious sauerkraut-inspired soups that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. These recipes are perfect for anyone who simply can’t get enough of that signature tangy, comforting flavor that sauerkraut brings to the table.
- Sauerkraut Chicken Noodle Soup: A comforting twist on a classic.
- Sauerkraut Bratwurst & Potato Soup: A hearty and flavorful combination.
- French Sauerkraut Soup: A sophisticated and tangy delight.
- Cream of Reuben Soup: All the flavors of a Reuben sandwich in a creamy soup.
- Oktoberfest Chili: A flavorful and hearty chili with a German twist.
- Instant Pot Beer Cheese with Kraut & Kielbasa: A quick and easy soup packed with flavor.
A heartfelt thank you to my friends at Frank’s Kraut for their exceptional sauerkraut, which makes this soup so effortless and flavorful. Their sauerkraut has just the right brightness and tang to every spoonful. If you haven’t yet experienced the magic of Frank’s Kraut, I urge you to grab a jar for your next batch of soup or whenever you want to add a touch of zest to your favorite comfort foods. You can find my entire selection of sauerkraut recipes here.
Even More Sauerkraut Recipes to Love: Explore the Possibilities
Stay connected with Frank’s Kraut on their various social media platforms to discover a treasure trove of delectable recipes throughout the year. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram for all things sauerkraut! You can purchase their sauerkraut directly from their website.
This Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken and Sauerkraut Soup embodies everything we cherish about slow cooking: simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and a robust, satisfying flavor profile that warms the soul. Whether you’re preparing a meal for your family or stocking up your refrigerator for the week ahead, this creamy, kraut-filled soup never fails to hit the spot. If you appreciate hearty comfort food with a delightful tangy twist, this recipe will undoubtedly become a staple in your cold-weather repertoire. I can’t wait to hear what you think when you try it!
LIKE THIS RECIPE?
Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and
leave a comment below the recipe!
Print Recipe
Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken & Sauerkraut Soup
10
6
Soup
American
chicken, Frank’s kraut, Sauerkraut, Soup
8
servings
431
kcal
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds cooked chicken diced or shredded
- 2 small potatoes peeled and diced, about 1 cup
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 stalks celery diced, about 1 cup
- 1 medium-sized onion diced, about 1 cup
- 3 small