Slow Cooker Chicken & Pierogi Soup

Citrus Free, Nut Free, Soy Free

485 Calories | 38g Protein | 54g Carbs | 12g Fat | 10g Fiber | 8g Sugar

4 hours 10 minutes | 4 servings

This slow cooker soup is winter comfort food that warms you from the inside on a cold day. Tender shredded chicken, pillowy pierogies, and colorful vegetables in a savory, herb-infused broth that tastes like home.

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Why You'll Love This

The slow cooker does the heavy lifting so no standing over a hot stove. Perfect for days when hot flashes are ramping up or when night sweats had you up all night and you just need good food that doesn’t take an hour to prepare. This recipe uses frozen veggies instead of fresh so hands on time is only about 10 minutes.

The Nutrition Profile

Each serving packs 38g of protein. Your body requires more protein to maintain muscle mass and support bone density, and if you’ve started weight training, you’ll need to bump it up a bit too. The chicken is a lean protein and a single serving goes a long way towards hitting those protein goals.

You're also getting 10g of fiber per serving, which supports digestive health and helps keep blood sugar stable. We need 25g – 30g PER DAY of fiber and there are a whole lot of us that aren’t even close. So, in addition to the protein, you’re getting a third of the fiber you need per day in one serving too.

Besides protein and fiber, the chicken provides lean protein along with B vitamins and selenium, while the vegetable mix adds vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. The pierogies contribute complex carbohydrates for sustained energy rather than the quick spike and crash you get from refined carbs.

Bottom line, you’re getting a massive bang for your nutritional buck in every serving AND off the chart cozy vibes.

The Ingredient List

This recipe keeps it simple with pantry staples and freezer-friendly convenience.

The frozen vegetable mix typically includes onions, carrots, celery, and bell peppers, so you're getting variety without chopping five different vegetables. If certain vegetables don't agree with you anymore, swap the mix for whatever works: frozen green beans, zucchini, or even pre-cut butternut squash. You don’t win awards for chopping veggies so if you’re tired and just need dinner on the table, take the convenience win of frozen and/or pre-chopped veggies.

The boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay moist in the slow cooker better than chicken breast but use what ya got. For the pierogies, any variety works, whether potato, cheese, or a combination. If gluten is an issue, look for gluten-free pierogies in the freezer section.

Substitution ideas:

• Swap chicken for turkey thighs or even pork tenderloin
• Use bone broth for extra collagen and minerals
• Fresh herbs instead of dried (triple the amount)
• If dairy triggers symptoms, skip the cheese-filled pierogies and use potato only

The Practical Stuff

This soup stores in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container and reheats beautifully on the stovetop or microwave. Make a double batch when you have the energy, portion it into containers, and freeze for up to three months.

The slow cooker means you can prep it in the morning and come home to dinner ready to go or start it before lunch for an early dinner. No special equipment needed beyond the slow cooker itself. This is hands-off cooking at its finest, which means you're not stuck in the kitchen babysitting a hot pot.

The Method

Add the chicken thighs, frozen vegetable mix, crushed garlic, and dried thyme to your slow cooker. Season generously with salt and pepper (don't be shy here, the broth needs seasoning). Pour in the chicken broth until everything is fully submerged. Cover and set to high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours, depending on your schedule.

About 30 minutes before you're ready to eat, add the frozen pierogies directly to the slow cooker and stir gently so they don't clump together. They'll cook right in the broth and absorb all those savory flavors. Continue cooking until the pierogies are tender and heated through.

Remove the chicken pieces with tongs or a slotted spoon, shred them with two forks (they should fall apart easily if they're done), and return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor and serve!

Why This Works

This soup hits all the right notes: hearty enough to satisfy, simple enough to make on autopilot, and packed with the protein your changing body needs.

It's the kind of meal that works whether you're feeding just yourself or the whole family, and nobody has to know it took almost zero effort. The slow cooker keeps your kitchen cool, so you're not triggering hot flashes by standing over a boiling pot. Plus, it makes the whole house smell amazing, which is its own kind of comfort.

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