Slow Cooker Couscous Chicken Meatball Soup

Slow Cooker Couscous Chicken Meatball Soup

I cook soups all year round. Since most of my soups are made in the slow cooker, I don’t have to worry about heating up the kitchen, even during the summer months. They’re also one of my favorite ways to add extra vegetables to our meals.

This soup combines tender chicken meatballs, kale, spinach, carrots, celery, and just enough couscous to make it hearty without being heavy. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the end brightens the entire pot and gives it a fresh garden flavor.

Slow Cooker Couscous Chicken Meatball Soup

Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground chicken

• 2 teaspoons dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 egg

• ¼ cup seasoned breadcrumbs

Soup:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons olive oil

• 2 cartons no-sodium chicken stock (about 8 cups)

• 1½ cups diced carrots

• 1½ cups diced celery

• 4 cups chopped kale

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Add During Last 20–30 Minutes:

• 4 cups chopped spinach

• 4–5 ounces couscous (about ¾ cup dry)

Finish:

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Combine the ground chicken, basil, oregano, pepper, garlic powder, egg, and breadcrumbs. Form into small meatballs.

2. Brown the meatballs lightly in a skillet.

3. Transfer the meatballs to the slow cooker.

4. Add the onion, olive oil, chicken stock, carrots, celery, kale, and pepper.

5. Cook on Low for 4 hours.

6. During the last 20–30 minutes of cooking, stir in the spinach and couscous.

7. Continue cooking until the couscous is tender and the spinach is wilted.

8. Stir in the lemon juice just before serving and adjust seasonings to taste.

Rosemary Thyme Tip:

Fresh lemon juice added at the end brightens the broth and complements the chicken meatballs, herbs, and garden vegetables beautifully.

May your table be filled with simple meals, nourishing ingredients, and the comfort that comes from sharing a warm bowl of soup with those you love.

Rosemary Thyme