Apple Dijon Chicken Slow Cooker Tomato Spinach Soup
Pairing sharp Dijon mustard with sweet simmered apples creates an unexpected depth in this hearty chicken soup. As everything gently cooks down in crushed tomatoes and broth, the chicken becomes tender enough to pull apart with a fork, absorbing the savoury, slightly tangy liquid along the way. Stirring in tender baby spinach right at the very end keeps its vibrant green colour and soft texture intact, balancing the richness of the shredded meat and tomato base.
Why this one works
- The balance between sweet chopped apples and pungent Dijon mustard gives the tomato base a distinctive savoury profile.
- Hands-off slow cooking yields chicken that shreds effortlessly with two forks.
- Fresh baby spinach wilts directly in the residual heat, preserving its bright texture.
- Straightforward prep requires simply chopping the fruit and adding everything into the cooker pot.
What you’ll need
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken breast Whole boneless breasts stay moist during the long simmer and pull apart cleanly once cooked.
- 2 cups (475ml) crushed tomatoes Provides a thick, rich base that coats the shredded meat evenly.
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth Thins the tomato base just enough to allow the apples and chicken to cook evenly.
- 3 tbsp (45ml) dijon mustard Adds acidity and a gentle background bite that cuts through the sweetness of the fruit.
- 2 apples, chopped Firmer varieties hold their shape better while lending natural sweetness to the broth.
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach Tender leaves wilt quickly in the hot soup without needing extra cooking time.
TRY THIS NEXT: If these flavors sound good to you, Apple Dijon Chicken Slow Cooker Orzo with Spinach is a natural one to save for next time.
What to have nearby
- Slow cooker
- Cutting board and chef's knife
- Two dinner forks for shredding
- Ladle for serving
Step-by-step instructions
This is a true dump-and-simmer slow cooker meal. The key is leaving the pot covered during the low simmer so the chicken stays tender, then folding in the spinach only after the shredded meat has been returned to the hot broth.
- 1Step 1
Place chicken breast, tomatoes, broth, dijon mustard, and chopped apples into the slow cooker.
- 2Step 2
Cook on low for 6 hours.
- 3Step 3
Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
- 4Step 4
Stir in fresh baby spinach until wilted.
- 5Step 5
Serve warm in a deep bowl.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Apple Dijon Chicken Slow Cooker Chickpea Stew is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Chop the apples into uniform pieces so they soften evenly alongside the tomato sauce.
- Shred the warm chicken breasts on a separate plate or cutting board using two forks before stirring the meat back in.
- Stir the baby spinach in gently and give it a minute or two in the hot soup to wilt completely before portioning.
Ways to make it your own
- Top finished bowls with a light sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper before serving.
- Ladle over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a heartier soup presentation.
Serving suggestions
Serve this soup piping hot in deep bowls alongside a slice of crusty sourdough or rustic dinner rolls to soak up the savoury tomato-mustard broth. A crisp green table salad dressed with a mild vinaigrette also complements the warm, fruity notes of the simmered apples.
Storage & reheating
Allow leftover soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers and placing it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short microwave intervals until heated through.
Quick recipe answers
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?+
The recipe specifies chicken breasts, which shred cleanly and stay lean in the tomato broth, but skinless boneless chicken cuts handle slow cooking similarly.
Do the apples get mushy during the six-hour cook?+
The apples soften significantly and release their natural juices into the sauce, blending smoothly into the shredded chicken and tomato texture.
When should I add the spinach?+
Add the spinach at the very end after shredding the chicken; the residual heat in the pot is plenty to wilt the leaves without overcooking them.
With its bright combination of fruit, mustard, and slow-simmered poultry, this soup delivers deep comfort with minimal active effort at the stove.
Apple Dijon Chicken Slow Cooker Tomato Spinach Soup
Tender chicken breasts simmer with crushed tomatoes, tart-sweet apples, and tangy Dijon mustard before finishing with fresh wilted spinach in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) chicken breast
- 2 cups (475ml) crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup (240ml) chicken broth
- 3 tbsp (45ml) dijon mustard
- 2 apples, chopped
- 2 cups (60g) fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Place chicken breast, tomatoes, broth, dijon mustard, and chopped apples into the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6 hours.
- Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.
- Stir in fresh baby spinach until wilted.
- Serve warm in a deep bowl.
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Orange Ginger Chicken Slow Cooker Tomato Spinach Soup
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