I grew up loving the kind of chicken soup that simmered all day on Sundays. It was comforting, but salty. When I started following DASH in my 30s, I promised myself I wouldn’t lose those cozy flavors. This low sodium slow cooker chicken soup keeps the nostalgia—and skips the extra salt. It’s proof that heart-healthy can be wildly delicious.
Get Cozy With the Best Low Sodium Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
Classic Tuscan soup gets a DASH makeover with smart swaps. We lean on no-salt-added broth, lean chicken breast, and creamy cannellini beans for richness without heavy cream. It fits right in with DASH diet chicken recipes and earns a spot among potassium-rich meals thanks to beans and kale.
How We Made This Comfort Food Heart-Healthy (Smart Swaps)
- Sodium Smarts: Use no-salt-added broth and beans. Season with herbs, lemon, and pepper instead of salt for that low sodium crockpot chicken and white bean soup vibe.
- Heart-Healthy Protein: Skinless chicken breast keeps saturated fat low.
- Mineral Boost: Cannellini beans and kale deliver potassium, magnesium, and fiber.
- Creamy Without Cream: Mash a portion of beans to thicken. It’s cozy, not heavy.
The Flavor Secrets (Big Taste, No Salt)
- Layered Aromatics: Onion, carrot, and garlic create a savory base.
- Herb Power: Rosemary and thyme bring that rustic Tuscan depth.
- Brightness at the End: Lemon juice wakes up the broth. A light EVOO drizzle adds mouthfeel.
- Umami Finish: A sprinkle of Parmesan on top adds complexity while staying DASH-minded.
Make It Your Own (Easy Variations)
- Veggie Swap: Try spinach for kale. Add zucchini in summer.
- Bean Twist: Great Northern or navy beans work too.
- Tuscan Touch: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes (no added salt) for a dash diet tuscan chicken and white bean soup variation.
Feel Confident With These DASH Answers
I get a lot of questions whenever I share slow cooker meals. Let’s clear them up so you can hit “start” and walk away with confidence.
What is a good crockpot dinner for the DASH diet?
This soup! Balanced protein, fiber-rich beans, and leafy greens make it weeknight-friendly. It’s satisfying and family-approved.
How do you make chicken soup low sodium?
Start with no-salt-added broth and beans. Build flavor with aromatics, herbs, pepper, lemon, and a touch of Parmesan instead of salt.
Are white beans good for the DASH diet?
Absolutely. They’re high in fiber and potassium, which supports heart health and healthy blood pressure.
Quick Serving Ideas (Perfect Pairings)
- Add a slice of whole-grain bread and a simple side salad.
- For extra veggies, top bowls with diced tomato and fresh parsley.
- Want even more minerals? Finish with extra kale for potassium-rich meals goals.
The Recipe Card
A warm, Tuscan hug in a bowl—simple to prep, slow-cooked, and packed with flavor.
Hearty Slow Cooker Tuscan Chicken and White Bean Soup
Ingredients
- 3 cans 15 oz / 425 g each no-salt-added cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
- 1½ lb 680 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups 950 mL no-salt-added chicken broth, divided
- 1 large yellow onion chopped
- 2 medium carrots thinly sliced
- 3 cups packed ~200 g chopped lacinato kale, tough stems removed
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp 15 mL fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup 28 g grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
- 2 tbsp 30 mL extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
- ¼ cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
Instructions
- Create the creamy base: Add one can of beans to a 6-quart slow cooker with ½ cup (120 mL) broth and mash into a coarse paste.
- Add aromatics and beans: Stir in the remaining two cans of beans, onion, carrots, garlic, thyme, and rosemary.
- Layer and cook: Place chicken on top, add the bay leaf, and pour in the remaining 3½ cups (830 mL) broth. Cook on LOW 5 to 6 hours or HIGH 3 to 4 hours, until chicken reaches 165°F / 74°C.
- Shred the chicken: Transfer chicken to a board and shred with two forks.
- Wilt the kale: Stir kale into the hot soup, cover, and let wilt 5 to 7 minutes.
- Finish: Return shredded chicken to the cooker. Stir in lemon juice and black pepper. Discard bay leaf.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls. Drizzle about ¾ tsp olive oil per serving. Garnish with a light sprinkle of Parmesan and parsley.
Notes
- Parmesan is optional; omitting or using a light sprinkle helps keep sodium modest.
- For a looser texture, add up to ½ cup (120 mL) extra hot broth before serving.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 of 8 servings (about 1.75 cups)- Calories: 266 kcal
- Total Fat: 6.4 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 157 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 23.8 g
- Dietary Fiber: 6.0 g
- Total Sugars: 3.1 g
- Includes 0 g Added Sugars
- Protein: 29.0 g
Celebrate Classic Comfort—Guilt-Free
You don’t have to choose between cozy and heart-healthy. This makeover proves comfort food can thrive in DASH diet chicken recipes without missing the joy.
