The dry onion soup mix provides a concentrated blend of savory, umami flavors, along with a hint of onion and herbs. While it’s a key component of this specific 3-ingredient recipe, you could try a homemade seasoning blend if you don’t have it.
A possible substitute could be a mix of 1 tablespoon dried minced onion, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and a pinch of dried parsley and celery seed.
However, the flavor profile will not be identical, and it will increase your ingredient count beyond three.
Can I add vegetables to this slow cooker dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to make this a more complete meal in one pot. Heartier vegetables that can withstand long cooking times work best.
Chopped carrots, celery, or small potato chunks can be added at the beginning along with the chicken. For softer vegetables like bell peppers or green beans, it’s best to add them during the last 1-2 hours of cooking on low, or 30-45 minutes on high, to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Keep in mind that adding extra ingredients will slightly alter the original 3-ingredient concept but can certainly enhance the nutritional value and texture.
