Warm, zesty, and deeply nourishing, Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup is the perfect comfort food with a refreshing citrus twist. This simple slow cooker version lets you toss everything into the pot and walk away—no babysitting the stove required. With tender chunks of chicken, aromatic herbs, and the bright tang of fresh lemon, this soup brings both warmth and vibrancy to your bowl. Whether you’re fighting off a cold or just craving a lighter take on classic chicken soup, this lemony version hits the spot every time.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup uncooked orzo or rice (optional)
- Zest and juice of 2 lemons
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
Preparation steps
Step 1:
- Place the chicken in the bottom of your crockpot. Add in the chopped carrots, celery, onion, and garlic.
Step 2:
- Pour in chicken broth and water. Add the oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
Step 3:
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
Step 4:
- Remove the chicken from the crockpot and shred it using two forks. Return it to the soup.
Step 5:
- Add lemon zest and juice. If using orzo or rice, stir it in now and cook on HIGH for 20–30 minutes until tender.
Step 6:
- Stir in fresh parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve hot. Garnish with more parsley and a lemon slice if desired.
Variation
- Creamy Greek-style twist: Whisk 2 egg yolks with lemon juice, then temper with hot soup broth before stirring into the pot for a creamy avgolemono-style finish.
- Add spinach or kale: Stir in fresh greens in the last 10 minutes of cooking for extra nutrients.
- Make it low-carb: Skip the orzo/rice and add riced cauliflower instead.
- Spicy version: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños for a kick.
- Use rotisserie chicken: Add pre-cooked shredded chicken during the last 30 minutes.
Cooking Notes
- Lemon zest and juice are added at the end to keep the flavor fresh and vibrant.
- Chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful than breasts but either works great.
- If using rice, adjust the broth level—rice absorbs more liquid than orzo.
- For thicker soup, reduce water or increase pasta/rice quantity slightly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm pita, garlic toast, or crusty sourdough bread.
- Sprinkle with extra lemon zest or parmesan cheese just before serving.
- Pair with a light salad for a complete lunch or dinner.
- Add a swirl of Greek yogurt or dollop of sour cream for creaminess.
Tips
- Always zest lemons before juicing for best results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- This soup freezes well without the orzo/rice—add fresh when reheating.
- Stir occasionally during the final 30 minutes to prevent pasta sticking.
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or dill) add a beautiful fresh note—don’t skip them!
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 6–7 hours on LOW (or 3–4 hours on HIGH)
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes – 7 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Info (per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 650mg
Note: Nutrition varies depending on added pasta or rice and serving size.
FAQs
Can I make this lemon chicken soup creamy?
- Yes! Add a splash of cream, Greek yogurt, or follow the avgolemono method with eggs and lemon juice for a Greek-inspired twist.
Can I freeze lemon chicken soup?
- Yes, but for best texture, freeze without the pasta or rice and add those fresh when reheating.
What can I use instead of orzo?
- You can use rice, small pasta like ditalini, or even quinoa. Just adjust cooking time and broth as needed.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes! Shred rotisserie or leftover chicken and stir it in during the last 30 minutes of cook time.
Conclusion
Bright, cozy, and brimming with flavor, Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup is your go-to recipe for effortless comfort. The citrus adds a vibrant freshness that elevates the classic chicken soup to a whole new level. Perfect for chilly evenings, sick days, or just a wholesome dinner with minimal cleanup, this slow-cooked soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on its zesty, soothing charm!