Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crockpot Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup is a refreshing and comforting dish with the perfect balance of bright, zesty lemon and savory chicken. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the flavors while the rice and tender chicken create a satisfying and hearty soup. The lemon adds a burst of freshness that lightens up the dish, making it a perfect choice for a cozy meal any time of year. Easy to make and packed with flavor, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup long-grain rice
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of your Crockpot.
2. Add the chicken broth, long-grain rice, lemon juice, lemon zest, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the Crockpot.
3. Stir to combine all ingredients.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender.
5. Remove the chicken breasts from the Crockpot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
6. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8
• Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high

Variations

• Add Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for more texture and nutrients.
• Herb Options: Fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley can be added for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to give the soup a mild kick.
• Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk near the end of cooking to make the soup creamy.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
• Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra chicken broth if necessary to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

How long can I keep leftovers of Crockpot Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup?

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just increase the cooking time by an additional hour if cooking on low.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can use other types of rice like basmati or jasmine, but note that cooking times may vary slightly. Long-grain rice works best for this recipe.

Can I add more vegetables to the soup?

Absolutely! You can add diced carrots, celery, or spinach for more texture and flavor.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for later. Reheat it before serving, adding extra broth if needed.

What if the soup is too thick?

If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Can I add pasta instead of rice?

Yes, you can swap the rice for pasta. If using pasta, add it about 20-30 minutes before serving to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

How can I adjust the lemon flavor?

If you want a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon zest or juice towards the end of cooking.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally dairy-free. If you want to make it creamier, try adding coconut milk or another dairy-free cream alternative.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts, or even turkey if preferred. Just ensure the meat is cooked through and tender before shredding.

Conclusion

Crockpot Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup is the perfect balance of bright lemon flavor and comforting, savory chicken. This easy-to-make soup is packed with nutrients and flavor, and the slow cooker makes it an effortless meal. Whether you enjoy it as a light, healthy dinner or a flavorful lunch, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices, this soup is as beautiful as it is delicious!

Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup

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• Author: Julia
• Total Time: 6.5 to 7.5 hours
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Crockpot Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup is a light yet hearty soup with a refreshing burst of lemon and savory chicken. The slow cooker brings out the perfect balance of flavors, making it an effortless and comforting meal for any season. With tender chicken, wholesome rice, and zesty lemon, this soup is the ideal choice for a cozy dinner or lunch that’s both flavorful and satisfying.

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Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

6 cups chicken broth

1/2 cup long-grain rice

1 lemon, juiced and zested

1 onion, diced

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 tsp dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish

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Instructions

• Place chicken breasts in the bottom of the Crockpot.

• Add chicken broth, rice, lemon juice, lemon zest, diced onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

• Stir to combine.

• Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked and rice is tender.

• Remove chicken and shred with two forks.

• Return shredded chicken to the Crockpot and stir. Taste for seasoning and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.

• Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Notes

Add vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach for added texture and nutrition.

For a spicy version, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños.

To make the soup creamy, stir in coconut milk or heavy cream at the end of cooking.

If the soup is too thick, simply add more chicken broth to adjust the consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
• Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Crockpot Recipes
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: American