Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe for Slow Cooker Delight
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup, especially when it’s been slowly simmering all day in the crockpot.
This bright, nourishing, and flavorful soup is the perfect balance of tender shredded chicken, hearty rice, fresh vegetables, and a touch of lemon for a refreshing twist.
The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and return to a warm, cozy meal that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Whether you need a cold-weather comfort dish, a light yet hearty dinner, or a feel-better soup when you’re under the weather, this recipe is a winner.
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
✔ Effortless slow-cooker recipe – Set it and forget it!
✔ Light yet hearty – The perfect balance of comforting and refreshing.
✔ Naturally healthy – High in protein, packed with veggies, and full of flavor.
✔ Great for meal prep – Stays fresh for days and reheats beautifully.
✔ Kid-friendly – A delicious, mild soup the whole family will love.
Ingredients for Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra tenderness)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
Step 1: Add Everything to the Crockpot
Place the chicken, broth, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, rice, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and bay leaf into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is fully cooked.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken breasts, shred them using two forks, and return them to the soup.
Step 4: Add the Lemon
Stir in the lemon juice and zest, tasting as you go. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Fun Variations to Try
1. Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
🥛 Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a richer, creamier texture.
2. Greek-Inspired Avgolemono Soup
🥚 Whisk two egg yolks with the lemon juice, then slowly stir it into the soup for a traditional Greek avgolemono-style soup.
3. Protein-Packed Version
🍗 Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness or add a can of chickpeas for more protein.
4. Low-Carb Lemon Chicken Soup
🥦 Swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
5. Extra Veggie Power
🌱 Add a handful of baby spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for extra greens.
Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
✔ Use fresh lemon juice – It makes a big difference in the flavor!
✔ Don’t overcook the rice – If you prefer firmer rice, add it in the last 1–2 hours of cooking.
✔ Adjust lemon to taste – Add more or less depending on your preference.
✔ Shred the chicken gently – This keeps it tender and juicy.
✔ For thicker soup – Add an extra ¼ cup of rice or let the soup sit for a few minutes before serving.
What to Serve with Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
🥖 Crusty bread – Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
🥗 Light salad – A fresh contrast to the hearty soup.
🧀 Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a delicious umami boost.
🍷 A glass of white wine – Complements the bright lemony flavors.
How to Store and Reheat
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Store in freezer-safe containers, but note that rice may become softer upon reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a refreshing twist.
Whether you make it for meal prep, a cozy dinner, or a soothing remedy when you’re feeling under the weather, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
Are you trying this easy, nourishing soup? Let me know in the comments! Happy cooking! 🍋🥣✨
