Bright & Soothing Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe

Comfort meets zesty freshness in this delightful slow cooker lemon chicken & rice soup that brings warmth to your table.

Tender chicken and fluffy rice simmer together, creating a soul-soothing blend of flavors.

Fragrant herbs dance through each spoonful, promising a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Bright lemon notes cut through the richness, adding a vibrant twist to this classic comfort dish.

Packed with protein and subtle Mediterranean influences, this soup turns an ordinary evening into something special.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet impressive recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into a bowl of pure comfort and let the magic of slow cooking work its charm.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 7 hours

Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes in Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides hearty texture and absorbs the soup's zesty flavors perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, comforting liquid foundation that enhances the overall soup's depth.

• Onion: Adds sweet undertones and builds a robust flavor base for the soup.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
• Celery: Provides subtle herbal notes and enhances the soup's traditional profile.
• Garlic: Infuses a warm, bold flavor that complements the delicate chicken.

• Lemon Juice: Brightens the soup with a tangy, fresh burst of citrus.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the citrus aroma and adds a fragrant punch.
• Thyme: Introduces an earthy, herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with chicken.
• Butter: Creates a silky, luxurious texture and rounds out the soup's flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate all other ingredients.
• Minute Rice: Provides quick-cooking, soft grains that absorb the soup's delicious liquid.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a crisp, green garnish that adds a final fresh touch.

Equipment Checklist for Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Slow Cooker: Essential for slowly cooking the chicken, vegetables, and creating rich flavors.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for dicing onions, slicing carrots and celery, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to chop vegetables and mince garlic with precision.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurately measuring salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for gently stirring ingredients and combining seasonings.
• Grater: Useful for zesting fresh lemon.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving the soup into bowls.

How to Make Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup in a Slow Cooker

• Slow Cooker Preparation

Nestle chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating a cozy base for your soup. Scatter chopped onions, carrot slices, and celery pieces around the chicken. Sprinkle minced garlic for an aromatic kick. Drizzle fresh lemon juice and zest over the ingredients, adding a bright, citrusy essence. Dot butter chunks across the surface and pour in rich chicken broth. Season with a generous pinch of salt and pepper, gently mixing everything together.

• Flavor Infusion

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen. On low setting, allow the soup to simmer and develop deep, comforting flavors for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, the high setting works in 4-6 hours, transforming ingredients into a harmonious blend.

• Final Touches

Thirty minutes before serving, pull out the chicken breasts and shred them into tender pieces. Return the shredded meat to the soup. Stir in minute rice, letting it cook and absorb the lemony broth. The rice will plump up and add delightful texture to your soup.

• Serving Recommendation

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness. Enjoy this soul-warming, lemony chicken and rice soup that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Flavor Upgrades for Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Chicken Soup Secrets: Flavor Boosters & Twists
• Herb Garden Swap: Replace thyme with fresh rosemary or dill for a different aromatic profile that transforms the soup's entire character.
• Protein Power Play: Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick protein variation that saves cooking time and adds deep flavor.
• Veggie Volume: Toss in additional vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale during the last hour of cooking to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Spice Level Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for those who enjoy a subtle warmth and kick in their comforting soup.
• Creamy Dream Technique: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a luxurious, velvety finish that makes the soup even more indulgent.

Serving Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup with Style

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful crunch to each spoonful.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve alongside a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to complement the soup's bright citrus notes and provide a fresh contrast.
• Cozy Night Enhancer: Create a complete dinner experience by adding a small wedge of sharp cheddar or parmesan cheese on the side, which pairs beautifully with the lemon and herb flavors of the soup.
• Warm Wellness Boost: Top individual servings with a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a few drops of good olive oil to elevate the soup's nutritional profile and add an extra layer of flavor complexity.

Storing Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Seal in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners during busy weeks.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool soup completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Store up to 3 months, leaving slight space at top for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently on stovetop, stirring occasionally to restore original texture.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store leftover soup in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Pro tip: Keep rice separate from liquid when possible to prevent soggy texture. Reheat only the amount you'll consume, adding fresh herbs before serving to boost flavor.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Swap out chicken for rotisserie chicken to reduce cooking time. Use brown rice or quinoa as alternative grains. Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale during last 30 minutes for nutritional boost and varied taste profile.

Hearty Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean comfort meets wholesome nourishment in this lemon chicken & rice soup. Hearty ingredients simmer gently, creating a soul-warming meal that nourishes and delights. You’ll savor each spoonful of this comforting classic.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
• 1 cup minute rice
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 4 whole carrots (sliced)
• 4 stalks celery (sliced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 whole lemon (juiced and zested)
• 2 tbsps salted butter (cut into chunks)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/8 tsp salt and pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Position whole chicken breasts in the slow cooker basin, creating a flavor-rich foundation for the soup.
2. Vegetable Layer: Distribute diced onions, carrot slices, celery strips, and minced garlic around the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
3. Seasoning Infusion: Drizzle fresh lemon juice and zest over the ingredients, then scatter thyme leaves throughout. Add butter chunks to enhance richness and pour chicken broth over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, gently stirring to combine.
4. Slow Cooking: Cover and simmer on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until vegetables soften and flavors meld completely.
5. Chicken Refinement: Remove chicken breasts and shred thoroughly with two forks, then return the tender meat to the cooking liquid.
6. Rice Integration: Add rice to the soup, switch the cooker to high, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until rice reaches optimal tenderness.
7. Serving Finale: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately to capture the full essence of the lemony chicken and rice creation.

Notes

• Chicken Placement Strategy: Nestle whole breasts at the bottom for maximum flavor infusion and even cooking throughout the soup.
• Zesty Flavor Boost: Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for creating a bright, vibrant citrus profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Shredding Technique: Remove chicken breasts completely before shredding to ensure tender, perfectly pulled meat without overcooking.
• Rice Timing Tip: Add rice only in the final 30 minutes to prevent mushy texture and maintain ideal rice consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg