Name: Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 3 large carrots, peeled and sliced; 3 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning; 2 bay leaves; 6 cups chicken broth; Zest from ½ lemon; Juice from 1 lemon; 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta; Fresh chopped parsley, optional for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

There is nothing quite as comforting and soul-satisfying as a warm bowl of homemade soup, and this Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe hits every note perfectly. Tender chicken, fresh veggies, bright lemon flavor, and orzo pasta come together in a slow cooker to create an easy, delicious meal that feels like a big cozy hug in a bowl. This soup is light yet hearty—a wonderful mix of zest and warmth that’s perfect for any day when you crave something simple but bursting with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large white bowl holds three clear layers of ingredients: the bottom layer is light green chopped celery pieces, the middle layer is bright orange carrot slices, and the top layer is pale white chopped onions sprinkled with ground black pepper and a pair of dark green bay leaves placed on top. Surrounding the bowl on a white marbled surface are raw light pink chicken thighs on a white plate, a clear measuring cup filled with uncooked yellow pasta, a half lemon, a small white bowl filled with fresh green parsley, whole garlic bulbs, a grater, whole bright yellow lemons on a white plate, a small white container with black pepper, and a striped white and grey cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe truly shine? It’s the simplicity and quality of the ingredients. Each one plays a key role, building layers of flavor, texture, and color that transform humble pantry staples into an irresistible meal.

1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option; both will become perfectly tender as they slow-cook.
3 large carrots (peeled & sliced): They add natural sweetness and lovely color, balancing the bright lemon perfectly.
3 celery stalks (sliced): Offering a subtle crunch and fresh aroma that elevates the broth.
4 cloves garlic (minced): A little punch of savory goodness that warms every spoonful.
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste): Essential to enhance all the flavors and bring harmony to the soup.
1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (plus more to taste): Adds a gentle spicy note that rounds out the profile.
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning: A mild blend of herbs that perfectly complements the chicken and veggies.
2 bay leaves: Impart a subtle earthy depth while simmering in the broth.
6 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup, providing a rich and savory base for everything to swim in.
Zest from ½ lemon: Bursts of citrus oils brighten and lift the soup’s flavor beautifully.
Juice from 1 lemon: Brings a fresh, tangy finish that wakes up the palate.
1 cup uncooked orzo: Tiny pasta pearls that add wonderful texture and help make the soup more filling.
Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish): A burst of green freshness that adds a pretty finishing touch.

How to Make Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Start by adding the chicken thighs or breasts, carrots, celery, and minced garlic into your 6-quart slow cooker. Next, season with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and poultry seasoning. Toss in the bay leaves to infuse subtle flavor as everything cooks. Finally, pour in the chicken broth to cover the ingredients and get ready for some magic.

Step 2: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. This slow simmer makes the chicken incredibly tender and allows all the vegetables to meld into the broth, transforming it into a deeply flavorful base.

Step 3: Shred and Prepare the Final Touches

About 30 minutes before you’re ready to eat, remove the bay leaves from the pot and discard them. Lift the chicken out and shred it using two forks—this is such a satisfying step that really sets this Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe apart. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in the lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and uncooked orzo pasta.

Step 4: Finish Cooking and Adjust Flavors

Turn your slow cooker to HIGH and let everything cook for another 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally during this time to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom. When the pasta is tender and the flavors have married beautifully, taste the soup and add any extra salt or pepper as needed. This final step ensures every bite is balanced and delicious.

How to Serve Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with clear chicken soup that has visible layers including shredded chicken, bright orange carrot slices, small bits of celery, and two lemon slices floating on top, all garnished with chopped green parsley. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, scooping some carrots and chicken. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface next to torn pieces of crusty bread and a small white bowl filled with ground black pepper. A yellow spoon and yellow tongs lie on a grey and white striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

One of the best parts about this soup is how easily you can dress it up at the table. A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and herbal brightness that complements the lemon notes beautifully. For a little extra flair, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of cracked black pepper on top makes it feel just a bit more special.

Side Dishes

This soup shines wonderfully on its own, but you can elevate the meal by pairing it with crusty bread or warm garlic naan to soak up every last drop of broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette works well too, balancing the soup’s richness with crisp, fresh elements.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic bowls to enhance its comforting vibe, or go elegant with a white porcelain bowl and a lemon twist for a fresh, modern look. Placing a lemon wheel on the rim of the bowl or a small ramekin of extra lemon juice on the side lets guests customize their experience. No matter how you present it, this Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe will steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve its fresh flavors and keep the orzo from continuing to absorb too much broth, which can change the texture.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, this soup freezes well but it’s best to leave the orzo out before freezing. Freeze the broth, chicken, and veggies separately, then add freshly cooked orzo when reheating to ensure the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy leftovers, gently reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add freshly cooked orzo at this stage if you froze it separately. A squeeze of extra lemon juice when reheating can brighten everything right back up.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for the Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and still work wonderfully in this soup. Just keep an eye on cooking time as they can dry out if overcooked, but since the slow cooker keeps moisture in, either cut is tasty.

Is there a substitute for orzo in this soup?

Yes, you can use other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or even small rice varieties like arborio rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep an eye to prevent sticking.

How can I make the soup less lemony if I prefer a milder flavor?

You can reduce the amount of lemon juice or zest to your liking. Start with half and add more after cooking if you want a brighter flavor. The lemon flavor is fresh and subtle, so adjust gradually.

Can I add other vegetables to this Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced potatoes, zucchini, or spinach to enhance nutrition and texture. Just consider how long these vegetables take to cook and adjust timing as needed.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep and busy weeknights?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for busy schedules. You can assemble everything in the slow cooker in the morning and come home to a hot, ready meal. It reheats well, making leftovers a convenient, nourishing option for later.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is one of those gems that feels like a hug from the inside out. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with flavor, perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a little comfort food boost. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s so close to my heart—and soon, I hope, it will be a favorite of yours too!

Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need