Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Herb Rice Soup

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Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Herb Rice Soup

A Comforting, Bright, and Nourishing One-Pot Meal

This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Herb Rice Soup is a soothing yet vibrant dish that combines tender chicken, fragrant herbs, hearty rice, and fresh lemon in a gently simmered broth. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, it delivers deep flavor with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy days, cozy evenings, or when a warm, nourishing meal is needed.

Balanced, wholesome, and satisfying, this soup offers comfort without heaviness and freshness without complexity.

Why This Slow Cooker Soup Stands Out

We rely on low, steady cooking to develop flavor naturally. The chicken becomes fork-tender, the rice absorbs the savory broth, and the herbs infuse every spoonful with warmth. A final touch of lemon adds brightness, lifting the entire dish.

This recipe is:

  • Easy and hands-off
  • Hearty yet light
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Family-friendly and versatile

Ingredients

  • 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 stalks celery, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1–2 lemons (to taste)
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker Base

Place the diced onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and rice into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine and distribute evenly.

2. Add Chicken and Seasonings

Lay the chicken on top of the vegetables and rice. Sprinkle with thyme, oregano, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil.

3. Pour in the Broth

Add the chicken broth, ensuring the ingredients are fully submerged. Cover with the lid.

4. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cook on:

  • Low for 6–7 hours, or
  • High for 3–4 hours

The chicken should be tender and easily shreddable.

5. Shred the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup and stir well.

6. Finish with Lemon

Add the lemon zest and lemon juice. Stir thoroughly and allow the soup to cook for an additional 10–15 minutes to blend flavors.

7. Taste and Adjust

Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup hot, garnished with fresh parsley or dill. It pairs beautifully with:

  • Crusty bread or dinner rolls
  • Simple green salad
  • Roasted vegetables

Tips for Best Results

  • Add lemon at the end to preserve brightness
  • Use chicken thighs for extra richness
  • Stir occasionally if cooking on high
  • Add extra broth if the rice absorbs too much liquid

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

This soup also freezes well for up to 2 months, though adding fresh lemon after reheating is recommended.

A Slow Cooker Soup You’ll Make Again and Again

This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Herb Rice Soup delivers comforting warmth with a refreshing citrus finish. Simple ingredients, effortless preparation, and nourishing flavor make it a reliable favorite for any season.

One bowl brings comfort—every bowl brings brightness.

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