There’s something so comforting about a warm bowl of soup simmering away in the slow cooker, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken, cozy veggies, and a bright hint of lemon. This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl.
I first made this as a freezer meal to help out a friend, and it quickly became a favorite in my own home too. It’s simple enough for busy weeknights but still feels special enough to share. Whether you’re prepping ahead or making it fresh, this recipe is a keeper!
Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4-6 hours ( Four hours on high or six on low. I prefer to use the low setting to allow this to simmer gently as I find this brings out the best flavor. I have allowed this easy lemon chicken orzo soup to slow cook for up to 8-10 hours on low with no issues before as well but this may depend on your slow cooker model).
Serves: 4
FAQs for This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will make the soup even more flavorful.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Absolutely. You can easily adapt this recipe for the stovetop or Instant Pot. Simply simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are tender.
How do I turn this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup into a freezer meal?
Double the ingredients and add half to a freezer bag (excluding the orzo, lemon juice, and fresh parsley). On cooking day, thaw slightly and follow the directions, adding orzo and lemon juice at the end.
What can I serve with this soup?
Hot crusty bread or rolls are perfect for soaking up every last drop. A side salad makes a nice pairing too!
How long does it keep in the fridge?
Leftovers will keep for up to 4 days in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Ingredients for This Chicken Orzo Soup with Lemon:
1 – 1-1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts, or tenders
1 cup chopped celery (2 ribs)
1 cup sliced carrots (2 medium or 12 baby)
1/2 cup diced onion
1 tsp. dried rosemary
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 clove garlic, minced
2 small bay leaves
1 qt. low sodium chicken broth
Salt and black pepper, to taste
3/4 cup orzo pasta
1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice (1/4 fresh lemon squeezed)
2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
For Serving Your Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup:
Fresh parsley and Grated Parmesan Cheese, to taste
Hot Crusty French Bread or Rolls – This two ingredient slow cooker bread is perfect for this! Or try this Copycat Good Seed Bread. YUM!
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Directions for this One Pot Lemon Chicken Soup:
- Place chicken, celery, carrots, onion, rosemary, thyme, garlic and bay leaves in a 4 quart slow cooker.
- Add chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are soft.
- Shred chicken with two forks.
- Add orzo and lemon juice to slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on high 15-20 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.
- Stir in fresh parsley. Adjust seasonings if desired, remembering that the parmesan will add saltiness to the final product.
- Ladle into soup bowls and top with additional parsley and parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with hot crusty bread on the side. Try this two ingredient slow cooker bread for a simple side to go with this soup.
I hope this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup brings a little warmth and ease to your kitchen like it has to mine. Whether you’re serving it up for dinner tonight or stashing away a batch for later, it’s a feel-good recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
If you try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below or tag me on social media with your delicious creations.
Looking for more cozy, family-friendly recipes? Be sure to check out my collection of easy slow cooker meals right here on the blog!
Love this recipe? Don’t forget to save it for later! Pin this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup to your favorite soup or meal prep board on Pinterest so you always have a comforting, ready-to-go dinner idea at your fingertips.
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
This cozy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a simple, flavor-packed dinner that comes together with minimal effort. Made with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, bright lemon, and orzo pasta, it’s perfect for chilly nights or make-ahead freezer meals.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs. boneless chicken breasts or tenders – can substitute boneless chicken thighs for all or some of the breasts
- 1 cup chopped celery 2 ribs
- 1 cup sliced carrots 2 medium or 12 baby
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tsp. dried rosemary
- 1/2 tsp. dried thyme
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 2 small bay leaves
- 1 qt. low sodium chicken broth
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 1-1/2 tsp. lemon juice 1/4 fresh lemon squeezed
- 2 tbsp. fresh parsley chopped
For Serving:
- Fresh parsley and Grated Parmesan Cheese to taste
- Hot Crusty French Bread or Rolls
Instructions
-
Place chicken, celery, carrots, onion, rosemary, thyme, garlic and bay leaves in a 4 quart slow cooker.
-
Add chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are soft.
-
Shred chicken with two forks.
-
Add orzo and lemon juice to slow cooker.
-
Cover and cook on high 15-20 minutes or until pasta is cooked al dente.
-
Stir in fresh parsley. Adjust seasonings if desired, remembering that the parmesan will add saltiness to the final product.
-
Ladle into soup bowls and top with additional parsley and parmesan cheese if desired. Serve with hot crusty bread on the side.
We have lots of other delicious soup and stew recipes here. Check them out!
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