Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup: A Comforting, Easy Meal

A Warm, Nourishing Soup for Any Occasion

Imagine coming home to the aromatic scent of tender chicken, bright lemon, and fragrant herbs simmering in your slow cooker. There’s nothing quite as comforting as a bowl of warm, homemade soup, especially when it’s as easy as this slow cooker lemon chicken and rice soup.

This soup is hearty yet light, creamy yet refreshing, making it the perfect meal for chilly nights, sick days, or when you just need something cozy. The slow cooker does all the work, so you can enjoy a nutritious, homemade meal with minimal effort.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy meal prep option, an easy weeknight dinner, or a soothing soup for the soul, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home!

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor-packed, wholesome soup:

Main Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Carrots	2, shredded	Adds natural sweetness and color
Celery	4 ribs, thinly sliced	Provides crunch and depth of flavor
Onion	1 small, diced	Enhances the savory base
Garlic	3 cloves, minced	Adds a rich, aromatic touch
Chicken breast	1.5 lbs	The protein-packed heart of the dish
Salt	1 tsp	Enhances overall flavor
Black pepper	1 tsp	Adds a mild heat
Crushed red pepper (optional)	⅛ tsp	Brings a subtle kick
Salted butter	2 tbsp	Adds richness and a smooth texture
Chicken broth	6 cups	The flavorful liquid base of the soup
Lemon juice	1 lemon (about 3 tbsp)	Adds brightness and a fresh citrus flavor
Fresh thyme sprigs (or dried thyme)	8 sprigs (or 1 tsp)	Brings herbal depth

To Be Added Later

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Minute Brand Rice	1 cup (uncooked)	Absorbs flavor and thickens the soup
Fresh parsley	3 tbsp, finely chopped	Adds freshness and color

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

1. Prep the Ingredients

• Peel and shred the carrots.
• Thinly slice the celery and dice the onion.
• Mince the garlic for a burst of rich flavor.
• Juice the lemon and set aside.

2. Load the Slow Cooker

• Place the carrots, celery, onion, garlic, chicken breasts, salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper (if using), butter, chicken broth, and thyme into the slow cooker.
• Stir to combine.

3. 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 easy to shred.

4. Shred the Chicken

• Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker.
• Shred them with two forks and return the shredded chicken to the soup.

5. Add Rice & Finish Cooking

• Stir in the uncooked rice and continue cooking for 15-20 minutes, until the rice is tender.
• Remove the thyme sprigs if using fresh thyme.

6. Stir in Lemon Juice & Fresh Parsley

• Add fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
• Stir in chopped parsley for a fresh finish.

7. Serve & Enjoy!

• Ladle into bowls, garnish with extra parsley or a lemon slice, and serve warm!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

• Effortless Slow Cooking – Toss everything in and let the slow cooker do the work.
• Nutritious & Wholesome – Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins.
• Light Yet Hearty – Perfect balance of comfort and freshness.
• Naturally Gluten-Free – Made without pasta or wheat-based thickeners.
• Great for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge and reheats beautifully.

Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

• Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled lemon juice lacks the vibrant, zesty flavor.
• Don’t overcook the rice – Add it in only during the last 15-20 minutes to prevent mushiness.
• Try chicken thighs – They stay extra juicy and tender in slow cooking.
• Add a Parmesan twist – Stir in ¼ cup grated Parmesan for extra depth.
• Make it creamy – Add ½ cup heavy cream for a richer texture.

Delicious Variations to Try

1. Low-Carb Version

• Swap rice for cauliflower rice, added in the last 5 minutes.

2. Extra Hearty Soup

• Add ½ cup of white beans or chickpeas for extra protein and texture.

3. Spicy Lemon Chicken Soup

• Increase the crushed red pepper and add ½ tsp chili powder for heat.

4. Mediterranean Twist

• Add sliced olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

5. Dairy-Free & Paleo-Friendly

• Skip the butter and replace with olive oil or ghee.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Based on 6 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~290 kcal
Protein	32 g
Fat	9 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g

(Values may vary depending on ingredients used.)

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

• Garlic Bread – Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Side Salad – A fresh Greek or Caesar salad pairs beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables – Try asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini.
• Cheesy Crackers – Adds a crispy, salty contrast to the soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 20 minutes to warm through.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

Yes! Freeze without the rice for up to 3 months. When reheating, add fresh cooked rice separately.

4. What if my soup is too thick?

Add extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes! Simmer everything in a large pot for 45 minutes, then add rice and cook for another 15 minutes.

6. What’s the best rice to use?

Minute rice is ideal for quick cooking, but jasmine or basmati rice also work well.

Final Thoughts: Try This Easy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup Today!

This slow cooker lemon chicken and rice soup is the ultimate combination of comfort and freshness. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a cozy dinner, or need a nourishing soup for a cold, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot.

Now it’s your turn! Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and enjoy a warm, flavorful bowl of homemade goodness. Don’t forget to share your experience!

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