Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is incredibly easy to prepare, especially with the convenience of a slow cooker. The combination of juicy chicken, aromatic vegetables, and bright lemon flavor makes it both soothing and uplifting. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a hearty, satisfying meal, this soup is sure to lift your spirits.
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 sticks celery, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Add all ingredients to your slow cooker, except for the lemon juice, parsley, orzo, and salt & pepper. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves and shred the chicken using two forks.
- Add the shredded chicken back into the Crockpot, along with the lemon juice, parsley, and orzo. Increase the heat to high.
- Stir every 10 minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the Crockpot.
- Once the orzo is tender, season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, and serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Variations
- For added greens, stir in some spinach toward the end of the cooking time.
- Adjust the lemon juice according to your taste; you can add more if you love a strong citrus flavor.
- If you prefer dark meat, swap the chicken breasts for boneless skinless chicken thighs.
- For a richer flavor, use all chicken broth instead of mixing with vegetable broth.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain the soup’s consistency, as the orzo will absorb some of the liquid.
- Freezing: It’s best not to freeze this soup as the orzo can change texture. However, you can cook the orzo separately and freeze the soup base.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work well and provide a slightly richer flavor.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can substitute the chicken with plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, and use all vegetable broth.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, potatoes, or peas for extra flavor and nutrients.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, this soup can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge for later. Just be sure to add extra broth when reheating to keep the consistency right.
What type of broth should I use?
You can use either chicken or vegetable broth, or a combination of both for a more layered flavor.
Can I freeze leftovers?
It’s not recommended to freeze the soup with orzo, as the pasta may become mushy upon thawing. You can cook the orzo separately and add it when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe, but make sure to cook the soup on the longer side to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Can I skip the orzo?
Yes, if you prefer a lower-carb version, you can omit the orzo and use more vegetables instead.
Can I add more lemon?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice based on how lemony you like your soup.
What should I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty bread, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor. With its bright lemony broth, tender chicken, and wholesome vegetables, this is a meal you can enjoy on any day. The convenience of the slow cooker makes it a great option for busy families or anyone who loves a hands-off cooking experience.
Print
Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and easy slow cooker recipe that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, orzo pasta, and a bright, zesty lemon broth. Perfect for busy days, this wholesome soup is hearty, flavorful, and requires minimal effort. Ideal for meal prep or cozy dinners!
Ingredients
- 4 medium chicken breasts
- 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 bay leaves
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep Ingredients: Add all ingredients to your slow cooker except for the lemon juice, parsley, orzo, and salt & pepper.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
- Shred Chicken: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves and shred the chicken with two forks.
- Add Final Ingredients: Return shredded chicken to the Crockpot, then stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and orzo. Turn the heat to high.
- Cook Orzo: Stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking, and cook until the orzo is tender.
- Season & Serve: Adjust salt and pepper to taste and serve warm.
Notes
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach at the end for extra nutrients.
- More Lemon: Increase lemon juice for a stronger citrus kick.
- Use Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth when reheating, as orzo absorbs liquid.
- Freezing: Best to freeze without orzo—cook pasta separately when reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
