Cozy Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl. Picture tender chicken, zesty lemon, and comforting orzo dancing together in a rich broth that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, perfect for those chilly evenings when a cozy meal is just what you need.

This delightful soup brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter mingled with the scent of cooking. It’s ideal for lazy Sundays or as a pick-me-up on busy weekdays when you need something hearty yet effortless. Get ready to dive into a flavor experience that will make everyone at the table smile.

I remember the first time I made this soup; my kids gobbled it up like it was candy, leaving me in awe of how something so simple could create such happiness.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; they bring a savory kick to the soup.

• Carrots: Use fresh carrots for sweetness and texture; they should be chopped evenly for uniform cooking.

• Celery: Celery adds crunch and depth; opt for bright green stalks for maximum flavor.

• Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemons are key to achieving that vibrant citrusy flavor; zest before juicing for added brightness.

• Orzo Pasta: This tiny pasta shape absorbs flavors well; cook it separately if you prefer less mushiness.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels; homemade adds extra richness but store-bought works fine too.

• Fresh Herbs (Dill or Parsley): Fresh herbs elevate the dish’s aroma; chop them just before serving for maximum freshness.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all ingredients listed above. Chop your vegetables and zest your lemon while dreaming about how delicious this soup will be.

Add to Slow Cooker: Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Layer chopped carrots, celery, garlic, and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Pour in Broth: Gently pour in chicken broth until everything is submerged. Add lemon juice and zest to brighten up the flavors beautifully.

Cook Until Tender: Set your slow cooker on low heat for 6-8 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours until chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.

Add Orzo Pasta: About 30 minutes before serving, add dry orzo pasta directly into the slow cooker. Stir occasionally as it cooks until al dente.

Finish with Fresh Herbs: Before serving, shred the chicken right in the pot. Stir in fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a burst of color and flavor that sings joyfully.

Now you have a bowl of Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup that’s bursting with flavor! Serve it hot with some crusty bread on the side, because let’s be honest—what’s soup without bread? Enjoy!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in juices; then, add vegetables and broth for maximum flavor infusion.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or herbs, like spinach or dill, to customize flavors.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days; reheat on low heat.

The first time I made this soup, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it! Their compliments made me feel like a kitchen wizard conjuring culinary spells.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken in this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup?

Yes, frozen chicken works well; just increase cooking time by one hour for thorough cooking.

What can I substitute for orzo in this recipe?

You can use rice or quinoa as alternatives, adjusting cooking times accordingly for best results.

How do I prevent the orzo from getting mushy?

Add orzo during the last 30 minutes of cooking to keep it perfectly tender and not overcooked.

Print

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a cozy, one-pot meal brimming with tender chicken, zesty lemon, and comforting orzo. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish fills your home with an enticing aroma and warms your heart. With minimal effort required, it’s ideal for family dinners or busy weeknights when you crave something hearty yet simple. Dive into this flavor-packed soup that will bring smiles to everyone at the table.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours
• Total Time: 10 minute
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients by chopping vegetables and zesting the lemon.
2. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker and layer with carrots, celery, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour in chicken broth until all ingredients are submerged; add lemon juice and zest.
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until chicken is tender.
5. Stir in dry orzo pasta about 30 minutes before serving until al dente.
6. Shred the chicken in the pot and mix in fresh herbs just before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 31g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: Swap out vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition. For a richer flavor, sear the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.