Soups & Stews > Slow Cooker Soups & Stews > Slow Cooker Chicken Soup > Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken Soup

A bright and flavorful chicken soup infused with lemon and fresh herbs, perfect for a comforting and healthy meal. This slow cooker recipe simplifies the process, allowing the flavors to develop beautifully over time.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high
Servings
6-8
Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Bone-In Chicken Thighs
  • 8 cups Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Carrots
  • 1 cup Celery
  • 1 medium Onion
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 1 Lemon
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Thyme
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Rosemary
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
  • 1/2 cup Orzo Pasta

Prepping the Ingredients

Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables and Herbs. Chop the carrots, celery, and onion. Mince the garlic. Chop the fresh thyme and rosemary. Zest and juice the lemon.

Building Flavor in the Slow Cooker

Step 2: Combine Ingredients. In the slow cooker, combine the chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour the chicken broth over the ingredients.

Slow Cooking to Perfection

Step 3: Cook. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be very tender.

Shredding the Chicken

Step 4: Shred Chicken. Remove the chicken thighs from the slow cooker and shred the meat, discarding the bones and skin (if desired). Discard the bay leaf.

Adding Pasta (Optional)

Step 5: Add Orzo (Optional). If using orzo pasta, add it to the slow cooker during the last 30 minutes of cooking time. Cook until the orzo is tender.

Final Touches and Serving

Step 6: Serve. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the bright, lemony flavor!

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Calories: Approximately 70-90 kcal
Protein: 7-9g
Carbohydrates: 5-7g
Fat: 2-3g
Sodium: 220-320mg

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Using bone-in chicken thighs adds more flavor and nutrients to the soup. To reduce fat, remove the skin before cooking. For a gluten-free option, omit the orzo pasta or use gluten-free pasta.

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FAQ

  • Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    Yes, you can use chicken breasts. They may become drier than thighs, so consider reducing the cooking time slightly.
  • Can I add other herbs?

    Certainly! Other herbs like oregano or dill would also complement the lemon flavor nicely.
  • How can I make this soup vegetarian?

    Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or white beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.