Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light yet hearty dish that’s packed with tender chicken, vegetables, orzo pasta, and a refreshing burst of lemon. The slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a comforting and aromatic soup. It’s the perfect meal for busy days and chilly evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is not only flavorful but also incredibly easy to make, thanks to the Crockpot. The chicken becomes tender and juicy while the orzo absorbs all the savory, citrusy goodness. The bright lemony flavor adds a refreshing twist to the classic chicken soup, making it perfect for any time of year. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that’s great for meal prep and can easily be doubled to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 cup orzo pasta
1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Ingredients: In the Crockpot, add the chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Soup: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the soup and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Add the Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta. Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
Add Lemon and Finish: Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and fresh parsley (if using) right before serving.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: Approximately 6 servings.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes.
Cooking Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high (plus 30 minutes for the orzo).
Total Time: 6.5-7 hours.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version of this soup.
Add More Veggies: You can add other vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the soup’s nutritional value.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup for extra spice.
Lemon Flavor: For an even more intense lemon flavor, add additional lemon juice and zest to taste.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that orzo may become mushy once frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, you might want to cook the orzo separately and add it when reheating.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if using frozen chicken.

2. Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of in the Crockpot?

Yes, you can make this soup on the stovetop. Cook the chicken and vegetables in a large pot over medium heat until the chicken is cooked through. Then, add the orzo and cook until tender.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like small shells, elbow macaroni, or ditalini.

4. Can I make this soup in advance?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will meld even more overnight.

5. How do I make this soup dairy-free?

This recipe is already dairy-free, so you don’t need to make any changes for a dairy-free version.

6. Can I add more lemon?

Yes, if you love lemon, feel free to add extra lemon juice or zest to the soup to enhance the citrus flavor.

7. Can I make this soup gluten-free?

To make this soup gluten-free, replace the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or another gluten-free option like rice or quinoa.

8. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can use rotisserie chicken for this soup. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup once the vegetables are cooked.

9. How can I make this soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, you can reduce the amount of broth slightly, or you can blend a portion of the soup and then stir it back in.

10. Can I make this soup spicier?

If you like a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or fresh chopped jalapeños to the soup.

Conclusion

Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and refreshing dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, orzo, and a burst of lemon. The slow-cooked flavors make this soup incredibly aromatic and satisfying, and it’s easy to make in the Crockpot for a hassle-free meal. This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or cozy evenings at home. Enjoy the bright and fresh flavors in every bowl!