Description
Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a light yet hearty meal featuring tender chicken, vegetables, orzo pasta, and a refreshing burst of lemon. This easy-to-make, slow-cooked soup offers a cozy and aromatic dish perfect for busy days and chilly evenings. With its simple ingredients and vibrant citrus flavor, it’s a comforting one-pot meal that’s ideal for meal prep or a family dinner.
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
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
-
Prepare the Ingredients:
In the Crockpot, add chicken breasts, chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, diced celery, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. -
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 slow cooker and shred it using 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 20-30 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.
Notes
- Vegetarian Version: Use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for extra spice.
- More Veggies: Add zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers to enhance the soup’s flavor and nutritional value.
- Lemon Flavor: For a more intense lemon flavor, add additional lemon juice and zest to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high (plus 20-30 minutes for orzo)
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
