Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and zesty meal perfect for any day you want something warm and nourishing. With tender chicken, bright lemon, and hearty orzo pasta, it’s a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that feels homemade with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 4 medium chicken breasts
• 2 large carrots (peeled & sliced)
• 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
• 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 & pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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 on high for 3-4 hours.
2. Step 2: About 30 minutes prior to serving, remove the bay leaves and take the chicken out of the slow cooker. Shred the chicken with two forks, then add it back along with the lemon juice, parsley, and orzo. Increase heat to high and stir every 10 minutes to prevent sticking. Once the orzo is tender, season with salt & pepper as needed and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade or low-sodium broth to control salt levels and enhance flavor.
• Swap orzo for another small pasta like acini di pepe for a texture variation.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle spicy kick.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, stir in a small handful of grated Parmesan before serving.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened. Avoid reheating the soup with orzo too long to prevent overcooked pasta.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts in the crockpot?

Yes, you can add shredded rotisserie chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking when you add the orzo, lemon juice, and parsley. This reduces overall cooking time and adds extra flavor.

Can this soup be frozen?

It’s best to freeze the soup without the orzo, as pasta can become mushy when frozen. Freeze the broth and chicken mixture, then cook fresh orzo when reheating.

Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 131 reviews

This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup is a comforting and flavorful slow-cooked soup combining tender chicken breasts, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a zesty lemon twist. The addition of orzo pasta adds a delightful texture, making it a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for cozy days.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours low or 3-4 hours high plus 30 minutes additional for orzo cooking
• Total Time: 6 hours 45 minutes (using low setting)
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 4 medium chicken breasts

Vegetables

• 2 large carrots (peeled & sliced)
• 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 handful fresh parsley (chopped)

Broth & Liquids

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 cups vegetable broth (see note)
• Juice from 1 lemon

Herbs & Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 bay leaves
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

Grains

• 1 cup uncooked orzo

Instructions

1. Prepare ingredients and start slow cooking: Add the chicken breasts, sliced carrots, finely chopped celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, vegetable broth, dried basil, Italian seasoning, and bay leaves into your slow cooker. Avoid adding the lemon juice, parsley, orzo, and salt & pepper at this stage. Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
2. Shred chicken and add remaining ingredients: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaves from the soup. Take the chicken breasts out and shred them thoroughly using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker along with the lemon juice, fresh parsley, and uncooked orzo. Increase the slow cooker setting to high.
3. Cook orzo and finish seasoning: Stir the soup every 10 minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Cook until the orzo is tender, approximately 20-30 minutes. Finally, season the soup with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty lemon chicken orzo soup.

Notes

• Using both chicken and vegetable broth provides a balanced flavor, but you can use all chicken broth if preferred.
• Stirring frequently during the orzo cooking stage prevents it from sticking to the slow cooker base.
• For a thicker soup, add less broth or allow the orzo to cook longer; for thinner soup, add extra broth or water.
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors; adjust to taste if you desire more tang.
• Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, crockpot soup, orzo soup, slow cooker chicken soup, easy chicken soup recipe, comforting soup