Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup (Print Version)

Tender chicken, vegetables, and bright lemon flavor simmered slowly for hours in a crockpot for ultimate comfort.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Broth & Liquid

06 - 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
07 - 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
08 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Grains

09 - 1/2 cup uncooked white rice or orzo (optional)

→ Herbs & Seasoning

10 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
11 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
12 - 1 bay leaf
13 - 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Place chicken breasts or thighs into the bottom of the crockpot.
02 - Layer carrots, celery, onion, and garlic evenly over the chicken.
03 - Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the pot.
04 - Stir in thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
05 - If using rice or orzo, add it to the mixture now.
06 - Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
07 - Remove chicken from the crockpot and shred using two forks, then return the meat to the soup.
08 - Taste the soup and add more salt or pepper if needed.
09 - Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The lemon adds such a bright, refreshing twist that youll forget youre eating something so nourishing and wholesome
  • Your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day, coming home to dinner thats ready and waiting
02 -
  • If you plan to add the optional grain, check your soup during the last hour of cooking because rice and orzo can absorb quite a bit of liquid and might need more broth
  • The lemon flavor will mellow slightly during cooking, so dont be afraid to add an extra squeeze of fresh juice right before serving if you want more brightness
03 -
  • Use a microplane or fine grater for your lemon zest to avoid the bitter white pith and get only the fragrant outer layer
  • If your chicken breasts are especially large, cut them in half before cooking to ensure they cook through without drying out

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