Print

Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

slow cooker lemon chicken orzo soup - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and comforting slow cooker soup featuring tender chicken, bright lemon, fresh dill, and orzo pasta. Perfect for chilly evenings and easy to prepare with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Zest and juice of 2 medium lemons
  • ½ cup chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often, until veggies soften and onions become translucent.
  2. Transfer the sautéed veggies to the slow cooker. Add the chicken breasts or thighs whole, pour in 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easy to shred. Alternatively, cook on high for 2.5 to 3 hours.
  4. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
  5. Stir in 1 cup dry orzo pasta. Cover and cook on high for another 15 to 20 minutes, or until the orzo is tender but still holds its shape.
  6. Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the zest and juice of 2 lemons and ½ cup chopped fresh dill. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle into bowls and serve warm.

Notes

Add orzo during the last 15-20 minutes to prevent mushiness. Sautéing veggies first deepens flavor. Use fresh dill for best taste and add it at the end to preserve freshness. If soup thickens after resting, stir in broth or water to adjust consistency. For creamier texture, swirl in butter or Greek yogurt before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker soup, lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, comfort food, easy dinner, cozy meal, chicken soup, lemon dill soup

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/slow-cooker-lemon-chicken-orzo-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-comfort-meal/