Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Herb Rice Soup
Introduction
Warm, comforting, and bursting with fresh flavor, Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Herb Rice Soup is the perfect bowl to soothe your soul on a chilly day. This recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant herbs, hearty rice, and a touch of zesty lemon that brightens up every bite. The best part? It’s made effortlessly in your slow cooker—just set it and let the magic happen!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice (white or brown)
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 large lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the vegetables and mince the garlic. Rinse the rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Add the chicken, rice, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, parsley, rosemary, bay leaf, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Pour in the chicken broth and stir gently.
- Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and the rice is cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Add Lemon and Finish: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and olive oil or butter. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Serve warm with crusty bread or crackers.
Description
This soup delivers the perfect balance between hearty and refreshing. The slow-cooked chicken becomes incredibly tender, while the rice adds a comforting texture. The zesty lemon infuses a light, tangy note that cuts through the richness, making it a standout comfort dish. With its beautiful aroma of herbs and citrus, it feels like a hug in a bowl.
Tips
- Rice Options: Use white rice for a creamier texture or brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
- Make it Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt before serving for extra richness.
- Add Greens: Toss in a handful of spinach or kale during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a nutrient boost.
- Storage: This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently and add a little extra broth if it thickens.
- Freezing Tip: If freezing, cook the rice separately and add it when reheating to prevent mushiness.
Correction
If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more warm broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too sour, balance it with a pinch of sugar or more salt to mellow out the lemon flavor.
Enjoy
Serve this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Herb Rice Soup steaming hot with a slice of crusty bread or a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s a soothing meal that brings sunshine to even the coldest days—light, wholesome, and full of flavor!
