Hi there, it’s Jessica from Nourish Well Recipes. As a mom of three, I’ve learned that weeknights have a funny way of sneaking up on you—especially when everyone’s asking, “What’s for dinner?” That’s where my Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup swoops in to save the day.
This cozy, citrusy soup is everything I love about comfort food: wholesome, simple, and bursting with fresh flavor. The slow cooker does most of the work while you go about your day—so by dinnertime, your kitchen smells like a warm hug with a hint of lemon sunshine.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
- Effortless comfort – Toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
- Fresh and light – The lemon zest brightens the flavors beautifully without being overpowering.
- Family-approved – Even my picky eaters go back for seconds (and sometimes thirds).
- Perfect for meal prep – It reheats wonderfully, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day.
If you love cozy bowls of goodness like my Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup or Crock Pot Stuffed Pepper Soup, this recipe will fit right into your rotation.
What Does Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup Taste Like?
Imagine the comfort of chicken noodle soup—but brighter, silkier, and with a gentle lemony twist. The chicken is tender and juicy, the rice adds heartiness, and the broth has a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness in the best possible way.
It’s the kind of soup that feels like self-care in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
When it comes to Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup, every ingredient plays an important role in building that irresistible balance of comfort and freshness. Below you’ll find all the wholesome, pantry-friendly items that come together to create this cozy meal. Each component adds depth, aroma, and that signature lemony brightness we all crave on cool evenings.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1.5 lbs)
The foundation of this dish—lean, tender chicken that turns fall-apart soft after hours of slow simmering. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor (a trick I sometimes use in my Crockpot Vegetable Beef Soup). - Chicken Broth (6 cups)
Choose a high-quality broth or make your own for that homemade depth of flavor. It forms the base of the soup, infusing every spoonful with savory goodness that complements the lemon beautifully. - Minute Rice (1 cup)
Quick-cooking rice gives this soup its signature comforting texture without turning mushy. It absorbs the lemony broth perfectly, thickening the soup just enough to make it hearty and satisfying. - Fresh Vegetables – Onion, Carrots, and Celery
The classic “mirepoix” combination adds natural sweetness and savory balance. Diced onions bring warmth, carrots offer subtle sweetness, and celery gives a delicate crunch. This trio forms the flavor backbone of so many cozy soups, including my Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup. - Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
The aromatic hero that ties it all together. Garlic infuses the broth with earthy depth and enhances the lemon’s brightness without overpowering it. - Lemon Juice and Zest (from 1 lemon)
The true star of this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup—fresh lemon transforms an ordinary broth into something special. The zest adds a delicate aroma, while the juice brings tang and freshness that lighten every bite. - Dried Thyme (1 teaspoon)
A hint of thyme complements the citrus and chicken beautifully. You can also add a bay leaf for a subtle herbal note if you love layered flavors. - Salted Butter (2 tablespoons, cut into chunks)
Butter adds a silky richness that rounds out the acidity of the lemon. It melts slowly into the broth, creating a luscious mouthfeel. - Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Simple but essential. Adjust seasoning toward the end of cooking to bring all the flavors together in harmony. - Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
The final touch—a sprinkle of parsley adds color, freshness, and a burst of herbal brightness to every bowl.
Each of these simple ingredients joins forces in the slow cooker, gently blending over hours into a soul-warming bowl of comfort. If you love this kind of wholesome, slow-cooked simplicity, try pairing it with my Creamy Tuscan Ravioli Soup or Cozy One-Pot Ravioli Soup for a full comfort food lineup that keeps dinner deliciously stress-free.
How to Make Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
Making Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup couldn’t be simpler, but a few small touches make all the difference between “good soup” and “I need seconds right now.” This slow cooker recipe delivers rich, home-cooked comfort with the kind of bright, lemony freshness that lifts your spirits instantly. Below is a detailed, easy-to-follow walkthrough that ensures every bite is flavorful, tender, and perfectly balanced.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients Like a Pro
Before you even turn on your slow cooker, take a few minutes to prep everything. Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince your garlic. Freshly chopped vegetables add vibrant texture and flavor to the broth as they slowly cook and soften.
If you’ve ever made my Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup or Chicken Pot Pie Soup, you already know how much difference a little prep time can make in creating that homemade, cozy depth of flavor.
Step 2: Build the Base in Your Slow Cooker
Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the slow cooker—no need to sear them first. Then add your chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic. These vegetables form the flavor foundation of the soup.
Next, pour in your 6 cups of chicken broth, making sure it fully covers the ingredients. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, dried thyme, and chunks of salted butter. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
That little bit of butter slowly melts and enriches the broth, while the lemon zest infuses a gentle aroma that fills your kitchen. At this point, your slow cooker will already smell like a hint of cozy heaven.
Step 3: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–6 hours, depending on your schedule. The long, slow cooking time allows the chicken to become tender enough to shred easily with a fork while the vegetables turn soft and savory.
This is the beauty of slow cooking—you can go about your day, help with homework, or even sneak in a yoga session (my personal sanity saver). By the time you return, your Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup will be bubbling away, filling your home with comforting aromas that make everyone ask, “When’s dinner?”
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add the Rice
About 30 minutes before serving, open the lid and carefully remove the chicken breasts. Place them on a cutting board and use two forks to shred them into bite-sized pieces. The chicken will be incredibly tender, practically falling apart on its own.
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then add the minute rice. Stir gently to mix everything together. Cook for another 30 minutes on high, or until the rice is soft and has absorbed all that lemony, savory goodness.
Pro tip: The rice thickens the soup slightly as it cooks, giving you that classic, creamy texture without needing to add cream.
Step 5: Taste, Adjust, and Garnish
Before you serve, give your soup a taste test. Adjust salt and pepper if needed—remember, the lemon flavor should be bright but balanced.
When the seasoning is just right, ladle the soup into warm bowls and top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The green pop from the parsley adds freshness and color that perfectly complements the lemon aroma.
If you’re serving guests, a few thin lemon slices floating on top make it look restaurant-worthy with zero extra effort.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Now comes the best part—grab a spoon and dig in. Each bite of this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup delivers tender shreds of chicken, cozy rice, and a zesty lemon broth that feels both refreshing and comforting.
Pair it with a crusty piece of bread, or serve it alongside something hearty like my Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Casserole for a family-style comfort dinner that’s bound to impress.
Bonus Tip for Meal Prep Lovers
If you’re like me and love having ready-made meals for busy days, double the recipe and store leftovers in individual containers. This soup reheats beautifully—just add a splash of broth when warming it up to restore that perfect consistency.
And if you enjoy prepping ahead, check out my Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup—another family favorite that’s perfect for cozy weeknights.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
- Use minute rice – Regular rice can turn mushy if cooked too long.
- Add peas or spinach – For extra color and nutrients.
- Want it creamier? Stir in a splash of milk or cream right before serving.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest! It adds brightness that balances the richness of the broth.
- Freezer tip: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portions for easy lunches.
Storage
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months—just thaw overnight and reheat on the stove.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice?
You can, but cook it separately and add it at the end. It takes longer and can get mushy in the slow cooker.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. They’ll add a bit more richness and flavor.
What can I serve with it?
A crusty loaf of bread, a green salad, or my 20-Minute Creamy Pumpkin Ravioli pair perfectly.
Conclusion
If your weeknights are as busy as mine, this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is the kind of recipe that brings peace to your kitchen and comfort to your table. It’s light yet hearty, simple yet flavorful—the kind of soup you’ll find yourself craving on repeat.
So next time you’re craving something cozy but effortless, pull out your slow cooker and let it do the work. Your family will thank you.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup – A Cozy, Easy Family Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Comfort Food, Main Course, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is the epitome of comfort, combining tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and fluffy rice in a rich, lemon-infused broth. This dish is perfect for busy days, allowing you to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does the hard work, melding the simple ingredients into a warming and satisfying soup that’s perfect for any chilly evening.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup minute rice
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 onion, diced
- 4 carrots, sliced
- 4 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 tbsp salted butter, cut into chunks
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Place the chicken breasts, diced onion, sliced carrots, celery, and minced garlic into the slow cooker. Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, dried thyme, and butter chunks. Pour in the chicken broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir gently to combine.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are softened.
3. About 30 minutes before the soup is done, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and add the minute rice. Continue cooking on high for 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
4. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.
Notes
For a twist, try adding peas or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
You can substitute brown rice or wild rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.
