Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
This Crockpot Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting, protein-rich dish featuring tender chicken simmered with fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and bright lemon zest and juice. Cooked slowly to meld the flavors, it’s a nourishing and easy-to-make soup perfect for any season, with an optional healthy boost from spinach or kale.
- Author: Joe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 7 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional)
Liquids and Flavorings
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
Herbs and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the onion, slice the carrots, chop the celery, mince the garlic, and zest and juice the lemon to get everything ready for cooking.
- Add Ingredients to the Crockpot: Place the chicken, diced onion, sliced carrots, chopped celery, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper into the crockpot.
- Add Chicken Broth: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth over the ingredients, ensuring everything is submerged for even cooking.
- Cook the Soup: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks, then return it to the crockpot.
- Add Greens (Optional): Stir in baby spinach or kale if using, and cook for another 10-15 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately for a fresh and comforting meal.
Notes
- The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use chicken thighs for extra richness and tenderness.
- For a thicker soup, blend a portion of the soup and stir it back in before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed after cooking.
- Leafy greens are optional but add valuable nutrients and texture.
Keywords: Crockpot lemon chicken soup, slow cooker soup, healthy chicken soup, easy soup recipe, lemon chicken broth, chicken and vegetable soup