Looking for a warm and comforting dish that’s as easy as it is delicious? Look no further than this Slow Cooker Chicken Lemon Rice Soup! With its zesty lemon flavor and tender chicken, this soup is perfect for any occasion, whether you're cozying up on a chilly evening or nursing a cold. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked goodness, ready to be savored. This recipe yields six hearty servings, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep for the week ahead. Dive into our recipe and discover how to create a bowl of happiness that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 1 cup brown rice
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces for consistent cooking. Rinse the brown rice under cold water to remove excess starch, and set it aside.
- In your slow cooker, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. These vegetables will form the aromatic base of your soup.
- Next, place the 1 lb of chicken breast on top of the vegetables in the slow cooker. This will allow the chicken to cook thoroughly and infuse its flavor into the broth.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables. This will be the liquid base of your soup, providing moisture and flavor.
- Add the rinsed brown rice to the slow cooker, ensuring it is evenly distributed among the other ingredients.
- Juice the lemon, and add the fresh lemon juice to the slow cooker. This will give your soup a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the chicken and broth.
- Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Be mindful of the salt content in the chicken broth, and adjust accordingly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid, and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the chicken breast from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, stirring it into the soup. This will help distribute the chicken evenly throughout the soup.
- Before serving, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Enjoy your Slow Cooker Chicken Lemon Rice Soup warm, perfect for a cozy meal or when you're feeling under the weather!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This makes the morning prep a breeze!
- Choose the Right Chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding after cooking. If you prefer dark meat, chicken thighs can add even more flavor to your soup.
- Adjust the Rice: If you want a thicker soup, feel free to add a little more brown rice. Just remember to increase the chicken broth accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
- Enhance the Flavor: For an extra depth of flavor, consider sautéing the diced onion, carrots, and celery in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker. This caramelization brings out their natural sweetness.
- Season to Taste: After cooking, taste your soup before serving and adjust the seasoning. A little extra lemon juice can brighten the flavors, while a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- Garnish for Freshness: Always finish your soup with freshly chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and a pop of color!
- Storage Tips: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze leftovers in individual portions for a quick meal later on.
- Serve with Bread: Pair your soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that’s sure to satisfy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 65mg
