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    Home » Recipes

    Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

    Published: Oct 31, 2017 / Updated: Apr 23, 2020 / 63 Comments

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my affiliate disclosure for more details.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is healthy, super easy, and delicious. Come home to a steaming bowl of cozy soup!

    white bowl with Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup

    This slow cooker chicken and orzo soup will come in handy this winter. It's the perfect way to warm up with very little effort!

    It's also the perfect soup if you're feeling under the weather. It's comforting and the vitamin C from the lemon will help make you better again. 🙂

    This is a soup that the whole family will love.

    lemon chicken orzo soup inside a Crockpot with ladle

    How to make lemon chicken orzo soup in the Crockpot

    Add the chopped carrots, celery, chicken, chicken broth, vegetable broth (or water), garlic, basil, Italian, seasoning, and bay leaves to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

    Around 30 minutes prior to serving the soup, shred the chicken, and add the lemon juice, parsley, and orzo to the Crockpot.

    I suggest stirring it every so often so the orzo doesn't stick to the bottom. Season with salt & pepper as needed.

    bowl of Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup with lemon wedge garnish

    Oh, and Happy Halloween! Ok, so this isn't a Halloween-themed recipe, but I'll acknowledge the occasion anyway. 🙂

    Do you have any plans tonight? Trick-or-treating or handing out candy? I'm guessing most people did their Halloween parties over the weekend since this year Halloween falls on a Tuesday.

    I don't party much (shocking!), so I did not attend any parties haha. I'm a ton of fun.

    bowl of healthy lemon chicken orzo soup with carrots

    Back to the soup! You know how sometimes parsley is just a pretty garnish and doesn't really make or break a dish?

    Well, I highly recommend adding the parsley to this Greek lemon chicken orzo soup. Adding the parsley and lemon juice at the end really perks it up and takes this out of just-another-chicken-soup recipe territory.

    This would also be a great recipe to serve after all that Halloween candy. 😉 Enjoy!

    More chicken recipes you'll love:

    • Crockpot Chicken Noodle Soup
    • Crockpot Mexican Chicken Soup
    • Easy Chicken and Rice Soup
    • Crockpot Cabbage Soup
    • Easy Chicken Tortellini Soup
    • Easy Chicken Stew

    close-up of lemon chicken orzo soup in a bowl with a spoon

    Will you make this slow cooker lemon chicken orzo soup?

    Let me know in the comments below!

    This Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is healthy, super easy, and family-friendly. Come home to a steaming bowl of deliciousness!

    Crockpot Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup

    This Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup recipe is healthy, super easy, and family-friendly. Come home to a steaming bowl of deliciousness!
    4.47 from 13 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 6 hrs
    Total Time 6 hrs 15 mins
    Course Soup
    Cuisine Greek
    Servings 6
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients
     

    • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
    • 2 large carrots peeled & sliced
    • 2 sticks celery chopped fine
    • 2 (10 fluid ounce) cans chicken broth
    • 4 cups vegetable broth (or water)
    • 4 cloves garlic minced
    • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning 
    • 3 bay leaves
    • Juice from 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
    • Handful fresh parsley chopped
    • 1 cup uncooked orzo
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Prep your celery and carrot. Trim any fat off the chicken. 
    • Add all ingredients except for the salt & pepper, lemon juice, parsley, and orzo. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
    • About 30 minutes prior to serving, remove the bay leaves, shred the chicken with 2 forks, and add the lemon juice, parsley, orzo, and salt & pepper. I recommend stirring every 10 minutes or so because the orzo may stick to the bottom of the slow cooker otherwise. Serve immediately. 

    Notes

    • You can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat (I'd use 6 of them in this recipe and keep the cooking time the same). If you're cooking this for the full 8 hours the chicken breasts may dry out a bit - you may want to considering using chicken thighs instead.
    • If you're cooking it for 6 hours or less, I do suggest ensuring your chicken is properly cooked when you go to shred it. 
    • Want to make this on the stove? Try my Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
    • This is the 7 quart Crockpot I used to make this recipe. 
    Keyword Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup, Greek lemon chicken orzo soup
    Author Natasha Bull
    « Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps
    Honey Cinnamon Roasted Hasselback Butternut Squash »

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    1. Laura says

      June 6, 2022 at 1:59 PM

      5 stars
      I'm making this for the second time today. I really love the flavor with the lemon! I left out the chicken this time to make it "vegetarian" (even though I did use chicken broth) and added an onion for more veg. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        June 6, 2022 at 2:21 PM

        You're very welcome!! 😀

        Reply
    2. Terry T says

      February 12, 2022 at 6:50 PM

      3 stars
      It had a great flavor but the recipe calls for 4 chicken breasts. I only did three but shredded only two and even that was way too much chicken. It overpowered it made the orzo carrots and celery look lost If the chicken breasts you have are good sized I would do two,shred them and add amount you like. Thats what I plan on doing next time. Thank you

      Reply
    3. Lauren says

      January 13, 2022 at 11:58 PM

      Sounds amazing for our sick household! Can I use bouillon to make the chicken broth? If so how many cubes?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 14, 2022 at 10:38 AM

        Hi Lauren! I don't know which variety of bouillon you're using or the size of the cubes, so I would definitely refer to their website or instructions on the package. But yes you can definitely make this soup using water and bouillon. Hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    4. Stef says

      January 12, 2022 at 5:21 PM

      Would it be feasible to put rice instead of the orzo?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 12, 2022 at 8:01 PM

        Hi! You could try for sure. Not sure exactly on cooking time so you may want to keep an eye on it.

        Reply
    5. Nakita says

      October 7, 2021 at 7:09 PM

      5 stars
      I found this recipe while I was sick and knew it would hit the spot. So delicious! I used frozen chicken and it didn't seem to affect the cooking time. The orzo has soaked up most of the broth now (on day two) but it's delicious and tastes even better than it did yesterday. Also added half an onion!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 7, 2021 at 7:14 PM

        I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Nakita! Thanks for writing me a review. XO

        Reply
    6. Destiny Sponholtz says

      October 3, 2021 at 8:39 AM

      What if i used frozen chicken?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 3, 2021 at 11:52 AM

        Hi! I'd probably thaw it first. If you do use it frozen, just make sure it's cooked properly (165F).

        Reply
    7. Doreen Rubin says

      February 9, 2021 at 4:18 PM

      5 stars
      Wow love the lemon taste, used chicken thighs and added fresh spinach!! Will be making it again!😃

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 9, 2021 at 5:03 PM

        Excellent!! 🙂

        Reply
    8. Cynthia Myers says

      February 1, 2021 at 6:38 PM

      1 star
      Epic fail. Followed instructions but had to add 4 cups of liquid. Used it as topping over broccoli. Waste of time money and food.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        February 2, 2021 at 10:05 AM

        Sorry to hear that! 🙁

        Reply
    9. Samantha says

      January 2, 2021 at 7:15 PM

      5 stars
      Made this recipe for the first time tonight and it was a huge hit in my household! I bought the ingredients listed in the non-crockpot version before discovering a crockpot version, so I used my slow cooker to let it cook all day. However, I just realized the crockpot version doesn’t call for onion like the other one does. Is that on purpose?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 2, 2021 at 7:35 PM

        Hi! Yes, just because the onion isn't sautéed, I decided to leave it out, but it's definitely not an issue to include it in the Crockpot version. 🙂 Good eye spotting the differences haha. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Sandra says

      October 31, 2020 at 4:11 PM

      I followed your instructions had the crockpot on for 8hr. On low~. 71/2 in I added the Orzo and remaining ingredients per directions. Following Day Orzo absorbed most of the liquid So I had to add more chicken broth (from scratch). It felt like it needed more even before I added the Orzo. Taste delicious but don’t want a repeat of the Orzo swelling up. Suggestions?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 31, 2020 at 4:14 PM

        Hi! Yes, that's the nature of these soups with pasta or rice, unfortunately. You could just add cooked pasta as needed... like only to the portion that you'll be eating if you know you won't eat it all in one go.

        Reply
    11. Jen says

      October 20, 2020 at 6:41 PM

      Does the flour in the non-crockpot recipe thicken the broth and if so, is there a way to incorporate that into the crockpot version? Sounds delicious by the way!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 20, 2020 at 7:03 PM

        Hi! It thickens it up a little bit. You could try a couple of things - around 30 min prior to serving, either scoop some of the liquid out (like 3/4 cup or so) and add the flour and whisk/stir it until the flour has dissolved, then add it back to the slow cooker, or do a cornstarch slurry with 1 tbsp (or more as needed) of cornstarch. Cornstarch is more powerful, so it may work better in this version since the Crockpot doesn't get too hot.

        Reply
        • Linda H. says

          September 7, 2022 at 9:32 AM

          In a pinch I've added some instant mashed potato flakes to thicken up a hot soup/stew. Don't have the lump issues (usually) and takes just a little.

          Just another idea to thicken it up.... thanks to my friend Tami F who shared the tip with me originally.

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            September 7, 2022 at 10:17 AM

            Thanks for sharing!

            Reply
    12. Jess says

      April 2, 2020 at 12:56 PM

      5 stars
      It's going to snow tonight (IN APRIL!), so I thought this would be a nice recipe to throw in the crockpot to keep the "yuckies" away. It already smells amazing and my kids can't wait for dinner.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        April 2, 2020 at 1:05 PM

        Yup, we still have snow here... it was snowing yesterday. Yuck. I hope it warms up soon for you as well! Enjoy the soup! XO

        Reply
    13. AngelaML says

      January 27, 2020 at 4:58 PM

      5 stars
      Hi again Natasha!

      Just tried this recipe this weekend and it came out fantastic! I am now 2 for 2 and can't wait to try more. (Two weeks ago I made you delicious Crockpot Cabbage and Sausage soup.)

      I really enjoy your commentary on the recipes, especially the encouragement to not worry about amounts or to "ad lib" by adding what you happen to have on hand. I'm a very "by the book" cook, and don't really enjoy it honestly. But I like your approach and how the recipes are not intimidating. Also you are correct about the chicken breasts drying out. I cooked it 7 hours total on low, and will try less time next time.

      So, for this one I did make a few changes. I added one pound of carrots, because it's my favorite veggie. I also added more celery and some extra broth. During the last 30 minutes I added 8 oz of baby spinach instead of the parsley. My husband (Italian) loves Parmesan cheese on top!

      It turned out heavenly! I shared with my mother in law, and she just called after eating it for dinner and raved about much she enjoyed it. We are having it for leftovers again tonight too. Definitely a keeper!

      Keep up the great work here on the site. Again I'm so happy I stumbled across it!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 28, 2020 at 9:21 AM

        Hi Angela! Thanks for your sweet comment! 🙂 That's so nice to hear that you read the blog posts (a lot of people just scroll right on by), and that you find them helpful! So glad you're enjoying the recipes.

        Reply
        • AngelaML says

          July 7, 2022 at 6:52 PM

          Hi Natasha,

          Circling back on this one, as I made it again tonight. For like the 10th time. I have so many "favorite recipes" of yours, but this truly is one of the best I think I keep making of yours! It is just so healthy, so light, so tasty, so "hits the spot", and I have to thank you again and again!!!

          As always, we have put a quart of it aside for my MIL. She thanks you too!

          Appreciate you so much! ❤️

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            July 7, 2022 at 8:19 PM

            Aww thanks for your comment! I'm so glad it's a fam favorite! XO

            Reply
    14. Tina says

      January 6, 2020 at 4:03 PM

      Making this tonight as the entire family
      is sick with what I believe to be the flu. I was looking for something wholesome and came across this recipe. Cooking mine in the crockpot, I can’t wait to try it 🙂

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 6, 2020 at 4:17 PM

        I sure hope you all feel better soon, Tina!!

        Reply
    15. Joy says

      February 28, 2019 at 4:19 PM

      4 stars
      Thank you for the great recipe...so easy and delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        March 1, 2019 at 8:04 AM

        Glad you liked it!

        Reply
        • Michael Stampar says

          October 3, 2021 at 1:58 PM

          Where is the ingredient list for slow cook lemon orzo chicken

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            October 3, 2021 at 2:51 PM

            Hi! You likely scrolled right past it to write me a comment. It's in the recipe card along with the instructions (a gray-ish box)... just above the comments section. Hope you enjoy the recipe! 🙂

            Reply
    16. Lin says

      October 19, 2018 at 2:40 PM

      5 stars
      This was SO good....I added a little fresh ginger to it, just because (I like ginger) So much flavor- I will be making this again and freezing some!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 20, 2018 at 9:49 AM

        So pleased you liked it, Lin. Ginger sounds like a great addition!

        Reply
    17. Gina says

      January 15, 2018 at 2:32 PM

      do you think i could add an extra veggie in this like a potato or mushroom?

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        January 15, 2018 at 2:35 PM

        Of course! If you add mushrooms, I probably would add them in halfway through or closer to the end because they can get a little rubbery. Hope you enjoy the soup!

        Reply
    18. Priscilla Skibo says

      December 26, 2017 at 6:51 PM

      Can I make this with premade chicken (Like rotisserie) on the stove top? I want a good lemin orzo chicken soup recipe and there's close to nothing online.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        December 26, 2017 at 8:23 PM

        I think that it would work cooking it on the stovetop just fine with rotisserie chicken. 🙂 Let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    19. Maura Hodits says

      November 12, 2017 at 4:41 PM

      Can you freeze this with the orzo already in it

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 12, 2017 at 4:54 PM

        Hi Maura! I wouldn’t recommend it (it’ll be a little mushy).

        Reply
    20. Rhonda says

      November 8, 2017 at 8:21 AM

      5 stars
      This is a feel-good , yummy soup,,,,
      I sprinkled With Parmesan cheese and chopped spring onions right before serving ,,,
      Guests loved it,,, so did the fam,,

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 8, 2017 at 8:25 AM

        That's great to hear!! So glad everyone enjoyed it, Rhonda. Thanks for leaving a comment! And spring onions and parmesan sound like fabulous additions! 🙂

        Reply
    21. Veronika says

      November 8, 2017 at 8:12 AM

      5 stars
      Lovely recipe, perfect for autumn! Have to try the recipe!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 8, 2017 at 8:16 AM

        Thank you!! I hope you love it.

        Reply
    22. Alison says

      November 6, 2017 at 10:38 AM

      Hi! Recipe looks great - I'm making it now. If I wanted to cook on high instead, do u think it would be the same? And maybe 4 or 6 hrs on high?
      Thank you!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 6, 2017 at 10:40 AM

        Thanks, Alison!! I would give it between 3 and 4 hours on high, but just make sure to double check the chicken is properly cooked through when you go to shred it. Hope you love the recipe!

        Reply
    23. Catherine says

      November 4, 2017 at 9:52 AM

      Going to try this one for sure.

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 4, 2017 at 10:37 AM

        Hope you enjoy it! 🙂 Have a great weekend.

        Reply
    24. Matt Robinson says

      November 1, 2017 at 9:11 AM

      After all the candy I ate last night, and with the weather finally cooling down, I've gotta make this!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        November 1, 2017 at 9:11 AM

        Thanks, Matt!! It definitely will make you feel a little healthier hehe.

        Reply
    25. Jennifer Farley says

      October 31, 2017 at 6:48 PM

      5 stars
      I'm making this soup this week!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 31, 2017 at 6:51 PM

        Hope you enjoy it, Jennifer! 🙂

        Reply
    26. Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says

      October 31, 2017 at 2:56 PM

      Perfect healthy bowl of soup after all the Halloween indulging Natasha! I just broke out my CrockPot the other day to make some soup. I'll need to try your recipe. It looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 31, 2017 at 6:47 PM

        Thank you 🙂 Let me know if you try it!! Happy Halloween!

        Reply
    27. Leigh Ann says

      October 31, 2017 at 10:46 AM

      Love a good chicken soup recipe and anything in the crockpot sign me up!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 31, 2017 at 10:54 AM

        Thanks so much, Leigh Ann! Yup, love the ease of slow cooker recipes! 🙂

        Reply
    28. Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says

      October 31, 2017 at 8:55 AM

      LOVE ORZO!

      Reply
      • Natasha says

        October 31, 2017 at 9:06 AM

        Thanks!

        Reply
        • Ann says

          November 6, 2017 at 10:11 AM

          Will 8 hours in the crock pot dry out the chicken. This has happened to me before.

          Reply
          • Natasha says

            November 6, 2017 at 10:25 AM

            Hi Ann! If you're worried about that happening, then I suggest you use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Those tend to retain their moisture better during slow cooking. I find chicken breasts to be dryer in general, but I know a lot of people prefer the white meat... so when I come up with these Crockpot recipes, it's a bit of I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't. 🙂 With that said, I didn't find the chicken in here to be overly dry. You could also cook it for less than 8 hours (I'd aim for 5-6 hours), but I would just make sure you check to ensure the chicken is fully cooked when you go to shred it.

            Reply

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