Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
6 hrs 35 mins
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Total Time
6 hrs 55 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Course
Main Course, Soup
Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup
Description
The Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup begins with browning seasoned chicken thighs to develop flavor, then slow-cooking them with chicken stock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs including thyme, rosemary, and bay leaf. This combination infuses the broth with a rich herbal aroma, tenderizing the chicken and vegetables over several hours. Adding orzo pasta towards the end softens the noodles without overcooking, and fresh baby spinach is stirred in until wilted, adding a vibrant color and slight freshness.
The incorporation of fresh lemon juice before serving gives the soup a noticeable tang that brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the chicken and broth. This soup is suitable as a satisfying lunch or dinner, enjoyed fresh to best preserve the tenderness of the chicken and texture of the pasta.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ tablespoons canola oil
- 1 ½ pounds chicken thigh cut into 1-inch chunks, boneless, skinless
- salt to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- black pepper to taste, Kosher salt and freshly ground
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 onion diced, medium sweet
- 3 carrot peeled and sliced, medium
- 2 celery sliced, ribs
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 3 thyme sprigs, fresh
- 1 rosemary fresh sprig
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ cup orzo pasta uncooked
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
Instructions
- Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden, about 4-5 minutes.
- Place chicken into a 6-qt slow cooker. Stir in chicken stock, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, thyme, rosemary and bay leaf; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 5-6 hours. Uncover and stir in pasta; cover and cook on high heat for an additional 30 minutes, or until tender.
- Stir in spinach until wilted. Stir in lemon juice; season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve immediately.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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