Name: Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
Ingredients: 2 carrots, shredded: Carrots add natural sweetness and texture to the soup.; 4 ribs celery, thinly sliced: Celery contributes a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.; 1 small onion, diced: Onions provide depth and a sweet undertone when cooked.; 3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic enhances the aroma and adds a robust flavor.; 1.5 lbs. chicken breast: The star ingredient, chicken breast is lean, juicy, and absorbs the flavors of the soup.; 1 tsp. salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of the soup.; 1 tsp. black pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat that balances the dish.; ⅛ tsp. crushed red pepper, optional: A touch of heat, if desired, enhances the overall flavor profile.; 2 Tbsp. salted butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup.; 6 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup, chicken broth provides a savory foundation.; 1 lemon, juiced (about 3 Tbsp.): Fresh lemon juice brightens the soup and adds a refreshing tang.; 8 fresh thyme sprigs, tied with butcher’s twine or 1 tsp. dried thyme: Thyme provides an herbal aroma and complements the other flavors.; 1 cup Minute Brand rice: This quick-cooking rice soaks up the broth and adds heartiness to the soup.; 3 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley): Adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

Description

Try Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup: a comforting, tangy soup with tender chicken, rice, and fresh lemon. Ideal for a cozy, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

2 carrots, shredded: Carrots add natural sweetness and texture to the soup.
4 ribs celery, thinly sliced: Celery contributes a subtle crunch and earthy flavor.
1 small onion, diced: Onions provide depth and a sweet undertone when cooked.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic enhances the aroma and adds a robust flavor.
1.5 lbs. chicken breast: The star ingredient, chicken breast is lean, juicy, and absorbs the flavors of the soup.
1 tsp. salt: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of the soup.
1 tsp. black pepper: Black pepper adds a mild heat that balances the dish.
⅛ tsp. crushed red pepper, optional: A touch of heat, if desired, enhances the overall flavor profile.
2 Tbsp. salted butter: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the soup.
6 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup, chicken broth provides a savory foundation.
1 lemon, juiced (about 3 Tbsp.): Fresh lemon juice brightens the soup and adds a refreshing tang.
8 fresh thyme sprigs, tied with butcher’s twine or 1 tsp. dried thyme: Thyme provides an herbal aroma and complements the other flavors.
1 cup Minute Brand rice: This quick-cooking rice soaks up the broth and adds heartiness to the soup.
3 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried parsley): Adds a pop of color and freshness as a garnish.

Instructions

In your slow cooker, add 2 shredded carrots, 4 thinly sliced ribs of celery, 1 diced small onion, and 3 minced garlic cloves.
Next, place 1.5 lbs. of chicken breast over the vegetables. Season with 1 tsp. salt, 1 tsp. black pepper, and an optional ⅛ tsp. crushed red pepper for a hint of heat.
Add 2 Tbsp. salted butter to enrich the broth, then pour in 6 cups of chicken broth.
Take 8 sprigs of fresh thyme (tied together with butcher’s twine or use 1 tsp. dried thyme) and place it in the slow cooker. Squeeze 1 lemon juice (around 3 Tbsp.) over the mixture.
Set your slow cooker to cook on HIGH for 4 hours or on LOW for 8 hours. About 30 minutes before the cooking time is up, carefully remove the chicken from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot (if cooking on low, do this after 7 hours and 15 minutes).
Once you’ve shredded the chicken, stir in 1 cup of Minute rice with the chicken and broth mixture. Let it cook for an additional 30 minutes on HIGH or 45 minutes on LOW, until the rice is tender.
Once the cooking time has elapsed, sprinkle in 3 Tbsp. of fresh parsley and mix thoroughly. Serve immediately and enjoy this heartwarming soup! 🍽️💛