This Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup is light and zesty, while still being cozy and deliciously comforting. If you need a soup to enjoy this summer, this easy slow cooker recipe is the one for you!

crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup in ladle

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Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup Recipe

Who said that soup had to be a cozy winter dish? Even in warm weather, I always find myself craving this lemony chicken and veggie orzo soup. It’s full of nutrients, protein, and most importantly – flavor!

This slow cooker recipe is perfect for a busy day. You just toss all of the fresh ingredients in the Crockpot, and let it work its magic! There’s really nothing easier than that.

Lemon and chicken go together better than peanut butter and jelly. If you think so too, then you need to make my Baked Lemon Chicken Foil Packets or Creamy Lemon Chicken Skillet for dinner!

Why You’ll Love this Crockpot Chicken Orzo Soup:

Nutritious: I love making this soup for my family because it’s a wonderful way to sneak in some veggies! With ingredients like carrots, celery, arugula and spinach, this is truly a guilt free recipe.
Hearty: While this soup may be nutritious, that certainly doesn’t mean that it’s not filling. This hearty soup hits the spot every time!
Easy: I love using a slow cooker for so many recipes, and not just because it always makes the chicken tender and easy to shred – but also because the recipes are SO simple! You just set a timer and walk away.

step by step photos for how to make crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup

How to make Crockpot Lemon Orzo Chicken Soup

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

Place the olive oil and chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker.
Season the chicken.
Add the onions, carrots, and celery.
Cover with chicken broth and a bay leaf.
Cover and cook.
Remove the chicken breasts and shred them.
Place the shredded chicken and orzo pasta in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook.
Stir in the spinach, arugula and lemon juice.
Cook until the greens wilt.
Garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy!

crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup in white bowl

How long will this chicken and orzo soup stay fresh?

In an airtight container in the refrigerator, Crockpot lemon chicken orzo soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days.

While it reheats well in the microwave, it reheats even better in the Crockpot. Just place the cold soup back into the slow cooker and let it reheat on the high setting for about a half hour. Stir often!

What other vegetables can I sneak in?

This is a very versatile soup that has room for all kinds of veggies!

If you’re looking to add more leafy greens to accompany the spinach and arugula, I recommend tossing in a cup of kale.

Want more crunchy veggies like carrots and celery? Chopped green beans pair perfectly with the lemony broth!

Can I use frozen vegetables?

So, using frozen veggies isn’t the worst thing in the world. Depending on where you live, frozen veggies may be the only thing you can get your hands on.

This recipe also works well with frozen vegetables, but the texture of the final product might be a bit different than if you used fresh veggies.

Bottom line – if you can use fresh veggies, do it! Frozen veggies probably won’t give you the same satisfaction.

Recipe Tips and Notes

Use fresh lemon juice, not the bottled store-bought stuff. You’ll end up having a much more zesty, vibrant lemon flavor with freshly squeezed juice.
Do NOT open the lid of the slow cooker while it’s cooking! Every time you open the lid to peak, you release steam that’s essential for cooking the soup. So if you open the lid for a few seconds, plan on adding at least 5 more minutes of cook time.
Don’t skip out on the garnishes. This soup is even more picturesque and delicious when topped off with a lemon slice and some freshly chopped parsley!