There’s nothing quite as comforting as a steaming bowl of chicken soup, and this lemon herb chicken and rice soup brings a fresh twist to the classic. Tender chicken thighs, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic simmer for hours in a savory broth, while Italian herbs and a splash of lemon juice add a bright, zesty note that makes every spoonful feel like sunshine.

This is the kind of soup that feels at home in every season — hearty enough for cold winter nights, yet light and refreshing enough for spring. Stirring in cooked rice at the end makes it extra filling, while also making smart use of leftovers.

Made with nothing more than simple pantry and fridge staples, this recipe is cozy, affordable, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. Serve it with a loaf of crusty bread for a budget-friendly dinner that feels like it came straight from a farmhouse kitchen.

This Chicken Rice Soup Crock Pot recipe delivers cozy flavor with no babysitting required. Packed with lemon, herbs, and tender grains, it’s one of the most satisfying Rice Chicken Crockpot Recipes for fall. Perfect for lovers of Crockpot Chicken, easy Crock Pot Chicken And Rice Soup, or fuss-free Chicken And Rice Soup In Crockpot meals that fill you up without overcomplicating dinner.

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Bright, Fresh Flavor from Lemon

The lemon juice lifts the whole dish, balancing the savory broth and herbs with a clean, fresh brightness. It’s simple but transformative.

Slow Cooker Comfort, Farmhouse Style

Cooking low and slow gives the soup that “all day” flavor with almost no effort. Your kitchen will smell like a pot has been simmering away on the stove — without you needing to babysit it.

Budget-Friendly Pantry Meal

Chicken thighs, leftover rice, and a few basic vegetables are all you need. It’s proof that cozy, nourishing food doesn’t have to be expensive.

Cozy Enough for Winter, Light Enough for Spring

This is a soup that adapts to the seasons. It warms you on cold nights but feels light and fresh enough to enjoy even when the weather turns warmer.

Easy Leftover-Friendly Dinner

Adding rice at the end keeps it from getting mushy and makes this soup perfect for using up leftovers. It’s a smart, no-waste dinner idea.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 large onion, diced
3 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh or bottled)
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
2 cups cooked rice
Salt & pepper, to taste
Optional: crusty bread for serving

Instructions

Place chicken thighs, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, broth, lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper in the slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until chicken is tender.
Shred chicken and stir back into the soup.
Stir in cooked rice just before serving.
Ladle into bowls and serve with crusty bread if desired.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours (low) or 4–5 hours (high)
Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes (low) or 4 hours 10 minutes (high)
Servings: 8
Calories: ~320
Fat: 9g
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Estimated Cost: ~$6.75 total / about $0.84 per serving