Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is exactly what you need. With tender chicken, bright lemon, and a cozy blend of spices, this soup will quickly become your go-to comfort food. The best part? You get to let your slow cooker do all the work while you relax or go about your day. It’s the ultimate hands-off recipe that’s as delicious as it is easy!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This isn’t just any soup – it’s an experience! Here’s why you’ll love it:

Versatile: Perfect for a family dinner, meal prep for the week, or even as a light lunch. This soup works for any occasion!

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are affordable, making it an ideal choice for a wholesome meal without breaking the bank.

Quick and Easy: Throw everything into the slow cooker, set it, and forget it. This recipe saves you time while delivering all the flavor you want.

Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to your liking—add some extra veggies, adjust the seasoning, or use a different type of protein.

Crowd-Pleasing: With its rich flavors and hearty texture, this soup is sure to satisfy everyone at the table, from picky eaters to those with adventurous palates.

Ingredients in Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This soup is made with a handful of pantry staples that transform into a rich, flavorful dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: These are the heart of the soup, providing tender protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.

Carrots: Sweet and tender, carrots add color and a touch of natural sweetness to the soup.

Celery: Adds a nice crunch and balances out the sweetness of the carrots.

Onion: A base ingredient for flavor, adding a savory depth to the soup.

Garlic: Aromatic and zesty, garlic brings an added layer of flavor.

Chicken Broth: The base of the soup, chicken broth is rich and savory, helping to bring everything together.

Lemon Juice and Zest: These are the stars of the show! Lemon gives the soup its signature tangy brightness and freshness.

Oregano and Thyme: Classic Greek herbs that bring earthy, aromatic notes to the soup.

Eggs: The traditional way to thicken and add creaminess to Greek-style soups, eggs give this dish its signature silky texture.

Olive Oil: Adds richness and flavor to the broth, making everything feel luxurious and smooth.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, balancing the flavors perfectly.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Instructions

Let’s get this delicious soup simmering in your slow cooker:

Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the carrots, celery, and onion into small pieces. Mince the garlic and zest the lemon. This will make assembling the soup super easy!

Add Everything to the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, oregano, thyme, and chicken broth into the slow cooker. Stir everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Set the Slow Cooker: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.

Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the soup and give everything a good stir.

Make the Egg-Lemon Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Slowly ladle in some hot broth from the slow cooker, a spoonful at a time, while whisking constantly. This helps temper the eggs and prevents them from scrambling.

Combine and Finish: Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the slow cooker, stirring constantly. This will create the silky, creamy texture that makes this soup so special.

Season to Taste: Taste the soup and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. You want that perfect balance of savory and tangy.

Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls and drizzle with a little extra olive oil, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: ~320 calories

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-7 hours (on low)
Total Time: 6-7 hours 15 minutes

How to Serve Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This hearty, comforting soup pairs beautifully with:

– A side of warm pita bread or crusty baguette for dipping.
– A light Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives.
– A drizzle of extra olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for that authentic Greek touch.

Additional Tips

To get the most out of this recipe, here are a few helpful tips:

– If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a little more egg mixture to the broth for a creamier consistency.
– For added flavor, garnish with a sprinkle of feta cheese or fresh dill.
– Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for some heat.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Just make sure to cook the soup on high for the longer time to ensure the chicken cooks through.

2. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes! This soup is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the soup and stay extra tender as they cook.

5. What can I serve this soup with?
This soup pairs well with a fresh side salad or some warm crusty bread for dipping.

6. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes! You can swap in vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

7. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes! You can cook this soup in an Instant Pot on the soup setting for about 30 minutes. Just follow the same steps and be sure to use the egg mixture at the end.

8. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave out the egg mixture until you’re ready to reheat.

9. How can I add more veggies to this soup?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the slow cooker for added nutrition.

10. Can I make this soup without eggs?
Yes, you can skip the egg mixture, but the soup will be a bit thinner. You can add a little cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it if desired.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and flavor, with its rich, creamy broth and bright, zesty lemon flavor. It’s simple, healthy, and guaranteed to make your house smell incredible while it cooks. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup is sure to impress! Enjoy each spoonful of this warming, satisfying dish!

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Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

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This comforting Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, known as Avgolemono, combines tender chicken, aromatic vegetables, and a tangy lemon-egg mixture. Prepared effortlessly in a slow cooker, it’s a delightful blend of flavors that’s sure to satisfy.

 

  • Author: Grace Sullivan
  • Prep Time: 15min
  • Cook Time: 2hr 30min
  • Total Time: 2hr 45min
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

*For the Soup:*

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 yellow onion, chopped

– 1 large stalk celery, chopped

– 1 clove garlic, minced

– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

– 2 cups water

– 1/2 cup uncooked white rice or orzo pasta (avoid instant rice)

– 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

*For the Lemon-Egg Mixture (Avgolemono):*

– 2 large eggs

– 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. **Prepare the Soup Base:** Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Place them in the slow cooker along with chopped onion, celery, minced garlic, chicken broth, and water. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2-3 hours or LOW for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is tender.

 

2. **Add Rice or Orzo:** About 30 minutes before the cooking time ends, add the uncooked rice or orzo to the slow cooker. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.

 

3. **Shred the Chicken:** Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it using two forks, and return it to the pot.

 

4. **Prepare the Avgolemono:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1/4 cup lemon juice until frothy. Slowly ladle about 1 cup of hot broth from the slow cooker into the egg-lemon mixture, adding a little at a time while whisking continuously to temper the eggs.

 

5. **Combine and Finish:** Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup, stirring gently. Cook on LOW for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

 

Notes

– For a richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken breasts and removing the bones after cooking.

– To prevent overcooking, add the rice or orzo during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

– This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling of the egg mixture.

 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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