Nothing beats the comforting warmth of a hearty soup simmering all day, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe hits that spot perfectly. It’s rich, wholesome, and super easy — the kind of dish you’ll find yourself making on repeat.

A black slow cooker filled with a thick stew made of small brown lentils, shredded light brown meat, and orange carrot pieces. The stew has a soft, slightly shiny texture with some green chopped herbs scattered on top. A wooden spoon is partly dipped into the stew from the upper right side, showing a smooth wooden texture. The slow cooker sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I adore this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe because it’s effortless but so full of flavor and nutrition. It’s my go-to when I want something nourishing with minimal prep and maximum cozy vibes.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together in the slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.
Perfectly Balanced: Lentils add earthy richness and texture, while chicken brings protein and warmth.
Hands-Off Cooking: Toss it all in, set the timer, and the slow cooker does the magic.
Customizable Flavor: The blend of turmeric, cumin, and adobo seasoning makes it vibrant yet cozy, but you can tweak spices easily.

Two white bowls filled with a thick lentil stew sit on a white marbled surface. The stew has many brown lentils mixed with shredded light brown meat and orange carrot chunks. Small green parsley leaves are sprinkled on top of the stew, adding a fresh pop of color. The bowls have a speckled pattern around the edge. A light gray cloth is beneath the bowls, and two old silver spoons rest beside one bowl. Some green parsley sprigs are scattered on the marbled surface nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe, creating a balanced and hearty meal. Plus, selecting good-quality staples really makes a difference here.

Flat lay of green lentils spilling gently beside six raw boneless skinless chicken thighs with trimmed fat, diced fresh orange carrots, a small white bowl of vibrant red diced tomatoes, a small white bowl of golden turmeric powder, a small white bowl of light brown cumin powder, a small white bowl of reddish-brown Adobo seasoning, a small white bowl of coarse kosher salt and cracked black pepper, and two simple white ceramic bowls filled with clear golden chicken broth, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Dried lentils: These little legumes soak up all the flavors beautifully while giving the soup a satisfying texture and protein boost.
Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breast works too if you want leaner meat.
Chicken broth: Using broth adds depth; homemade is best, but good store-bought will do.
Rotel diced tomatoes: They bring a subtle spicy tang and moisture that brighten the soup.
Carrots: Sweetness and color come from these little gems, diced so they cook evenly.
Sofrito: If you’ve got it on hand, it’s like a secret flavor booster packed with onion, bell pepper, and garlic goodness.
Turmeric & cumin: Earthy, warm spices that complement lentils and chicken perfectly.
Adobo seasoning: This lends a smoky, mildly spicy punch that rounds everything out.
Kosher salt & pepper: To taste, of course, balancing all the flavors.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe is how easily it adapts to what you have or prefer. I often switch up the protein or add different veggies depending on the season.

Variation: I’ve tried it with smoked paprika for a smoky twist, which added a cozy depth I really loved on chilly nights.
Vegetarian swap: You can skip the chicken and boost the lentils or add hearty mushrooms for a meatless but just-as-satisfying meal.
Seasonal tweaks: In fall, adding chopped kale or spinach towards the end gives a fresh, green pop and extra nutrients.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Step 1: Dump and Go

I literally dump all the ingredients straight into my 6-quart slow cooker — no fuss, no sautéing required. Make sure you trim any excess fat from the chicken thighs for a cleaner broth. Give everything a gentle stir so the spices and liquors start mingling right away.

Step 2: Set and Forget

I usually set the cooker on high for about 4 hours. If you prefer, low and slow for 8 hours works just as well and gives you the flexibility to prep in the morning and come home to dinner ready. The lentils get tender and the chicken cooks to perfect shredding consistency.

Step 3: Shred and Season

Use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot. This is a key step — once shredded, the chicken absorbs the soup’s flavors more deeply. Then taste and adjust your salt, pepper, or any extra seasoning to get it just right.

Top Tip

From my many slow cooker soup adventures, I’ve found these little tips really help you nail this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe every time.

Trim the chicken fat: Removing extra fat prevents the soup from turning greasy and keeps flavors clean and bright.
Use dried lentils, not canned: They hold up better during slow cooking and develop more complex flavor.
Don’t lift the lid too often: Every time you open it, heat escapes, stretching cooking time and increasing the risk of undercooked lentils.
Shred chicken in the pot: This locks in the juices and keeps the meat from drying out or falling apart too much.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

chicken lentil soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro for brightness and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to lift the flavors. A dollop of plain yogurt or sour cream adds creaminess and a cooling contrast I always crave.

Side Dishes

Crusty bread or homemade garlic naan are my go-to sides. The bread soaks up the soup’s delicious broth and makes the meal feel extra cozy and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I love serving this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls — it’s a fun twist that always impresses guests and doubles as edible serving ware!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and find the soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors continue to meld. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days.

Freezing

This soup freezes surprisingly well. Just cool completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags, and freeze for up to 3 months. I label mine with the date and a note to thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it thickened too much in the fridge or freezer.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs in this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work, but it’s leaner and can dry out more easily. I suggest shredding it carefully and maybe adding it later in the cooking process to avoid overcooking.

Do I need to soak the lentils before adding them to the slow cooker?

No soaking required! Lentils cook nicely in the slow cooker and soften perfectly during the cooking time specified. This makes the prep faster and easier for you.

Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

Yes! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or extra veggies can make it hearty and filling. You might want to add some smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a flavor boost.

How thick or soupy is this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe?

It’s medium-thick with a stew-like consistency yet still spoonable. If you like it thinner, just add more broth or water when reheating or before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so dependable and good. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy weekend, this soup warms you from the inside out with little effort. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation, trust me.