There’s something so comforting about this Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The lentils soak up all those rich flavors, and the chicken stays tender and juicy. Trust me, it’s worth the slow cooking time for that deep, cozy taste.

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 Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited about this Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe because it’s easy to throw together and fills your kitchen with incredible aromas all day. It’s one of those dishes that’s healthy but never feels like a compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

One-pot convenience: Tossing everything into the slow cooker means no babysitting and minimal cleanup, perfect for busy days.
Nutritious and hearty: Lentils bring fiber and protein, and the chicken adds richness, making it both filling and good for you.
Flavor-packed spices: Turmeric, cumin, and sofrito add warmth and complexity that makes this soup deeply satisfying.
Flexible to customize: You can easily swap ingredients or adjust spices to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

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 part in making this soup nourishing and flavorful. The lentils melt into the broth, creating richness, while the chicken thighs keep the soup tender and meaty. The sofrito and spices build layers of warmth and aroma that make you want seconds.

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: They cook down nicely in the slow cooker and add a lovely creamy texture and protein boost.
Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless): I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work too if you want leaner meat.
Chicken broth: Using cartons instead of water gives the soup a deeper, savory base without you having to make stock from scratch.
Rotel diced tomatoes: These add a mild tang and a touch of spice, brightening up the soup beautifully.
Carrots: Sweetness and texture come from fresh diced carrots—don’t skip them!
Sofrito (my recipe): This blend of aromatics adds fragrant depth and is my secret weapon for flavorful cooking.
Turmeric: Brings a warm earthiness and a subtle golden hue.
Cumin: Adds a slightly nutty and smoky note that complements the soup’s richness.
Adobo seasoning: Gives a balanced seasoning kick with garlic, oregano, and pepper flakes.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential to bring all flavors together and adjust to taste.

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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

I love adjusting this soup depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Sometimes I toss in a handful of spinach near the end or swap the sofrito for minced fresh garlic and onions if I’m short on time. Feel free to get creative!

Variation: Once, I swapped out Rotel tomatoes for fire-roasted diced tomatoes, which gave a smoky twist that was amazing.
Mild or spicy: You can tone down or kick up the heat by adjusting or omitting the Adobo or swapping in a spicier sofrito.
Vegetarian adaptation: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth, adding extra veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a meat-free version.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by trimming any excess fat off your chicken thighs and dicing your carrots. I usually rinse the lentils quickly to remove any dust or debris—that little step really helps with clarity of flavor. Have your sofrito ready or pre-made in your fridge. Once everything is prepped, you’re one big step closer!

Step 2: Layer It Up in the Slow Cooker

Dump the lentils, chicken thighs, chopped carrots, chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes, sofrito, and spices right into your 6-quart slow cooker. Give everything a gentle stir to distribute the spices evenly. This layering ensures the chicken stays succulent and the lentils cook perfectly without sticking.

Step 3: Time to Cook Low and Slow

Set your slow cooker on low for about 8 hours or on high for 4 hours if you’re short on time—I usually opt for low because it deepens the flavors even more. Resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently; letting it cook undisturbed is key to that tender, rich broth.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Season to Taste

Once it’s done, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot—that’s when I know the meat is perfectly tender. Stir everything back together and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed; sometimes a little extra salt makes all the difference.

Top Tip

After many batches, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe shine every time. These little details save you from common stumbling blocks and help get the best results even if you’re new to slow cooking.

Rinse your lentils: It prevents any grit and keeps the broth clear and clean tasting.
Use chicken thighs, not breasts: They stay moist during slow cooking and shred effortlessly, making your soup richer.
Don’t skip sofrito: It’s a flavor game-changer, so if you don’t have my recipe, any good-quality sofrito or a quick homemade mix of onions, garlic, and peppers will work wonders.
Adjust salt at the end: Slow cooking concentrates flavors, so season lightly at the start and taste before final adjustments.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe

lentil chicken soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or parsley on top, plus a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to brighten all the flavors. A drizzle of good olive oil adds a silky finish that makes each spoonful feel indulgent.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I love serving crusty bread—think toasted sourdough or homemade garlic bread. Sometimes a simple green salad with a sharp vinaigrette complements the soup’s earthiness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into individual bread bowls and topped them with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of chili flakes. It turns a humble soup into an impressive centerpiece that guests always appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so reheated soup is often better the next day. I usually portion it out for lunch or quick dinners during the week.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just let it cool completely, then freeze in meal-sized containers or freezer bags. When thawed, it reheats quickly on the stove or in the microwave without losing texture or taste.

Reheating

Slow and gentle reheating is the secret. I warm mine on low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally, which helps avoid drying out the chicken or overcooking the lentils. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s gotten too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red lentils instead of green or brown?

You can use red lentils, but keep in mind they cook faster and tend to turn mushy. If you do swap them, reduce the cooking time to avoid the soup becoming too thick or mushy.

Is it okay to use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and will still work well, but they tend to dry out more in slow cooking. To avoid that, I recommend shredding them a bit earlier or adding them halfway through cooking if possible.

Can I make this soup on the stove instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Just use a large pot and simmer everything together for about 1 to 1.5 hours until lentils are tender and chicken is cooked through. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add broth or water as needed.

How do I store leftover soup for meal prep?

Make sure to cool the soup to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. Portion into single servings for easy grab-and-go meals, and keep refrigerated for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe is one of my go-to comfort meals when I want something both nourishing and fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm friend in your kitchen, especially on chilly evenings. Give it a try—you might end up making it as often as I do!