There’s something so comforting about a hearty, slow-simmered soup that fills your kitchen with warm aromas and feels like a big hug in a bowl. This Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly that—a perfect blend of tender chicken, wholesome lentils, and vibrant spices that practically cooks themselves while you get on with your day.

A close-up view of a black slow cooker filled with thick, brownish-orange lentil stew mixed with shredded light brown meat and small bright orange carrot pieces. The stew has some green chopped herbs sprinkled on top, adding brightness. A wooden spoon with a long handle is partly submerged on the right side, stirring the stew. The slow cooker is placed on a white marbled textured 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've made countless soups, but this Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe stands out every time because it’s straightforward, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. It’s one of those meals that keeps well and tastes like it just got better with every spoonful.

Hands-Off Cooking: Just dump all ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic—it’s that simple.
Nutritious & Filling: Lentils add a fantastic dose of protein and fiber, making this soup a balanced meal in a bowl.
Flavorful and Cozy: The blend of turmeric, cumin, and Adobo seasoning gives it a warm, earthy depth you’ll crave on chilly evenings.
Customizable: Whether you prefer chicken thighs or breast or want to add extra veggies, this recipe flexes to your taste and pantry.

Two white bowls filled with a thick, brownish lentil stew that has visible layers of green lentils, small orange carrot chunks, and shredded light brown chicken pieces, all mixed in a slightly oily, golden broth. The stew is topped with small green parsley leaves scattered throughout. The bowls have a subtle speckled pattern around the rim. They sit on a white marbled surface with some loose parsley leaves nearby. Next to the bottom bowl are two old-fashioned silver spoons resting on a folded light gray cloth. The lighting is bright and natural, emphasizing the rich texture and warmth of the stew, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients here combine to create something deeply satisfying without any fuss. Each one brings its own role, from the rich protein in the chicken to the earthiness of the lentils, and the spices gently warming the whole pot.

Flat lay of dried green lentils in a small pile, raw boneless skinless chicken thighs arranged neatly, diced fresh orange carrots in a small white bowl, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes, a small white bowl holding golden yellow turmeric powder, another small white bowl with light brown ground cumin, a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt and black peppercorns mixed, and a small white bowl of greenish sofrito sauce, 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 green or brown lentils: These hold their shape beautifully in a slow cooker and soak up all the flavors.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for juiciness, but chicken breast works if you want a leaner option.
Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water adds a savory depth that makes a huge difference.
Rotel diced tomatoes: Adds a subtle tang and gentle kick; I love the balance it brings.
Carrots: Give a natural sweetness and a nice bit of color.
Sofrito: This little flavor powerhouse made from garlic, peppers, and onions really builds a delicious base (I use my homemade version!).
Turmeric: Adds warmth and a lovely golden hue, plus health benefits.
Cumin: This spice brings that classic earthy, smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with lentils and chicken.
Adobo seasoning: A flavorful Latin-inspired mix that livens up the soup.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t be shy to taste and adjust at the end!

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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 tweaking this soup depending on what’s in season or what I have on hand. It’s super forgiving, so feel free to get creative and tailor it to your cravings or dietary needs.

Vegetable Boost: I often add chopped celery or spinach toward the end of cooking to sneak in extra greens without changing the cooking time.
Spice it Up: When I want a little more heat, I toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper alongside the spices.
Use Chicken Breast: For a lighter version, chicken breast works well—just watch that it doesn’t dry out during cooking.
Make it Vegan: Skip the chicken, double the lentils, and swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a delicious plant-based twist.

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

Step 1: Gather & Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing the lentils under cold water to remove any dust or debris—that little step makes a noticeable difference in texture. Trim the chicken thighs of excess fat, so your soup stays rich but not greasy. Chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. I usually have my sofrito ready in the fridge, but if you don’t, no worries—you can use store-bought or even sauté some garlic, onion, and peppers fresh.

Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Dump the lentils, chicken thighs, chicken broth, Rotel tomatoes, carrots, sofrito, turmeric, cumin, Adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper straight into your slow cooker. Give it a gentle stir, so all those spices start mingling. I use a 6-quart slow cooker to give everything plenty of room for flavors to develop without crowding.

Step 3: Cook Low & Slow (or Faster if Needed)

I prefer cooking it on low for about 8 hours because that slow simmer really tenderizes the chicken and lets the lentils soften perfectly. But if you’re pressed for time, high for 4 hours works just as well. Keep the lid on as much as possible—lifting it releases heat and slows cooking.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken & Adjust Seasoning

Once the cooking time is up, remove the chicken thighs and shred them using two forks—this is the part I love because the chicken falls apart tenderly. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir. Taste the soup and tweak the salt, pepper, or spices if you feel it needs a little more oomph.

Top Tip

From my experience, these tips make a world of difference in getting this Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe just right every time—especially if it’s your first go.

Rinse Lentils Thoroughly: Helps avoid any gritty texture and cleans away impurities for a smooth soup.
Trim the Chicken Fully: Removing fat keeps the broth clear and prevents greasiness in your soup.
Don’t Skip the Sofrito: This base infuses the soup with so much flavor, so if you can, make or buy it—it’s worth it.
Adjust Salt at the End: Lentils and broth absorb salt differently during cooking; seasoning after shredding the chicken ensures the perfect balance.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe

lentil chicken soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of fresh garnishes to brighten up the soup just before serving. A handful of chopped fresh cilantro or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, while a squeeze of lime juice amps up the flavors brilliantly. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little grated Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil on top for an extra touch of richness.

Side Dishes

To make it a full meal, I usually serve this soup with some crusty bread or warm tortillas for dipping—perfect for soaking up every last drop. A simple green salad on the side lightens up the meal and adds a crisp contrast to the warm soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve ladled this soup into mini bread bowls—turns an everyday meal into something festive and fun. Another time, I served it over steamed rice in shallow bowls to stretch the meal and give it a slightly different texture. It’s versatile and beautiful on the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover soup stores wonderfully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. I find letting it rest overnight actually improves the flavor as the spices settle even more. Just give it a good stir before reheating.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe freezes beautifully—just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags. I label mine with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before warming gently on the stove.

Reheating

I reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much after sitting, I add a splash of broth or water to loosen it. Microwave works too, just heat in short intervals and stir to keep it even.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this recipe?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner and will still work well in this Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe. Just be careful not to overcook as breasts can dry out faster than thighs. Shredding the chicken helps make it juicy regardless of cut.

Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No soaking required! Lentils cook relatively quickly and will soften nicely during the slow cooking process. Just be sure to rinse them well before adding to the soup to remove any debris and improve texture.

Can I make this soup vegan or vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You might want to add extra lentils or some beans to boost protein. Adjust the seasoning to taste and enjoy a hearty vegan version that’s just as comforting.

How can I thicken the soup if it seems too watery?

If your soup is thinner than you prefer, stir in a small handful of rinsed lentils about 30 minutes before the end of cooking—it will naturally thicken as the lentils break down. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to reduce excess liquid.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe has become a cozy staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, satisfying, and full of wholesome goodness. I love the way it fills the house with inviting aromas and how easy it is to prepare—just toss it all in and forget about it until dinnertime. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do, sharing comforting meals that bring warmth and ease to your week.