Nothing beats the cozy comfort of a homemade soup simmering all day, so you come home to a bowl of goodness waiting for you. This Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe is just that—a simple, hearty, and nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made this Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe more times than I can count, and each time it just gets better. It’s foolproof, packed with flavor, and the slow cooker makes dinner prep nearly effortless—which is a win in my book.

Hands-off cooking: Pop everything in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic while you get on with your day.
Balanced nutrition: Tender chicken and hearty lentils combine for a protein-rich, fiber-filled meal that keeps you full and satisfied.
Flavor-packed: With spices like turmeric and cumin, plus a touch of sofrito, this soup tastes complex without requiring a long ingredient list.
Family-friendly: Mild yet savory, it’s perfect for both kids and adults hungry for a comforting dinner.

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 in this Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe plays a part in creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Here’s why I love what goes into this pot and some tips to help you pick the best stuff at the store.

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 soak up flavor beautifully and soften just enough in the slow cooker without turning mushy.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender, unlike breasts, which can dry out if overcooked.
Chicken broth: Using cartons gives a rich base without extra fuss. Homemade broth works great too if you have it!
Rotel diced tomatoes: Adds subtle acidity and a hint of spice. If you prefer milder, just use regular diced tomatoes.
Carrots: Sweetness and texture that complements the earthiness of lentils.
Sofrito: This little flavor bomb sets the whole soup apart—if you haven’t made your own, here’s a tip: a good quality jar works in a pinch.
Turmeric and cumin: These spices add warmth and depth without overwhelming the other ingredients.
Adobo seasoning, salt & pepper: The finishing touches that bring everything together perfectly.

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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 the best parts about this Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe is how adaptable it is. I’ve tweaked mine over time—sometimes adding a handful of spinach near the end or swapping in chicken breast when I’m feeling leaner. Feel free to make it yours!

Variation: I love adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a bright finish—it really wakes up the flavors.
Veggie boost: Toss in diced celery or bell peppers along with the carrots for extra texture and nutrients.
Spice it up: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes or a diced jalapeño to the slow cooker.
Make it vegan: Skip the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add chunks of sweet potato or squash for a hearty plant-based twist.

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

Step 1: Dump Everything in Your Slow Cooker

This is where the magic begins—add the rinsed lentils, chicken thighs, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, sofrito, and all your spices straight into a 6-quart slow cooker. No need to sauté anything first, which saves so much time.

Step 2: Set It and Forget It

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 8 hours if you prefer to start it in the morning and have it ready by dinner. The longer, slower cook develops a richer flavor, but either method works great.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Season

Once cooking finishes, fish out the chicken thighs and shred them with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as you like—this is your moment to personalize the flavor.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to get the best results from this soup. These tips can save you from common slip-ups and make your finished soup even better than mine!

Check Lentils Early: Lentils can vary in cooking time, so if you’re worried about texture, check them around the 3-hour mark on high to make sure they’re not too soft.
Sofrito Shortcut: Homemade is best, but if you buy store-bought, don’t skip it—just reduce salt a bit as some brands can be salty.
Don’t Skip Shredding: Shredding the chicken keeps the soup chunky and prevents biting into big pieces, which I find more comforting.
Adjust Seasonings at the End: Slow cooking concentrates flavors, so always taste before adding extra salt or spices to avoid over-seasoning.

How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe

Lentil Chicken Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my bowls with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley—it adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of Parmesan can also elevate it, giving a nice creamy contrast.

Side Dishes

Simple crusty bread or garlic toast is my go-to here. Sometimes I serve this soup alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter complete meal. These contrast nicely with the soup’s rich, earthy flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For special evenings, I’ve ladled the soup into rustic bowls and topped it with toasted pepitas or crushed chili flakes. Serving it in a hollowed-out bread bowl is another crowd-pleaser that amps up the cozy factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they stay tasty for 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next day’s lunch even better.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and pop them in. When you thaw it, the lentils hold their texture nicely, which is a huge plus for a freezer meal.

Reheating

I reheat mine gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to warm it evenly. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

You can absolutely use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but be aware that breast can dry out faster in the slow cooker. To prevent this, check the soup closer to the end of cooking or cook on low for less time.

Do I need to soak the lentils before cooking?

No soaking needed for lentils! Unlike some other dried legumes, lentils cook relatively quickly and soften nicely in the slow cooker without any pre-soaking, saving you prep time.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function to soften any fresh vegetables if you like, then add all ingredients, seal, and cook on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. Make sure to do a quick pressure release and shred the chicken before serving.

Is this soup freezer friendly?

Definitely! This soup freezes very well. Just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It reheats nicely without losing texture, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s just so darn easy and satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that feels like you put in an all-day effort, even though you basically just dump ingredients and walk away. Honestly, I recommend giving it a try—you’ll have a delicious, nourishing dinner waiting for you, and that’s a relief every busy cook deserves.