Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound dried lentils, green or brown; 6 (about 24 ounces) boneless skinless chicken thighs, all fat trimmed (or use chicken breast); 2 (32 ounces each) cartons chicken broth; 1 10-oz can Rotel diced tomatoes; 1 1/2 cups carrots, diced; 1/4 cup sofrito; 1 teaspoon turmeric; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon Adobo seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; Black pepper, to taste

There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty soup that makes any day better, and this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe truly hits that spot. It’s packed with flavor, super easy to make, and perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep that keeps giving.

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, this soup has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s unfussy, nourishing, and bursting with layers of flavor without any heavy lifting. When you’re short on time but crave a homemade meal, this slow cooker wonder steps in and delivers every time.

Effortless prep: Toss all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the magic—no stirring or babysitting required.
Rich, comforting taste: The combination of turmeric, cumin, and sofrito creates a delicious, cozy vibe perfect for chilly days.
Protein and fiber packed: With tender chicken and hearty lentils, it’s balanced and keeps you full longer.
Flexible and forgiving: Easy to adjust to what you have on hand or customize to your taste buds.

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

These wholesome ingredients come together beautifully to build a flavorful, satisfying soup. Each one has a role, and shopping for quality basics helps make the end result shine.

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 the broth while giving the soup its hearty texture and a nutritional boost.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: I personally prefer thighs for their rich flavor and tenderness after slow cooking, but breasts work too.
Chicken broth: The base of our soup that ties all the flavors together; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great.
Rotel diced tomatoes: Adds a subtle tangy, slightly spicy kick that livens up the soup.
Carrots: They bring a natural sweetness and nice color contrast.
Sofrito: If you haven’t tried this before, it’s a savory blend of sautéed garlic, onions, peppers, and herbs—my secret flavor booster.
Turmeric: For earthiness and a lovely golden hue.
Cumin: Gives a warm, smoky depth that pairs perfectly with lentils and chicken.
Adobo seasoning: Adds a punchy, garlicky, and slightly tangy seasoning that elevates the soup.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings to balance and enhance every ingredient.

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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 playing with the heat level and textures in this dish. You might want it milder or spicier, chunkier or silky smooth—it’s all up to what feels right for you.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the chicken thighs for chicken breast if I’m aiming for a leaner option, though you might want to cook it a little less time to keep it tender.
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes amps up the warmth if that’s your thing.
Veggie boost: Toss in some chopped spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes for extra color and nutrients.
Slow cooker speed: Cooking it on low for 8 hours lets flavors deepen more, but high for 4 hours is perfect when you’re short on time.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing the lentils really well—this helps remove any dust or debris since they're dried. Trim any excess fat off the chicken thighs for a leaner soup but keep them skinless to avoid excess grease. Dice your carrots and have your sofrito ready (or grab some from the fridge if you made it earlier). This prep step takes about 15 minutes and sets you up for an easy dump-and-go recipe.

Step 2: Assemble Everything Into the Slow Cooker

In your 6-quart slow cooker, layer the rinsed lentils, chicken thighs, diced carrots, Rotel tomatoes, and your chicken broth. Add the sofrito, turmeric, cumin, Adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper on top. The best part here? You can just dump everything in—no need to brown the chicken or sauté the veggies beforehand. Gives you more time to relax!

Step 3: Cook and Shred

Set your slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, depending on your timing. Once finished, remove the chicken thighs, shred them with two forks, and stir back into the soup. This adds a lovely texture and ensures every bite has some tender chicken pieces.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give your soup a good taste and tweak the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Sometimes I add a little extra Adobo or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors just before serving. You’ll find that this final step really brings everything together.

Top Tip

Through countless batches of this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe, I’ve learned a few tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. Trust me—these small touches really make a difference.

Pre-rinse lentils thoroughly: This reduces foam buildup and prevents any gritty texture, especially important in slow-cooked soups.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Shredding after cooking helps you gauge the tenderness and avoid dry or stringy meat.
Add sofrito for freshness: It’s my secret weapon that infuses deep aromatic flavors without extra work.
Season gradually: Slow cooking concentrates flavors, so taste toward the end to balance salt and spice perfectly.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping this soup with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for a bright herbal note. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil adds creaminess, while a squeeze of fresh lime juice livens things up beautifully. Toasted bread crumbs or crunchy croutons bring a satisfying crunch.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm pita for dipping. A simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a grilled cheese sandwich rounds out the meal perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I sometimes serve this soup in mini bread bowls—guaranteed to delight your guests! You can also offer a garnishing bar with chopped herbs, cheese, or chili flakes so everyone can personalize their bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the soup cools, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers taste amazing the next day!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup multiple times with great success—just portion it into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture remains terrific, though I recommend adding fresh herbs upon reheating to revive the brightness.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can add a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave works fine too—just heat in short bursts to avoid overheating the chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use red or yellow lentils instead of green or brown?

Red or yellow lentils cook much faster and tend to break down into a mushy texture in slow cookers, so for this recipe, I recommend sticking with green or brown lentils for better soup body and consistency.

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker?

Absolutely! You can adapt the recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for a bit of veg softening, then pressure cooking on high for about 20-25 minutes with a natural release. Just be sure to shred the chicken after cooking.

Is sofrito necessary, or can I skip it?

Sofrito isn't absolutely required, but it adds a wonderful depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate with just dry spices. If you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with sautéed onions, garlic, and bell peppers or use a spoonful of canned diced tomatoes with seasonings.

How thick or thin should the soup be?

The soup should have a broth-like consistency but still feel hearty thanks to the lentils and shredded chicken. If it’s too thick after cooking, feel free to stir in extra chicken broth or water to loosen it up to your liking.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe is one of those no-fail meals I keep coming back to, especially on busy weeks when I want something homemade without standing over the stove. It delivers cozy flavors, nourishment, and comfort in one pot. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, every single time.