There’s something so comforting about a bowl of hearty soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. The Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe is just that—it’s cozy, packed with flavor, and effortlessly easy to make, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeks or leisurely weekends alike.

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 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

From the moment I tried this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe, I knew it was a winner. It’s the kind of dish you can start in the morning and come home to a house filled with rich aromas and a nourishing meal waiting for you—without any fuss.

One-pot convenience: Toss everything in the slow cooker and forget about it until mealtime.
Nutritious and hearty: Lentils and chicken combine for a protein-packed, fiber-rich meal that satisfies.
Flavor-packed with minimal effort: The blend of spices and ingredients deepens while cooking low and slow.
Great for meal prep: This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge or freezer for future easy meals.

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

Every ingredient here plays an important role in building layers of flavor and texture. Plus, it’s a wonderful pantry-friendly combo—especially if you keep trusty staples like dried lentils and broth on hand.

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 Lentils: They cook down to tender perfection and add a lovely earthy flavor with a boost of fiber and protein.
Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs over breasts because they stay juicy and impart rich flavor to the soup.
Chicken Broth: Using quality broth means a deeper base flavor—store-bought or homemade both work great.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: Adds a subtle kick and bright acidity that balances the earthiness of lentils.
Carrots, diced: Sweetness and texture that soften beautifully over slow cooking.
Sofrito: This flavor-packed base (my own recipe) blends onions, peppers, garlic, and herbs, elevating the whole soup.
Turmeric & Cumin: These warm spices give the soup a comforting depth without overpowering it.
Adobo seasoning, salt, and pepper: A finishing touch to round out the taste with a gentle savory kick.

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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

What I love about this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily tweak the ingredients according to what you have in your pantry or your taste preferences, and it still turns out amazing every time.

Variation: I once swapped chicken thighs for chicken breasts and added a handful of fresh spinach during the last 15 minutes on low—not only does it stretch the veggies, but the greens brighten the whole bowl.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika if you love a subtle smoky heat.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add vegetable broth plus extra veggies like diced sweet potatoes for a filling vegetarian version.

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

Step 1: Gather and Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

This is the beauty of the recipe—you simply dump the dried lentils, chicken thighs, broth, Rotel tomatoes, diced carrots, sofrito, and spices straight into a 6-quart slow cooker. No pre-soaking lentils or browning the chicken required, which saves a ton of time. I usually give everything a little stir to mix the spices before covering.

Step 2: Set and Forget on Low or High

I like cooking it on low for about 8 hours because the flavors really meld together beautifully that way. But if you’re short on time, 4 hours on high works too. The lentils soften perfectly, and the chicken will be tender enough to shred easily.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Adjust Seasoning

Once cooked, I use two forks to shred the chicken right in the pot—it’s quick and keeps the meat soaking in all that flavorful broth. This is also when I taste-test and adjust salt, pepper, or Adobo seasoning to nudge the soup perfectly balanced to my liking.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this soup, I've discovered a few little tricks that really help the Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe shine, and I’m here to share them so your soup turns out as amazing as mine does.

Use fresh herbs in the finishing touches: I like stirring in fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving to add a pop of brightness.
Layer your flavors wisely: Don’t skip the sofrito—it’s a simple shortcut that punches up flavor in ways that just sautéed onions can’t match.
Don’t overcook lentils: Keep an eye on timing if you use a slow cooker that runs hot, so the lentils don’t turn mushy.
Shred chicken while warm: This makes shredding easier and helps distribute the meat evenly throughout the soup for balanced bites.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

chicken lentil soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually top my bowls with chopped fresh cilantro or parsley because it adds a fresh herbal note. A squeeze of lime juice brightens it up even more, especially if you’re into that slight tang. If you like a little crunch, some toasted pumpkin seeds sprinkled on top are fantastic!

Side Dishes

Warm crusty bread or a garlic naan on the side makes this meal feel extra cozy. Sometimes, I serve a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to add some crispness alongside the rich soup. It’s a combo that’s both satisfying and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I've ladled this soup into rustic bread bowls, which everyone loves—it makes the meal feel homemade and festive without any extra stress. You can also swirl in a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of plain yogurt for some creamy contrast that really wows your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. This soup stays fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it’s often even better the next day.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-friendly containers to grab and thaw whenever life gets busy. Just make sure to let the soup cool fully before freezing to preserve flavor and texture.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through—this keeps the chicken tender and the lentils intact. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickened too much while chilling.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely substitute chicken breasts. Keep in mind breasts might be less juicy and can dry out if overcooked, so check them a bit earlier in the cooking time. Shred them gently to avoid dryness.

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

No soaking needed! Green or brown lentils cook beautifully in the slow cooker without pre-soaking. Just make sure to rinse them well before adding to remove any debris.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe on the stovetop instead?

You can, but the slow cooker really brings out the best in the flavors with minimal attention. On the stovetop, simmer the ingredients gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours until lentils and chicken are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

What can I use if I don’t have sofrito?

If you don’t have sofrito, lightly sauté a mixture of finely chopped onions, garlic, and bell peppers in a little olive oil before adding them to the crockpot. This mimics the flavorful base sofrito provides.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe has earned a spot in my regular cooking rotation because it’s dependable, flavorful, and so nourishing. It’s one of those recipes that feels lovingly simple yet leaves a lasting impression on your taste buds—perfect for sharing with family, friends, or just treating yourself. Give it a try and I’m confident it’ll become a favorite in your home too.