There’s something so cozy about a warm bowl of soup simmering all day that just hits different, especially when it’s nourishing and simple. This Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe is exactly that—packed with wholesome ingredients and tender chicken, it’s a one-pot wonder perfect for busy days or meal prepping for the week.

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

Why You'll Love This Recipe

When I discovered this recipe, it quickly became one of my go-tos. It’s not only easy to throw together but also bursting with flavor and nutrients. You get that lovely hearty texture from lentils combined with juicy chunks of chicken, all made fuss-free in the slow cooker. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll appreciate the comfort food vibes without the heaviness.

Simple Prep: Just dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away—no stirring or babysitting needed.
Wholesome Ingredients: Lentils provide fiber and protein, paired perfectly with lean chicken for a balanced meal.
Flavorful but Mild: The spices and sofrito add subtle warmth without overwhelming your palate.
Versatile and Filling: It works for lunch or dinner, packs well for leftovers, and even freezes beautifully.

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 in this Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe come together wonderfully because they balance each other nutritionally and flavor-wise, plus minimal fuss shopping—you can usually find them in any grocery store or stock your pantry with them easily.

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 absorb flavors while keeping their shape and add great texture and fiber.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: I prefer thighs here for juiciness, but breast works fine if you want leaner.
Chicken Broth: Acts as the soup base, bringing depth without heaviness.
Rotel Diced Tomatoes: Adds a nice mild kick and bright acidity that brightens the soup.
Carrots: For sweetness and color, diced small so they cook evenly.
Sofrito: My personal touch—it’s a blend of sautéed onions, garlic, peppers, and herbs that boosts flavor effortlessly.
Turmeric and Cumin: These spices add earthy warmth and subtle complexity without overpowering.
Adobo Seasoning, Salt & Pepper: Key to balance and enhancing the natural flavors of the chicken and lentils.

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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 how this Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe invites personalization. Whether you want it spicier, milder, or packed with extra veggies, it’s easy to tweak it to match your taste or what's in your fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Variation: I sometimes swap chicken thighs for turkey breast for a leaner option, and adding kale near the end gives a punch of green and nutrients.
Spice Level: If you like it hot, adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne works wonders.
Make It Vegan: Use vegetable broth and toss in extra veggies or tofu instead of chicken for a vegan-friendly version.

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

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

I start by sorting through the lentils to remove any small stones or debris—this always saves frustration later. Then I chop the carrots evenly. Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs means no peeling or trimming hassles; I just trim any excess fat and set them aside.

Step 2: Add Everything to Your Slow Cooker

Dump the lentils, chicken, broth, diced tomatoes, carrots, sofrito, spices, salt, and pepper straight into the slow cooker. Give it a little stir if you want, but it’s not necessary. Make sure the chicken is submerged—or at least touching the broth—to cook evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook and Let Time Work Its Magic

Set your slow cooker to low for about 8 hours or high for 4 hours, depending on your schedule. The slow, steady cooking helps lentils soften perfectly and the chicken to become tender enough to shred with ease.

Step 4: Shred Chicken and Adjust Seasoning

Once done, remove the chicken and shred it with two forks—this is one of my favorite parts because the meat practically falls apart. Stir the shredded chicken back in, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. This step lets you tailor the soup exactly how you want it.

Top Tip

Having made this soup dozens of times, a few small tricks made all the difference for me. These tips will help you nail the texture and flavor every time without stress.

Lentil Check: Always rinse and sort your lentils to avoid gritty bites—rinse until the water runs clear.
Chicken Placement: Nestle the chicken thighs underneath the lentils or broth for even cooking and moisture retention.
Sofrito Boost: Adding homemade sofrito adds depth I can’t live without—if you don’t have it, use finely chopped onions, peppers, and garlic sautéed before adding.
Patience on Shredding: Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking before shredding for the juiciest texture.

How to Serve Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe

Healthy Lentil and Chicken Soup - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top the soup with a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley to add a fresh brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice just before serving perks everything up wonderfully. Sometimes, I add a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a drizzle of good olive oil for creaminess without heaviness.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, I usually serve it alongside crusty whole-grain bread or a simple mixed greens salad. For extra comfort, garlic bread or cheesy flatbreads are always crowd-pleasers.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this soup in rustic bread bowls—it’s such a fun way to wow guests and makes eating hands-on. Garnishing with thinly sliced scallions and a drizzle of chili oil also adds a gourmet touch without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I let the soup cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. I've found the flavors actually develop more, making leftovers even better than the first day.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll last up to 3 months. When I’m short on time, I double the batch to freeze, so I always have a nourishing meal ready to go.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat to prevent lentils from breaking down too much. If it thickens too much, a splash of broth or water brings back the perfect soup consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use canned lentils instead of dried?

While canned lentils can save time, they tend to become mushy in slow cooker recipes. I recommend using dried lentils for this Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe to achieve the best texture and flavor.

Is it necessary to shred the chicken?

Shredding the chicken helps distribute the protein evenly throughout the soup and makes it easier to eat. But if you prefer larger chunks, you can skip shredding and simply cut the cooked chicken into pieces.

Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for sofrito, then adding other ingredients and cooking on high pressure for about 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to allow natural pressure release for best results.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add more heat, include diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper when adding spices. You can also top the finished soup with crushed red pepper flakes or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Healthy Slow Cooker Lentil and Chicken Soup Recipe has become my ultimate comfort food not only because it’s delicious but because it fits my hustle. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl after a busy day. I’m excited for you to make it your own and, trust me, you’ll find it’s one of those go-to meals you’ll come back to again and again.