Warm up your kitchen with the delightful aroma of Chicken Rice Soup with Lemon—a dish that promises to be your new go-to comfort food! Imagine a bowl filled with tender chicken, hearty rice, and vibrant vegetables, all kissed by the bright zest of fresh lemon. This American classic is not only incredibly satisfying but also easy to whip up in just under an hour. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're feeling under the weather, this soup is sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Ready to learn how to create this delicious masterpiece? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 55 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cook the chicken breast if it is not already cooked. You can boil, bake, or grill the chicken until fully cooked, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and the onion is translucent.
- Add the rice to the pot and stir well to combine with the sautéed vegetables. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly.
- Pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- After the rice has cooked, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the juice of 1 lemon, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for another 5 minutes.
- Once heated, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a more pronounced lemon flavor, you can add more lemon juice at this stage.
- Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Serve the Chicken Rice Soup with Lemon hot, and enjoy this comforting dish with your family and friends!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, consider cooking your chicken in advance. You can boil, bake, or grill it, then shred and store it in the fridge until you're ready to make the soup.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to customize the vegetable mix! Adding peas, corn, or even spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition of your soup.
- Rice Choice: While white rice works perfectly, you can also experiment with brown rice or even quinoa for a different texture and added health benefits. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Lemon Zest: For an extra burst of citrus flavor, add some lemon zest along with the juice. This will elevate the soup and give it a refreshing twist.
- Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, and don’t hesitate to add herbs like thyme or dill for added depth.
- Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the soup’s fresh flavor. Consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving for an extra zing!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 55mg
