Looking for a warm and comforting dish that will transport your taste buds straight to a cozy kitchen? Look no further than this delectable Crock Pot Lemon Chicken Rice Soup! With its zesty lemon flavor and tender chicken, this soup is the perfect remedy for chilly days or a busy weeknight. Imagine coming home to a house filled with the mouthwatering aroma of slow-cooked goodness, ready to serve a hearty meal that the whole family will love. Ready to dive into a bowl of sunshine? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup rice
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables by washing and chopping the carrots, onion, and garlic. Dice the carrots into small, uniform pieces and finely chop the onion and garlic.
- Place the whole chicken breasts into the bottom of the crock pot, creating an even layer.
- Add the diced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic around and on top of the chicken breasts.
- Pour the chicken broth over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring all ingredients are mostly covered.
- Sprinkle dried dill, salt, and pepper evenly across the surface of the ingredients.
- Squeeze the fresh lemon juice into the crock pot, distributing it throughout the mixture.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, cooking for 6 hours to allow flavors to develop and chicken to become tender.
- After 6 hours, remove the chicken breasts and shred them using two forks, then return the shredded meat to the pot.
- Stir in the rice and continue cooking for an additional 30-45 minutes until rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed before serving hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, chop your vegetables the night before and store them in the fridge. This way, you can simply toss everything in the crock pot in the morning and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh lemon juice instead of bottled. The brightness of fresh lemon elevates the soup and enhances the overall taste.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak the seasoning as you go! Depending on your preference, you can add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of cayenne for a little kick.
- Shred the Chicken: For an even more flavorful soup, let the chicken cool slightly before shredding. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the chicken extra tender and juicy.
- Rice Cooking Tip: If you prefer your rice less mushy, consider cooking it separately and adding it to individual bowls when serving. This way, you maintain the perfect texture!
- Garnish for Flair: Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor. A dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the dish beautifully.
- Leftover Magic: This soup freezes well! Make a double batch and store leftovers in airtight containers for a quick meal later on. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 70mg
