Chicken Lemon Rice Soup is a Zesty, Healthy Recipe. Here are the key points:
- This recipe puts an interesting spin on classic chicken noodle soup
- Instead of noodles, it uses rice to make it heartier
- Adding lemon gives it a bright, zingy flavor twist
- It’s an easy one-pot meal that is healthy but satisfying
Are you looking for a new comforting soup to try? Keep reading to learn all about this fresh take on an old favorite!
What Is Chicken Lemon Rice Soup?
Chicken lemon rice soup starts with a homemade chicken broth using:
- Chicken breast
- Carrot, celery, and onion scraps
- Bay leaves
- Salt and pepper
The broth gets strained, and then:
- Olive oil is added to the pot
- Onions, carrots, and celery go in next
- Garlic and thyme add extra flavor
From there:
- The shredded chicken breast gets mixed in
- Rice is added instead of noodles
- The flavorful chicken broth is poured over the top
Everything simmers together until the rice is tender and fluffy. Finally, lemon juice is stirred in for a nice citrusy zing!
Why It’s a Tasty, Healthy Choice
This soup is a more nutritious riff on chicken noodle soup because:
- It uses lean chicken breast as the protein source
- It’s loaded with healthy vegetables like carrots, celery and onions
- Using rice instead of pasta adds fiber and whole grains
- The lemon juice provides vitamin C and antioxidants
It also has chicken soup’s cozy, comforting flavors, making it a perfect sick-day meal. But the lemon adds a fresh, vibrant twist!
How to Make It
Here are the simple steps for this one-pot recipe:
Ingredients Needed
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- Carrots, celery, onion (plus scraps for broth)
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 cups water or chicken broth
- Olive oil
- Garlic cloves
- Dried thyme
- 1 cup rice (long or short grain)
- 2 lemons
- Parsley for garnish
Easy Directions
Put the chicken, vegetable scraps, bay leaves, salt, pepper, and water in a pot to make the broth. Heat until boiling, then cook at a lower heat for 20 to 30 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked.
- Remove the chicken: Take the chicken out and let it cool slightly. Strain and reserve the broth.
- Cook aromatics: Add olive oil, onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme to the potโSautรฉ for a few minutes until softened.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in shredded chicken, rice, and hot broth. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce heat and gently simmer for 20 minutes until rice is tender.
Take the pot off the heat. Then, squeeze in the juice from 2 lemons. You can add juice from more lemons if you want it really lemony.
- Garnish and serve: Top with parsley and lemon slices. Enjoy!
The lemon juice added at the end gives this cozy, hearty soup a fresh flavor. It’s sure to become a new family favorite!
Make It Vegetarian or Grain-Free
This versatile recipe can be easily adapted based on your dietary needs:
- For a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken
- Add more veggies or beans for protein instead
- To make it grain-free, substitute cauliflower rice or diced potatoes for regular rice
Whatever variation you choose, the vibrant lemon flavor makes this soup light, refreshing and nourishing.
What kind of warm, comforting soup recipes does your family enjoy most? Would you be interested in trying this lemony chicken rice soup? Leave a comment below!
Photo Credit – Freepik