Get ready to transform your kitchen into a haven of mouthwatering aromas with this incredible Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup! Imagine a steaming bowl of pure comfort that combines tender, succulent chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a bright, zesty lemon kick that will instantly lift your spirits. Whether you're battling a cold, craving a hearty meal, or simply want to impress your family with a restaurant-quality soup, this recipe is your ultimate culinary solution.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 cup rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by washing and chopping vegetables. Dice the onion, carrots, and celery into uniform small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until the vegetables become soft and the onions are translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken thighs into the pot with the sautéed vegetables and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side to develop a light golden color.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are fully submerged. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover.
- Simmer the soup on low heat for approximately 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and the flavors to meld together completely.
- Remove the chicken thighs from the soup and shred them using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the pot.
- Add the rice to the soup and continue cooking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and tender.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, stirring to incorporate the bright citrus flavor throughout the dish.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional lemon wedges if desired.
Tips
- Vegetable Prep is Key: Take your time chopping vegetables into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and a professional-looking soup.
- Develop Flavor Layers: Don't rush the sautéing of vegetables. Allowing onions, carrots, and celery to soften thoroughly builds a rich flavor foundation.
- Low and Slow is the Secret: The 3-4 hour simmer is crucial for creating tender chicken and allowing flavors to meld completely.
- Shredding Technique: Use two forks to shred chicken for the most tender, natural-looking meat pieces.
- Rice Timing Matters: Add rice towards the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked.
- Fresh Lemon is Non-Negotiable: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest, most vibrant citrus flavor.
- Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra lemon wedges can elevate the presentation and add a fresh touch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 110mg
