Heartwarming Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort arrives in a steaming bowl of warming lemon chicken & rice soup that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among soft rice grains, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Bright citrus notes dance through the broth, cutting through rich and savory elements.

Each spoonful promises warmth and nourishment on chilly days.

Herbs scattered across the surface add a fresh, vibrant touch to this classic soup.

Mediterranean influences shine through with the zesty lemon and hearty ingredients.

Prepare to savor a bowl that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out.

Easy Method For Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Warm up your cooking pot and drizzle in some olive oil. Toss in chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Dance them around the pot for about 5 minutes until they soften and start to smell amazing. Quickly sprinkle in garlic and herbs, letting them sizzle for just a moment.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring everything to a rolling boil. Gently add rice and lower the heat. Let the pot simmer quietly, covered, until rice becomes tender and fluffy.

• Enhance with Protein and Citrus

Fold in shredded chicken pieces and brighten the soup with fresh lemon juice and zest. Allow the ingredients to mingle and develop deeper flavors for a few more minutes.

• Create Luxurious Texture

For an extra silky touch, whisk egg yolks and gradually blend in some hot broth. Swirl this creamy mixture back into the soup. Optional: stir in a splash of heavy cream for added richness.

• Serve with Love

Scatter fresh parsley on top and ladle into warm bowls. Pair with crusty bread for a comforting meal that hugs you from the inside out.

Tweak And Improve Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Soup Smoothing Technique: Temper egg yolks carefully by slowly adding hot broth to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth texture without lumps.
• Flavor Boost Trick: Add extra lemon zest or a splash of fresh lemon juice right before serving to brighten the soup's overall taste profile and enhance citrus notes.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Replace white rice with quinoa for a protein-packed alternative or use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that keeps the soup light and nutritious.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently, adding a little extra broth to maintain perfect consistency.
• Protein Power Option: Swap chicken with rotisserie turkey, shredded tofu, or white beans for different protein variations that work wonderfully in this versatile soup recipe.

Serve Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup With Warmth

• Comforting Bread Companions: Serve alongside warm, crusty sourdough or rustic baguette slices to soak up the delicious broth and add a delightful crunch.
• Herbaceous Fresh Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped fresh parsley, dill, or chives on top for a bright, green pop of color and additional layer of fresh herb flavor that complements the lemony chicken.
• Protein-Packed Sidekick: Add a handful of rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for extra protein and a more substantial meal that keeps you feeling satisfied longer.
• Zesty Cheese Topping: Grate some fresh parmesan or crumble feta cheese on top to enhance the soup's tangy lemon notes and provide a creamy, salty dimension to each spoonful.

Best Way To Store Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Soup Smart Storage: Keep it Fresh and Delicious
• Refrigerator Refresh: Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making each spoonful even more delightful.
• Freezer Friendly: Portion the soup (without cream) into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.
• Reheating Magic: Warm the soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to maintain the soup's silky texture.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Double the recipe and save extra portions for busy weeknights. This soup tastes even better the next day, making meal prep a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Things You Need For Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Onions: Builds deep flavor foundation, choose firm and glossy bulbs without soft spots.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, select bright orange and crisp vegetables.
• Celery: Provides subtle herbal undertone, pick stalks with bright green leaves and firm texture.
• Garlic: Enhances overall depth, select plump cloves without sprouting or dark blemishes.
• Thyme: Introduces earthy herbal notes, fresh sprigs offer more intense flavor than dried.
• Oregano: Contributes Mediterranean warmth, dried herbs work perfectly in this recipe.

• Chicken Broth: Creates soup's liquid base, low-sodium versions allow better seasoning control.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides hearty protein, rotisserie chicken offers convenient and flavorful option.
• Rice: Adds comforting texture, long-grain varieties maintain best consistency during cooking.

• Lemon Juice: Introduces bright, zingy freshness, freshly squeezed provides superior flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Amplifies citrus aroma, use microplane for fine, fragrant shavings.
• Egg Yolks: Creates silky texture when tempered, room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.
• Heavy Cream: Offers luxurious richness, optional but recommended for indulgent version.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds final fresh herbaceous touch, chop just before serving to retain vibrant color.

Basic Tools For Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for sautéing vegetables and simmering the entire soup.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and preparing chicken.
• Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable and chicken preparation.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure broth, rice, and cream.
• Whisk: Used for blending egg yolks and incorporating cream smoothly.
• Grater or Zester: Necessary for creating lemon zest.
• Bowls: Useful for whisking egg yolks and preparing ingredients.

Warming Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty lemon chicken & rice soup brings Mediterranean comfort to winter kitchens. Fragrant herbs, tender chicken, and zesty citrus create a soul-warming meal families will cherish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 1 cup white rice (uncooked, long-grain or basmati)
• ½ cup (120 mL) heavy cream (for extra richness)
• ¼ cup (60 mL) fresh lemon juice (about 1 large lemon)
• 2 egg yolks (for a silkier texture)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, peeled & diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Foundation: Craft a flavor base by sautéing onions, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and aromatic, releasing their natural sweetness.
2. Seasoning Symphony: Introduce minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing herbs to unfurl their essence and create a robust flavor foundation.
3. Liquid Alchemy: Stream chicken broth into the pot, bringing to a vigorous boil, then nestle rice into the liquid, reducing heat to a gentle simmer and covering to ensure tender, flavor-infused grains.
4. Protein Integration: Incorporate shredded chicken, lemon juice, and bright zest, allowing ingredients to meld and create a vibrant, citrus-kissed profile.
5. Luxurious Enrichment: Delicately temper egg yolks by gradually whisking in hot broth, then reintroduce to the soup to develop a silky, luxurious texture; optionally swirl in heavy cream for additional richness.
6. Final Flourish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the surface, adding a burst of color and herbaceous freshness, then serve steaming hot alongside crusty bread or crisp crackers for a soul-warming meal.

Notes

• Prevent Rice Overcooking: Watch rice carefully during simmering to maintain perfect texture, avoiding mushy consistency by checking periodically and adding extra broth if needed.
• Balance Lemon Intensity: Adjust lemon juice gradually, tasting as you add to control tartness and ensure bright flavor without overwhelming the soup’s delicate profile.
• Temper Eggs Carefully: Slowly incorporate hot broth into egg yolks while continuously whisking to prevent scrambling, creating a smooth, silky texture without curdling.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for vegetarian version, use cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative, or substitute cream with coconut milk for dairy-free adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg