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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Seasoning Symphony: Introduce minced garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper, allowing herbs to unfurl their essence and create a robust flavor foundation.
- 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.
- Protein Integration: Incorporate shredded chicken, lemon juice, and bright zest, allowing ingredients to meld and create a vibrant, citrus-kissed profile.
- 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.
- 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