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Hearty Chicken and Rice Soup

This comforting chicken and rice soup transforms leftovers into a nourishing bowl filled with tender shredded chicken, soft rice, and crisp vegetables all simmered in a flavorful broth. The soup’s creamy texture and bright lemon notes make it perfect for chilly days, offering a flexible, forgiving recipe that’s quick to prepare and endlessly customizable.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 carrots carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup rice rinsed if preferred
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded leftovers or poached
  • 1 lemon lemon juiced, plus zest if desired
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • fresh herbs parsley or thyme chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat a large soup pot over medium heat, then add a splash of olive oil. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot, cooking until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes. Stir regularly to prevent sticking and to develop flavor.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Stir in the rinsed rice, ensuring it is submerged in the broth. Cover the pot and simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, until the rice is tender and the broth slightly thickened.
  5. Add shredded cooked chicken to the pot, stirring to distribute evenly. Cook for another 2-3 minutes just to warm the chicken through.
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, stirring well. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional lemon if desired, to brighten the flavors.
  7. Remove the soup from heat, ladle into bowls, and garnish with chopped fresh herbs for a vibrant finish.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat. Using leftover cooked chicken makes this dish quick and convenient, but fresh poached chicken works just as well.