One-Pot Lemon Chicken Rice

When you are looking for a meal that is both refreshing and deeply satisfying, look no further than this One-Pot Lemon Chicken Rice Soup with Veggies. It is a comforting, zesty soup packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and colorful vegetables, making it the perfect wholesome meal to prepare in just one pot. The bright citrus notes perfectly balance the savory broth, creating a dish that feels light yet hearty.

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This soup is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, requiring only 15 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking. Whether you are battling a cold or just want a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers the nourishment you need without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Meats: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 350 g), diced
• Vegetables: 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 100 g baby spinach (about 2 cups, packed); Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• Grains: 120 g (2/3 cup) long-grain white rice, rinsed
• Liquids: 1.3 liters (5 1/2 cups) low-sodium chicken broth; 500 ml (2 cups) water
• Herbs & Seasonings: 1 bay leaf; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Oils: 1 tbsp olive oil

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

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Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, until vegetables begin to soften.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Add the diced chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned but not fully cooked through.

Step 4: Season and Add Rice

Add the rice, bay leaf, thyme, and oregano. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer the Soup

Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 18-20 minutes, until the rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Add Final Freshness

Discard the bay leaf. Stir in the spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

Step 7: Seasoning

Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley.

Step 8: Serving

Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For an extra touch of richness, you can stir in 1-2 tbsp of cream or a beaten egg yolk at the very end of cooking. If you are using store-bought broth, be sure to check the label to ensure it is gluten-free if you have dietary restrictions. Always rinse your white rice before adding it to the pot to prevent the soup from becoming overly starchy.

Varianten und Anpassungen

This recipe is highly versatile. You can swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard, or use brown rice instead of white (just remember to increase the cooking time by 10-15 minutes). For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and add white beans for a satisfying protein source.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this soup while steaming hot. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a light green salad. Garnish with additional fresh lemon slices to allow guests to customize the level of zestiness in their own bowl.

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With 315 calories and 26g of protein per serving, this One-Pot Lemon Chicken Rice Soup is a balanced and satisfying meal. We hope you enjoy this bright and comforting dish!

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

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Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as flavors have time to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Note that the rice will continue absorbing liquid, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.

→ What type of rice works best?

Long-grain white rice is ideal because it stays separate and doesn't become overly sticky. Brown rice works too but requires 10-15 minutes extra cooking time and more liquid. Avoid Arborio or risotto rice as it will make the soup too thick and creamy.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

You can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the rice texture may change slightly upon thawing. For best results, slightly undercook the rice if planning to freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding extra broth as needed.

→ How do I make it vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with cannellini beans or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Consider adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini to maintain heartiness. The lemon and herbs will still provide plenty of flavor.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth. A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast. For a more substantial meal, serve with grilled cheese sandwiches or garlic bread.