Chicken and rice soup is delicious, comforting, and one of the best soup recipes for fall and winter! Loaded with tender chicken, carrot and celery, and fluffy rice, this chicken soup is total comfort food. To make this rice soup recipe extra quick and easy, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken when it's time to add the chicken.
Water (check your package instructions to see how much water is called for)
For the Lemony Chicken and Rice Soup:
2tablespoonsolive oil
3largecarrotspeeled and diced
2celery stalksdiced
1largeonionfinely diced
6clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoonsalt
1/2teaspoonblack pepper
8cupschicken stock (or chicken bone broth)
1cupwater
2bay leaves
1/4cupfresh lemon juice
1/4cupfresh dillfinely chopped
1/3cupfinely grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
For the Lemon Chicken:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees(F). In a small bowl combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper; whisk well to combine.
Place chicken breast in a small baking dish and drizzle with marinade, toss well to ensure both sides are well coated.
Place in the oven and bake for 28 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, flipping at the halfway point.
Cool slightly, then - using two forks or your hands - shred the chicken into small chunks. Set aside.
For the Rice:
Cook rice according to package instructions. Once cooked, fluff and remove from heat. Set aside until needed.
For the Lemony Chicken and Rice Soup:
Heat oil in a large soup pot over a medium-heat. Add carrots, celery, and onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 6 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute, or until fragrant. Add in salt and pepper and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock and water. Then toss in the bay leaves.
Increase heat to medium-high and bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
Stir in cooked chicken and rice and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, dill, and Parmesan cheese. Taste soup and adjust seasoning, if needed.
Remove from heat and serve at once! Soup will keep, covered in the fridge, for up to 5 days! If it becomes too thick, add a little chicken broth or water.