Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
This Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is the perfect recipe for those days when you need something comforting yet light. It’s a fresh twist on the classic chicken soup, with creamy arborio rice, tender chicken, and a zesty lemon-egg blend that adds a luxurious texture. The combination of herbs and lemon juice gives this soup a bright, refreshing flavor, making it ideal for any season. Best of all, it’s easy to make and ready in just 40 minutes!
Ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, mashed
- 1½ cups arborio rice, uncooked
- 8 cups chicken broth or bone broth
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ cup lemon juice + zest of 2 lemons
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ¾ pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, shredded
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnishing:
- Chopped parsley
- Aleppo pepper
- Fresh or dried dill
Directions:
Step 1: Start the Soup
- In a large pot, heat 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 6-7 minutes, until the onions turn translucent.
- Add the mashed garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Stir in the uncooked arborio rice, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Mix well, then reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the pot and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
Step 3: Prepare the Lemon-Egg Mixture
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Slowly ladle about 1¾ cups of the soup broth into the egg mixture, adding a few tablespoons at a time while whisking constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.
Step 4: Blend and Combine
- Transfer the egg mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. If you don’t have a blender, continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well-incorporated.
- Pour the blended lemon-egg mixture back into the pot with the soup, stirring gently to combine.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
- Add the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring everything together.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Allow the soup to heat through gently without bringing it to a boil, as this could curdle the eggs.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper, and a touch of fresh or dried dill for added flavor and color.
- Serve the soup warm with crusty bread or a side salad.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Bright and Comforting: The lemon juice adds a vibrant, fresh flavor while the creamy texture of the arborio rice and chicken make this soup warm and comforting.
- Nutritious and Hearty: With protein-packed chicken and wholesome rice, this soup is both filling and nourishing.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a cozy meal, this soup is an ideal go-to recipe.
Tips for Success:
- Temper the Eggs: Be sure to slowly add the hot broth to the egg mixture to prevent the eggs from scrambling.
- Don’t Boil After Adding Eggs: Once the egg mixture is added to the soup, gently reheat it, but avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
- Customize the Greens: You can substitute kale with spinach or other greens depending on your preference.
This Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is sure to become a family favorite, offering both comfort and bright flavors in each spoonful. It’s simple to make, perfect for meal prep, and a delicious twist on classic chicken soup. Enjoy!
PrintCozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
This Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is a delightful combination of comfort and brightness. The rich chicken broth paired with the tangy lemon juice creates a refreshing yet hearty flavor, while the arborio rice gives the soup a creamy texture. Shredded chicken adds a satisfying bite, making this soup both filling and nourishing.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
2–3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, mashed
1½ cups arborio rice, uncooked
8 cups chicken broth or bone broth
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
½ cup lemon juice + zest of 2 lemons
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
¾ pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, shredded
½ teaspoon sea salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
For Garnishing:
Chopped parsley
Aleppo pepper
Fresh or dried dill
Instructions
Start the soup:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for 6-7 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
Add the mashed garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
Cook the rice:
Stir in the uncooked arborio rice, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender.
Prepare the lemon-egg mixture:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
Slowly ladle about 1¾ cups of the soup broth into the egg mixture, adding a few tablespoons at a time while whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from curdling.
Blend and combine:
Transfer the egg mixture to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour the blended mixture back into the pot with the rest of the soup.
Finish the soup:
Add the shredded chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together and let the soup gently heat through, but avoid boiling.
Serve and garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley, fresh or dried dill, and a sprinkle of Aleppo pepper for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320