Description
A budget-friendly, kid-approved chicken and rice soup that is ready in 30 minutes. This light and bright dish uses fresh dill and lemon to create a comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or boiled)
- 6 cups chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup white rice, uncooked
- 2 bay leaves
- ½ cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1 large lemon (juiced and zested)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- Black pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery; sauté for 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Add shredded chicken to the pot. If using raw chicken, simmer for 20 minutes until cooked through, then shred and return to pot.
- Cook rice separately by boiling 1 cup rice in 2 cups water for 15 minutes, then draining. Alternatively, add uncooked rice directly to the soup (requires extra broth).
- Stir the cooked rice into the soup and simmer for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Remove pot from heat and discard bay leaves.
- Stir in chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If using, stir in frozen peas and let warm through for 2 minutes.
- Serve hot with crusty bread or crackers.
Notes
Cook rice separately to prevent mushiness. Save lemon zest for extra aroma. This soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though rice may soften. Add extra broth or water when reheating if the soup thickens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 650
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 25
Keywords: chicken and rice soup, easy family meal, budget dinner, healthy soup, dill lemon soup, meal prep, freezer friendly