Description
Mediterranean comfort meets wholesome nourishment in this lemon chicken & rice soup. Hearty ingredients simmer gently, creating a soul-warming meal that nourishes and delights. You’ll savor each spoonful of this comforting classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups (1.4 L) chicken broth
- 1 cup minute rice
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 4 whole carrots (sliced)
- 4 stalks celery (sliced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 whole lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 tbsps salted butter (cut into chunks)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/8 tsp salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position whole chicken breasts in the slow cooker basin, creating a flavor-rich foundation for the soup.
- Vegetable Layer: Distribute diced onions, carrot slices, celery strips, and minced garlic around the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
- Seasoning Infusion: Drizzle fresh lemon juice and zest over the ingredients, then scatter thyme leaves throughout. Add butter chunks to enhance richness and pour chicken broth over the mixture. Season with salt and pepper, gently stirring to combine.
- Slow Cooking: Cover and simmer on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until vegetables soften and flavors meld completely.
- Chicken Refinement: Remove chicken breasts and shred thoroughly with two forks, then return the tender meat to the cooking liquid.
- Rice Integration: Add rice to the soup, switch the cooker to high, and cook for an additional 30 minutes until rice reaches optimal tenderness.
- Serving Finale: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately to capture the full essence of the lemony chicken and rice creation.
Notes
- Chicken Placement Strategy: Nestle whole breasts at the bottom for maximum flavor infusion and even cooking throughout the soup.
- Zesty Flavor Boost: Fresh lemon juice and zest are crucial for creating a bright, vibrant citrus profile that elevates the entire dish.
- Shredding Technique: Remove chicken breasts completely before shredding to ensure tender, perfectly pulled meat without overcooking.
- Rice Timing Tip: Add rice only in the final 30 minutes to prevent mushy texture and maintain ideal rice consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg