Lemony Chicken Soup

Brighten up your dinner table with this comforting and refreshing Lemony Chicken Soup, a perfect balance of hearty and zesty flavors. This soul-warming recipe combines tender shredded chicken, aromatic vegetables, and fluffy rice or orzo pasta, all simmered in a rich chicken broth infused with freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon zest. Enhanced with a medley of fresh herbs like parsley and dill, this soup offers a vibrant twist on a classic comfort dish. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight meals or a soothing remedy on chilly days. Serve it with a touch of extra parsley or a lemon wedge for a citrusy kick that takes this dish to the next level. Healthy, wholesome, and irresistibly flavorful, this lemony chicken soup is sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 pieces carrot, diced
• 2 pieces celery stalks, diced
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 0.75 cups uncooked rice or orzo pasta
• 0.25 cups lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, freshly grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 cup water (if needed)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear on both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add the diced carrots, celery, and onion. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the chicken breasts to the pot, cover, and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 7

Stir in the uncooked rice (or orzo pasta), reduce the heat to medium, and cook for 8-10 minutes or until the grains are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 8

Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and remaining salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.

Step 9

Stir in the chopped parsley and dill, then remove the pot from heat.

Step 10

If the soup is too thick, thin it with up to 1 cup of water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 11

Serve warm, garnished with extra parsley or a lemon wedge, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2622.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1622.3

Total Fat 42.2g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 295.8mg	0%
Sodium 6091.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 160.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.8g	0%
Total Sugars 17.7g
Protein 142.5g	0%

Vitamin D 3.5IU	0%
Calcium 338.6mg	0%
Iron 11.1mg	0%
Potassium 3222.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 23.9%

Protein: 35.8%

Carbs: 40.3%