Ever thought about making a soup from lemon, rice, and chicken? The Creamy Chicken Lemon Rice Soup is your answer! It’s ready in 30 minutes. This soup mixes lemon’s tang with chicken’s richness and rice’s heartiness. It’s perfect for a cold day or when you need a warm hug in a bowl.
Key Takeaways
- The Creamy Chicken Lemon Rice Soup is a quick and easy-to-make dish that yields 8 cups of soup.
- The soup is thickened with a combination of lemon juice and eggs, creating a creamy texture without the need for cream.
- The recipe calls for simple, fresh ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, and shredded cooked chicken.
- The soup can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a weeknight dinner or a comforting lunch.
- The recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to experiment with different types of rice and adjust the lemon flavor to your personal preference.
What is Lemon and Rice Soup?
Lemon and rice soup, also known as Avgolemono soup, is a classic Greek dish. It has a tangy, creamy broth made with lemon juice and eggs. This comforting meal is a staple in Greek cuisine, often enjoyed as a soothing dish.
This recipe is a simplified version of Avgolemono. It still captures the bright, lemony flavor that is so beloved.
Origins and Variations
The origins of Avgolemono can be traced back to ancient Greece. Over time, variations of this dish have emerged in different cuisines. These often include chicken or other proteins.
While the traditional Greek version is still loved, cooks worldwide have added their own twist. They create unique interpretations that highlight the bright, tangy notes of lemon. These are paired with the comforting starchiness of rice or orzo.
Whether you’re enjoying classic Avgolemono or a regional twist, lemon and rice soup is nourishing and flavorful. Its enduring popularity shows the timeless appeal of this simple, yet deeply satisfying, culinary creation.
Health Benefits of Lemon and Rice Soup
Lemon and rice soup is good for you. Lemons are full of vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. The rice adds complex carbohydrates and fiber. If there’s chicken, it brings protein. The vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions add more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
This soup can help with digestion. The lemon’s acidity and the rice’s fiber make it good for your gut. It’s also warm and comforting, perfect when you’re feeling sick or cold.
Lemon and rice soup is also a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal. It’s packed with essential vitamins and minerals. It’s great for a balanced diet and can help keep your immune system strong.
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 193 |
| Total Carbohydrates | 24.4g |
| Protein | 4.3g |
| Total Fat | 9.4g |
In short, lemon and rice soup is a healthy meal. It supports your immune system and helps with digestion. It’s a comforting and nutritious choice for any meal.
Ingredients for the Lemon and Rice Soup Recipe
Fresh and Simple Components
The ingredients for the lemon and rice soup are fresh and simple. This soup is made with a few key parts. Together, they create a dish that is both flavorful and comforting.
The soup starts with olive oil for sautéing the vegetables. You’ll need diced carrots, celery, and onion for a tasty base. Oregano and parsley add flavor, and low-sodium chicken broth is the liquid base.
Long-grain white rice adds texture, and eggs thicken the soup. Fresh lemon juice balances the flavors. Finally, salt and pepper are added to taste.
For a heartier meal, you can add cooked chicken to the soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 1 teaspoon |
| Carrots, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Celery, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Onion, diced | 1/2 cup |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried Parsley | 1 teaspoon |
| Low-Sodium Chicken Broth | 4 cups |
| Long-Grain White Rice | 1/2 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | 2 tablespoons |
| Cooked Chicken (optional) | 1 cup |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making the perfect lemon and rice soup is a fun journey. Here’s how to make this easy and tasty dish:
- Begin by cooking the diced carrots, celery, and onion in a bit of olive oil until they’re soft, about 5-8 minutes.
- Then, add the dried oregano and parsley to the veggies. Pour in the chicken broth and let it boil.
- After boiling, mix in the rinsed white rice. Cover the pot and lower the heat to medium-high. Cook for 20 minutes, stirring now and then to avoid sticking.
- In another bowl, mix the eggs and fresh lemon juice. Gradually add hot broth to the egg mix while whisking to prevent eggs from scrambling.
- Pour the egg mix back into the soup pot. Stir well to make the broth creamy and smooth.
- If you’re using it, add the cooked chicken to the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finally, serve the lemon and rice soup hot. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint for extra flavor.
By following these steps, you’ll have a delicious and comforting lemon rice soup ready in no time. The key is tempering the eggs right and balancing the flavors. This makes a soup that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Recipe rating | 4.6 out of 5 based on 31 reviews |
| Leftover storage | Up to 3 days in the fridge, can be frozen for up to 3 months |
| Method | Stovetop cooking |
| Cuisine | Greek |
Now you can make the perfect lemon and rice soup in your kitchen. Share this comforting and flavorful dish with loved ones for a wonderful meal.
Preparing the Lemon and Rice Soup Broth
The base of a great lemon and rice soup is a flavorful broth. Making your own chicken broth is a good idea. It makes the soup taste better and lets you control the salt and spices.
Tips for a Flavorful Base
Start by seasoning chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Put the chicken in a big pot. Add vegetable scraps like onion skins, carrot ends, and celery leaves, and a few bay leaves. Pour in 10-12 cups of boiling water, bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked.
After the chicken is cooked, take it out and shred it. Strain the broth to get rid of the vegetable scraps and impurities. Now, you have a homemade chicken broth ready to use as the base for your lemon and rice soup.
If you want to use store-bought broth, pick a low-sodium one. This way, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking. It ensures the soup has the right balance of flavors.
Cooking the Rice and Chicken
Perfecting the Texture
For the lemon and rice soup, use long-grain white rice like jasmine or basmati. The rice is added to the simmering broth and cooked for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make it tender and fluffy.
If you like a brothier soup, use 1/3 cup of rice. For a rice-heavy soup, add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of rice.
For the chicken, you can use leftover or cook it in the broth. Cook the chicken breasts or thighs until they’re done. Shredding the chicken and adding it to the soup makes the texture satisfying.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Long-grain white rice (such as jasmine or basmati) | 1/3 cup to 3/4 cup |
| Chicken (breasts or thighs) | 1 and 1/4 pounds |
| Chicken stock | 8 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
By carefully cooking the rice and chicken, you can achieve the perfect texture for your lemon and rice soup. This ensures a delightful and satisfying dining experience.
Lemon and Rice Soup Recipe
Try our creamy lemon rice soup recipe for a treat. It’s a comforting, nourishing dish for any time. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can make this soup quickly.
To make this lemon and rice soup, you’ll need:
- 4 10 1/2 Ounce Cans of Cream of Chicken Soup
- 2 Cups of Cooked White Rice
- 3 Eggs
- 1 32 Ounce Carton of Chicken Broth
- 2 C Lowfat Milk
- 1 T Dried Dill
- 1 T Oregano
- 1 tsp Rosemary
The lemon rice soup cooks for 15 minutes. This lets the flavors blend beautifully. It’s very lemony, giving a bright, tangy taste in every bite.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 4 cans (10 1/2 oz each) |
| Cooked White Rice | 2 cups |
| Eggs | 3 |
| Chicken Broth | 1 carton (32 oz) |
| Lowfat Milk | 2 cups |
| Dried Dill | 1 tablespoon |
| Oregano | 1 tablespoon |
| Rosemary | 1 teaspoon |
Serving and Garnishing Suggestions
The lemon and rice soup is a comforting meal on its own. To enhance flavor and texture, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint. These herbs add a bright, herbal touch that complements the lemon broth.
For a more filling meal, pair the soup with crunchy soup crackers or a grilled cheese sandwich. If you reheat the soup, you might need to add a bit of water or broth. This is because the rice absorbs liquid over time.
- How to serve lemon rice soup: Enjoy it alone or with crackers or a grilled cheese sandwich for a fuller meal.
- Lemon rice soup garnishes: Use fresh herbs like parsley or mint to add freshness and brightness.
- What to serve with lemon rice soup: Pair it with crunchy soup crackers or a grilled cheese sandwich for a cozy meal.
Adding these serving and garnishing tips can make the lemon and rice soup experience even better. It turns into a delightful and balanced meal that will please your taste buds.
Conclusion
Lemon and rice soup is a delightful dish for any time of the year. It has a tangy, creamy broth, tender rice, and optional chicken. This makes it a comforting and flavorful soup for cold days or when you’re not feeling well.
This soup is not only easy to make but also good for you. Its simple, wholesome ingredients offer health benefits. It’s a great choice for a new soup recipe or a comforting meal.
The lemon and rice soup has bright, soothing flavors. You can adjust the recipe to fit your taste and dietary needs. Try it and see why it’s so good.
This soup is a mix of tangy broth, tender rice, and optional chicken. It’s a nourishing addition to any meal. Its versatility and health benefits make it a must-have in your kitchen. Enjoy the final thoughts on this flavorful lemon rice soup recipe.
FAQ
What is Lemon and Rice Soup?
Lemon and rice soup, also known as Avgolemono soup, is a classic Greek dish. It has a tangy, creamy broth made with lemon juice and eggs. This soup is a staple in Greek cuisine, often served as a comforting meal.
What are the health benefits of Lemon and Rice Soup?
Lemon and rice soup is nutritious and beneficial for your diet. Lemons are full of vitamin C, boosting your immune system. The rice adds complex carbohydrates and fiber. Chicken (if used) provides protein, while carrots, celery, and onions add vitamins and minerals.
What are the key ingredients for the Lemon and Rice Soup recipe?
The main ingredients are olive oil, diced carrots, celery, and onion. You’ll also need dried oregano and parsley, low-sodium chicken broth, white rice, eggs, lemon juice, cooked chicken (optional), and salt and pepper.
What are the steps to make the Lemon and Rice Soup?
To make the soup, start by sautéing carrots, celery, and onion in olive oil. Then, add oregano and parsley, chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Stir in rice, cover, and cook for 20 minutes.
Next, whisk eggs and lemon juice in a bowl. Temper the eggs by slowly adding hot broth while whisking. Pour the egg mixture into the soup pot and stir. Add cooked chicken (if using) and season with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or mint.
How do I prepare the broth for the Lemon and Rice Soup?
For a flavorful broth, make your own chicken broth. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then add vegetable scraps and bay leaves to a stockpot. Pour in boiling water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the chicken, shred it, and strain the broth.
What type of rice should I use for Lemon and Rice Soup?
Use long-grain white rice, like jasmine or basmati, for the soup. Add it to the simmering broth and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and fluffy.
How should I serve the Lemon and Rice Soup?
Serve the soup on its own for a comforting meal. For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or mint. You can also add crunchy soup crackers or a grilled cheese sandwich for a heartier meal.