One-Pot Lemon Chicken Rice (Print View)

Comforting soup with tender chicken, rice, and vegetables in zesty lemon broth.

# Ingredient List:

→ Meats

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 12 ounces), diced into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds
03 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 2 cups packed baby spinach (approximately 3.5 ounces)
07 - Zest and juice of 1 large lemon

→ Grains

08 - 2/3 cup long-grain white rice, rinsed until water runs clear

→ Liquids

09 - 5 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 2 cups water

→ Herbs & Seasonings

11 - 1 bay leaf
12 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - Salt and black pepper to taste
15 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped plus extra for garnish

→ Oils

16 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and onions become translucent.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add diced chicken to the pot. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides but not fully cooked through.
04 - Add rinsed rice, bay leaf, dried thyme, and oregano. Stir well to combine and coat ingredients evenly.
05 - Pour in chicken broth and water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until rice is tender and chicken is cooked through.
06 - Remove and discard bay leaf. Stir in spinach, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted.
07 - Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh parsley. Serve hot in bowls, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • One-pot simplicity makes cleanup a breeze
  • Ready in under an hour for busy weeknights
  • Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable
  • The perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and grains
  • Bright lemon flavor lifts traditional chicken soup to new heights
02 -
  • For meal prep, cook the soup without the spinach and lemon. Add these fresh elements when reheating for the brightest flavor.
  • The soup will thicken as it sits due to the rice absorbing liquid. When reheating, add extra broth or water as needed.
  • To save time, use pre-cut mirepoix mix (onion, carrot, celery) from the grocery store.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be used instead of raw chicken – simply add it with the spinach at the end to warm through.
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