Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Slow cooker meals are a lifesaver for busy days, and what’s better than coming home to the comforting aroma of a hearty soup? This Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful veggies, and a bright lemony kick, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup minute rice
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 carrots, sliced
• 4 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 tablespoons butter, salted and cut into chunks
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prep the Ingredients: Start by dicing the onion, slicing the carrots and celery, mincing the garlic, and zesting and juicing the lemon.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, sliced celery, minced garlic, lemon zest, and dried thyme on top of the chicken.
3. Pour in Chicken Broth: Carefully pour the chicken broth over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
4. Add Lemon Juice and Butter: Squeeze the lemon juice over the contents of the slow cooker. Add the chunks of butter on top.
5. Season and Cook: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
6. Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
7. Add Rice: Stir in the minute rice and let it cook in the soup for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Extra Flavor: For an extra boost of flavor, you can sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Creamy Texture: If you prefer a creamier soup, you can stir in a bit of heavy cream or coconut milk towards the end of cooking.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions):

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of minute rice? A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind that it will require a longer cooking time. Add the brown rice at the beginning of cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, this soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q: Can I make this soup on the stovetop instead of using a slow cooker? A: Absolutely! Simply follow the same instructions, but instead of cooking in a slow cooker, simmer the soup in a large pot on the stovetop over low heat for about 1-2 hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Q: How can I make this soup keto-friendly? A: To make this soup keto-friendly, omit the rice and use cauliflower rice instead. You can also reduce the carrots to lower the carb count further.

With its vibrant flavors and comforting warmth, this Slow Cooker Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re in need of a nourishing meal. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!