My Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is the perfect dish to warm you from the inside out. This delightful soup features tender chicken, soft rice, and a zesty lemon kick that makes it truly special. Inspired by my grandmother Peris’ traditional egg-lemon recipe and reminiscent of the avgolemono soup from Souvla in San Francisco, it’s a nostalgic hug in a bowl! Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a family gathering, this cozy soup brings comfort to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: The combination of lemon and chicken creates a deliciously satisfying taste.
Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this soup is easy to whip up.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main course; it fits any meal plan.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein and wholesome ingredients, it’s a healthy choice for everyone.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and bright flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures everything runs smoothly while cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Blender
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: A must-have for cooking the soup thoroughly without splatter.
Mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing your egg mixture without mess.
Whisk: Ensures your egg mixture is smooth, preventing curdling when added to the hot soup.
Blender: Helps achieve that silky texture that makes this soup so comforting.

Ingredients

For the Base

2-3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (mashed)
1 1/2 cups arborio rice (uncooked)
8 cups chicken broth or bone broth
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp dried oregano

For Flavoring

1/2 cup lemon juice + zest of 2 lemons

For Creaminess

2 eggs
2 egg yolks

For Protein

3/4 pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast (shredded)

Seasoning

1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chopped parsley
Aleppo pepper
Fresh or dry dill

How to Make Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Step 1: Heat the Oil

Start by adding the olive oil to a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Once the pot is hot, add in the diced onions. Sauté them for about 6-7 minutes until they turn translucent. Then, add in the mashed garlic and sauté for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Rice and Broth

Next, add in the uncooked rice, broth, thyme, and oregano. Reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare Egg Mixture

In a separate large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully incorporated. Set aside.

Step 5: Temper the Eggs

Ladle about 1 3/4 cups of the soup into the bowl with the egg mixture very slowly—just a few tablespoons at a time. Constantly whisk so that the eggs don’t curdle; this step is crucial!

Step 6: Blend

After tempering, pour this mixture into a blender and blend until smooth. Return it to the pot with the rest of the soup.

Step 7: Add Chicken

Add in the shredded chicken along with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 8: Garnish

Serve garnished with parsley, dill, and Aleppo pepper if desired.

Step 9: Enjoy!

Eat your delicious Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup warm and enjoy every spoonful!

How to Serve Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Serving Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup can elevate your dining experience, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

With Fresh Bread

Crusty Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette pairs perfectly with the cozy flavors of the soup.
Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for a deliciously savory complement.

As a Light Lunch

Salad: A simple mixed green salad adds freshness and crunch, balancing out the warmth of the soup.
Sandwiches: Pair with a turkey or veggie sandwich for a satisfying meal.

Garnish Options

Chopped Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to each bowl.
Aleppo Pepper: For those who enjoy a hint of spice, sprinkle Aleppo pepper on top before serving.

How to Perfect Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

To achieve the best version of your Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup, consider these helpful tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality chicken broth will make the soup more flavorful.
Don’t Rush the Cooking: Allowing the rice to simmer properly ensures it absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Whisk Eggs Slowly: Incorporating the egg mixture slowly into the soup prevents curdling and creates a smooth texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! This helps you personalize the seasoning to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

To create a well-rounded meal, consider pairing your Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup with these tasty side dishes. Each option brings its own unique flavor profile to complement your soup.

Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing enhances the richness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add depth and nutrition, making for a healthy side.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with lemon vinaigrette will echo the lemony notes of your soup.
Stuffed Peppers: Satisfying stuffed peppers filled with grains and cheese provide a hearty addition to your meal.
Cheese Platter: An assortment of cheeses can offer different textures and flavors that pair well with soup.
Focaccia Bread: This soft, herb-infused bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of delicious broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for a perfect bowl of soup.

Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic builds flavor. Don’t rush this part; it sets the base for your soup.
Not whisking eggs slowly: Adding warm broth too quickly can cause the eggs to curdle. Always whisk slowly when combining with the egg mixture.
Using low-quality broth: The broth is crucial for flavor. Opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for the best results.
Overcooking rice: If you overcook arborio rice, it can become mushy. Keep an eye on your simmering time and check for doneness.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Taste before serving! You may need extra salt or pepper to enhance flavors in your cozy soup.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of the container since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat soup in a covered oven-safe dish for about 20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring every minute, until hot.
Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup that might help you as you make this comforting dish.

How can I customize Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup?

You can add vegetables like spinach or carrots for more nutrients. Adjusting herbs like dill or parsley can also change the flavor profile!

Can I use leftover chicken in Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time.

Is Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses arborio rice instead of traditional noodles.

What can I serve with Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup?

Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is not just a delicious dish but also a heartwarming reminder of family traditions. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your favorite flavors or available ingredients. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cozy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup is a heartwarming dish that envelops you in comfort with every spoonful. This delightful soup combines tender chicken, creamy rice, and a zesty lemon flavor that dances on your palate. Inspired by my grandmother’s traditional recipe, this soup is reminiscent of the beloved avgolemono style from Souvla in San Francisco. Whether you’re seeking solace on a chilly evening or looking for a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, this nourishing bowl of goodness will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Author: Hailey
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Dinner
Method: Soup
Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

2–3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (mashed)
1 1/2 cups arborio rice (uncooked)
8 cups chicken broth or bone broth
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 cup lemon juice + zest of 2 lemons
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
3/4 pound cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast (shredded)
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Chopped parsley
Aleppo pepper
Fresh or dry dill

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add mashed garlic and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
Add uncooked arborio rice, chicken broth, thyme, and oregano to the pot. Cover and simmer on low for 20-25 minutes.
Whisk together eggs, egg yolks, lemon juice, and zest in a separate bowl.
Temper the egg mixture by slowly ladling hot soup into it while whisking continuously.
Blend the tempered mixture until smooth, then return it to the pot.
Stir in shredded chicken, salt, and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with parsley and Aleppo pepper if desired.