Description
A comforting and nourishing chicken and rice soup infused with the warming spices of ginger and turmeric, brightened by fresh lemon. Perfect for chilly days or when you need a little extra TLC.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or other neutral cooking oil
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric (or 1/2 inch fresh turmeric, grated)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1/2 cup uncooked white rice (like Arborio or short-grain)
- Juice of 1/2 to 1 whole lemon, to taste
- Salt, to taste
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 6-8 minutes.
- 2. Add garlic, ginger, and turmeric. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. Stir in thyme, rosemary (if using), and black pepper.
- 3. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked rice.
- 4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until rice is tender.
- 5. Stir in cooked shredded chicken and heat through for 2-3 minutes.
- 6. Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice, starting with half a lemon. Taste and add salt as needed.
- 7. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, if desired.
Notes
Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For freezing, omit lemon juice until reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: Approx. 300-350
- Sugar: Approx. 4g
- Sodium: Approx. 600mg
- Fat: Approx. 8g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30g
- Fiber: Approx. 3g
- Protein: Approx. 25g