Ingredients
Scale
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 1/2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftovers or rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup white rice (uncooked)
- 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
For the Lemon Herb Dressing:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Gather all your ingredients, and chop the onion, carrots, celery, and broccoli.
- Mince the garlic, shred or dice the cooked chicken, and measure the rice.
- Prepare the Lemon Herb Dressing by whisking together all dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Set it aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large soup pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables start to soften and the onion turns translucent.
Step 3: Add Seasonings and Liquid
- Stir in the dried thyme, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Cook for another 2 minutes to release the flavors.
- Pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Rice
- Add the shredded chicken and uncooked white rice to the pot. Stir to combine, then lower the heat to medium-low.
- Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and has absorbed some of the broth’s flavor.
Step 5: Add Broccoli and Finish the Soup
- Add the broccoli florets to the pot and cook for another 5-8 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 6: Serve with Lemon Herb Dressing
- Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each portion has a good mix of chicken, rice, and broccoli.
- Drizzle each bowl with the prepared Lemon Herb Dressing for a refreshing, tangy twist.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 780mg
- Protein: 22g