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Chicken and Rice Soup with Broccoli Topped with Lemon Herb Dressing


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 55 minutes

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