Name: Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 3 large carrots, diced; 3 celery stalks, diced; 1 ½ teaspoons salt, divided; 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 2 dried bay leaves; 8 cups water; 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; ½ cup short grain rice; 2 lemons, juiced (about ⅓ cup); Parsley, for serving

If you’re craving comfort in a bowl that’s both bright and soothing, you’re going to love this Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that warms you up on chilly days but still feels fresh and light thanks to the lemony zing. I’ve made this soup more times than I can count, and every time, it turns out perfectly satisfying and full of flavor. Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make it your new weeknight staple.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bright, fresh flavor: The lemon juice adds the perfect zing that makes this soup both comfort food and refreshingly light.
Simple ingredients: You probably already have everything in your pantry to whip this up anytime you want.
One-pot convenience: Easy cleanup plus layered flavors that develop as it simmers gently.
Family favorite: My crew goes crazy for this, and yours will too — it’s that kind of recipe.

The image shows two white bowls filled with creamy chicken and rice soup placed on a white marbled surface. The soup has three clear layers: a brothy top with small green herb pieces, middle chunks of white chicken and orange carrot cubes, and a bottom layer of soft white rice. Pieces of celery and herbs are visible throughout, adding green and orange highlights. Next to one bowl, there is a spoon with a metallic shine placed on a light pink cloth. A white plate with lemon wedges is partly visible on the left side of the image. In the upper right, a pot with more soup and a metallic ladle is seen. The photo is taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, healthy lemon chicken soup, easy chicken and rice soup, comforting chicken soup recipes, lemon soup for dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe is in the harmony of fresh vegetables, tender chicken thighs, and bright lemon juice. Each ingredient supports the others, creating a broth that’s nourishing and flavorful without any fuss. When shopping, look for fresh lemons that feel juicy and chicken thighs with good color and no unpleasant odor.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, one whole yellow onion, three large whole carrots, three whole celery stalks, three whole garlic cloves, one whole lemon cut in half showing bright yellow flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of dried thyme, two raw boneless skinless chicken thighs, two whole dried bay leaves, a small white ceramic bowl of short grain rice, a small white ceramic bowl of salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, and a few sprigs of fresh parsley arranged with perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, healthy lemon chicken soup, easy chicken and rice soup, comforting chicken soup recipes, lemon soup for dinner

Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness to the base veggies without overpowering.
Yellow onion: Diced onion softens down into sweetness, balancing the lemon nicely.
Carrots: Adding a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Celery stalks: Brings freshness and a slight crunch if slightly undercooked.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; don’t skip it!
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice and depth.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic infuses the broth with a lovely aroma and savory punch.
Dried thyme: A classic herb that blends perfectly with chicken and lemon.
Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicier and more forgiving than breasts; they stay tender in the soup.
Dried bay leaves: Add subtle earthy complexity to the stock.
Water: The base liquid that lets all the ingredients shine.
Short grain rice: Creamy, starchy rice that thickens and heartens the soup beautifully.
Fresh lemons: Juiced at the end for bright, fresh acidity.
Parsley: Adds a bright, herbal finish and pretty green flecks.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love making this Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe my own by tweaking it depending on the season or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to customize it—you’ll discover versions that suit your taste perfectly.

Swap chicken thighs for breasts: I tried this once but found thighs keep the soup moister and richer, especially after simmering.
Add fresh herbs: Tossing in fresh dill or basil just before serving gives it a whole new flavor profile I adore on warm spring days.
Use vegetable broth instead of water: For an even deeper flavor, try substituting part or all of the water with broth—great when you’re short on time.
Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, perfect if you swap the rice for cauliflower rice for a low-carb boost.

How to Make Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Your Vegetables and Build Your Flavor Base

Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot. Toss in diced onion, carrots, celery, plus a teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper. Stir occasionally as you let them soften for around 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the onions are translucent and the veggies smell sweet and inviting. This step really develops the flavor foundation, so patience here is well rewarded.

Step 2: Add Garlic, Herbs, and Chicken

Next up, add the minced garlic and dried thyme, cooking for about a minute while stirring constantly—you want to release those fragrant oils without burning the garlic. Then nestle in your chicken thighs, the bay leaves, and the remaining salt and pepper. This combination simmers together to create a comforting, herbaceous broth. You’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage.

Step 3: Time to Add Water and Rice, and Simmer

Pour in the water and sprinkle in the rice. Bring everything to a boil on medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 25 minutes until the chicken is tender and the rice has soaked up some of that broth magic. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom, and check that the rice is perfectly cooked but not mushy.

Step 4: Chop Chicken, Add Lemon Juice, and Finish with Parsley

Carefully lift the cooked chicken out and place it on a cutting board. Chop it into bite-sized pieces (about half an inch), then stir it back into the soup. Remove the pot from the heat and add fresh lemon juice along with a generous handful of chopped parsley. The citrus brightens everything and the parsley adds fresh herbal notes that balance the dish beautifully.

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Pro Tips for Making Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

Use chicken thighs for juiciness: I learned that thighs hold up better during simmering and give the soup more flavor than breasts.
Avoid overcooking the rice: Stir every so often to prevent sticking and check for doneness after 20 minutes—rice can turn mushy fast!
Add lemon juice at the end: This keeps the fresh lemon flavor bright and prevents bitterness from cooking it too long.
Season gradually: I add salt in stages to adjust the seasoning perfectly without overdoing it early on.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

Two white bowls filled with chicken soup placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl has a light yellow broth with shredded chicken pieces, small diced orange carrots, small green celery pieces, and white rice, topped with chopped green herbs. One bowl shows a silver spoon resting inside the bowl on the right side. A lemon wedge sits on the edge of the front bowl. Next to the bowls, there is a white plate holding several lemon slices. A soft orange cloth napkin lies under the front bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, healthy lemon chicken soup, easy chicken and rice soup, comforting chicken soup recipes, lemon soup for dinner

Garnishes

I almost always finish this soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley because it adds a lovely color contrast and a touch of herbal freshness. Sometimes, I’ll throw on a pinch of red pepper flakes if we want a little heat, or a small drizzle of good olive oil for some silkiness. A few thin lemon slices on top also make it feel extra special.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe are crusty bread or warm pita—you’ll want something to soak up all that delicious lemony broth. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette also complements the soup nicely, making it a balanced and refreshing meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner guests, I like to serve this soup in rustic bowls with a lemon wedge on the side so folks can adjust the brightness to their taste. Adding a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley as garnish makes it look restaurant-worthy. If it’s a casual brunch, setting up a toppings bar with chopped scallions, crushed red pepper, and grated Parmesan encourages everyone to customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat them within 3-4 days. The soup thickens as it cools, so I add a splash of water or broth when reheating to loosen it back up to the perfect consistency. I love that it tastes just as good—or even better—the next day!

Freezing

Freezing Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe works well, though I recommend undercooking the rice slightly before freezing to avoid a mushy texture when reheated. Freeze in portion-sized containers, and it’ll keep nicely for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup seems too thick, add a splash of water or broth. Avoid microwaving for best texture, but if you do, do so in short bursts and stir in between to heat evenly and keep the chicken tender.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but keep in mind that breasts tend to dry out more during simmering compared to thighs. To prevent this, watch the cooking time closely and consider removing breasts a bit earlier to keep them tender.
Can I substitute the rice with another grain?

Yes, you can swap in other grains like quinoa or barley, though cooking times and liquid amounts might vary. I recommend adding these toward the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and adjusting broth accordingly. Short grain rice works best for creaminess but feel free to experiment.
How can I make this soup dairy-free and gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally dairy-free and gluten-free as long as you use plain water or gluten-free broth and avoid adding any dairy ingredients. It’s a fantastic option if you’re cooking for someone with those dietary needs!
Can I prepare this Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe in a slow cooker?

You can! Sauté the veggies first on the stovetop to develop flavor, then transfer everything including raw rice and chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until chicken is tender and rice cooked. Add lemon juice and parsley just before serving.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Lemon Chicken Rice Soup Recipe balances bright lemon flavor with hearty chicken and creamy rice, making it a soup my family asks for again and again. It’s straightforward, forgiving, and really hits the spot whether you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a warm hug in a bowl. Give it a try—once you make it, I bet it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals too.