Amazing Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup Recipe

There’s just something about a steaming bowl of soup, isn’t there? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly evening or a gentle pick me up when you’re not feeling your best. My Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is exactly that  both comforting and incredibly refreshing, all thanks to the zing of lemon and the fresh pop of dill. Honestly, this recipe comes from so many years of perfecting cozy bowls for my family; it’s become our go to when we need a little sunshine in a spoon. It’s simple, bright, and always hits the spot!

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

This isn’t just another chicken soup, trust me! Here’s why it’s a winner:

• Super Easy to Make: Seriously, it comes together way quicker than you’d think. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Bright, Fresh Flavors: That zing of lemon and the lovely aroma of fresh dill make it so lively.
• Pure Comfort Food: It’s hearty, warm, and just feels good to eat, especially on a snuggly day.
• Versatile: It’s great on its own or with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
• Packed with Goodness: You get tender chicken, soft rice, and that lovely hint of herb and citrus.

Gather Your Ingredients for Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

Alright, let’s get everything ready for our delicious soup! You’ll need just a handful of simple things that probably look familiar in your kitchen. I like to have everything prepped before I even turn on the stove – it makes the whole process so much smoother, almost like a little cooking ballet!

For this lovely Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup, grab:

• 1 tablespoon of olive oil – just enough to get things started.
• 1 cup of chopped yellow onion – it’s our flavor base!
• 2 cloves of minced garlic – because garlic makes everything better, right?
• 6 cups of chicken broth – this is the heart of the soup.
• 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken – I usually use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut, but any cooked chicken works great!
• 1/2 cup of uncooked white rice – it’ll cook up nice and tender in the broth.
• 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill – this is key for that “dilly” part! Use fresh if you can, it makes a big difference.
• 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice – squeezed right from the lemon for that bright punch.
• Salt and black pepper – about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, but always taste and adjust!

Essential Equipment for Making Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

To whip up this delightful soup, you won’t need anything too fancy! Just a few kitchen staples will do the trick. Having these ready makes the cooking process a breeze:

• A sturdy large pot for simmering
• A trusty cutting board
• A sharp knife for chopping
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

With these basics, you’re well on your way to a perfect bowl! If you ever want to know more about my kitchen adventures, you can check out my about me page!

Step-by-Step Guide to Your Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

Alright, let’s get cooking! This soup really comes together so easily, it’s almost magical. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have a delicious bowl of Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup ready in no time. It’s truly a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup – yay!

You can find all sorts of great one-pot meals, like my Easy Chicken and Rice One-Pot Wonder, but this soup has its own special charm!

 

Sautéing Aromatics for Flavor

 

First things first, grab your big pot and set it over medium heat. Add that luscious olive oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your chopped onion. Let it cook down until it’s nice and soft and looks a little translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and just let it do its thing for about a minute more until you can really smell that wonderful aroma. Don’t let it burn, though!

Building the Broth Base

 

Now, pour in all that wonderful chicken broth. Give it a stir and then just let it bubble its way up to a nice, rolling boil. This is where all the delicious flavors are going to start coming together.

 

Simmering the Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

 

Once the broth is boiling, it’s time to add the stars of the show: your shredded chicken and the uncooked white rice. Give everything a good stir to make sure the rice doesn’t stick to the bottom. Then, turn the heat down, pop a lid on that pot, and let it simmer away. You’ll want to let it cook for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until that rice is perfectly tender and has soaked up some of that yummy broth.

 

Finishing Touches for Freshness

 

This is where the magic really happens and our soup gets its signature zing! Stir in that beautiful chopped fresh dill, the bright fresh lemon juice, and your salt and pepper. Give it a taste – this is your chance to make it just perfect for you! Add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

Making a truly fantastic Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is all about a few little secrets I’ve picked up over the years. First off, don’t skimp on the fresh dill – it makes such a world of difference compared to dried! Also, taste as you go, especially at the end. That salt and pepper adjustment is crucial for really making all those bright flavors pop. If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, make sure it’s not too dry, or it can make the soup a bit bland. Need more ideas for delicious chicken and rice? Check out my perfect comfy high-protein chicken rice post!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Sometimes we don’t have exactly what’s called for, and that’s okay! This soup bounces back really well. I’ve found that using fresh herbs is always best, but if you’re in a pinch, we can work around it.

Dill and Lemon Substitutions

 

Fresh dill is really where that signature “dilly” flavor comes from, so I always go for it if I can! If you absolutely can’t find fresh, you can use about 1 tablespoon of *dried* dill, but it’s much less intense, so start with less and add more if you think it needs it. For the lemon juice, if you’re out, a splash of white wine vinegar can give you some brightness, but it’s a slightly different zing – more tangy than fruity.

 

Chicken and Rice Variations

 

Using rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for getting this soup on the table *super* fast. It’s already cooked and seasoned, which is a win-win! If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust your cooking time – it usually takes a bit longer to get tender. For more ideas on chicken and rice dishes, check out my chicken sweet potato rice recipe!

Serving Suggestions for Your Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

This Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is wonderfully satisfying on its own, but it also plays nicely with a few friends! A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful broth. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette also makes a refreshing addition, balancing out the comforting soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got some leftover Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup? Lucky you! Just pop it into an airtight container and it should be good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, gently warm it up on the stovetop over low heat, giving it a good stir. You might need to add a splash more broth or water if it seems a little thick after sitting. Avoid zapping it in the microwave too long, or the rice can get a bit mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

Got some burning questions about this delicious soup? I’ve got you covered! It’s always good to know a few extra bits and bobs, especially when you’re making a favorite recipe. Here are some things folks often ask me. For more comfort classics, check out my chicken mozzarella pasta recipe!

Can I make this Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup ahead of time?

Oh yes! This soup is actually even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove. The flavors really meld together beautifully!

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

It is! While the rice might soften a *little* bit upon thawing, it’s still delicious. Freeze it in individual portions for easy grab-and-go meals.

What type of rice is best for this soup?

I usually go for a simple white rice like long-grain or medium-grain. It cooks up nice and tender in the broth. If you’re feeling adventurous, you *could* try brown rice, but it’ll take longer to cook!

Estimated Nutritional Information

Just a heads-up, these numbers are approximate! Nutritional values can change quite a bit depending on the exact chicken broth and chicken you use. But, for a bowl of this delightful Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup, you’re looking at roughly 250-300 calories, around 8-10g of fat, 20-25g of protein, and about 20-25g of carbohydrates. For more calorie-conscious ideas, check out my calorie-smart recipes section!