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Lemon-Garlic Chicken, Rice & Lentil Soup

A nourishing soup that combines lemon, garlic, chicken, rice, and lentils, perfect for comfort on a chilly day.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Lentils and Rice
  • ½ cup dry lentils, rinsed
  • 1 cup dry short-grain brown rice
  • 6 cups chicken broth, divided plus more if needed
  • 2 cups water
Flavor Enhancers
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon lemon zest
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper plus more for serving
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional for heat
  • 4 to 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil optional
  • ¼ cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Main Ingredients
  • 1½ to 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons nutritional yeast optional, for a cheesy umami kick
  • thin lemon slices, for garnish
  • extra chopped parsley, for garnish

Method
 

Cook the Lentils
  1. Add the lentils and 2 cups of chicken broth to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, until the lentils are tender but still hold their shape. Set aside.
Prepare the Rice
  1. In another pot, bring the water and a pinch of salt to a boil. Add the brown rice, cover, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. Set this aside as well.
Combine the Ingredients
  1. In a large soup pot, merge the cooked lentils, cooked rice, remaining 4 cups of chicken broth, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, bay leaf, turmeric, black pepper, optional cayenne, olive oil, and parsley. Bring it all to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to let it simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes.
Add the Chicken
  1. Stir in the shredded chicken and let everything simmer for another 5 minutes, just to heat through.
Final Touches
  1. Remove the bay leaf. Taste your creation and adjust the seasoning with a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
Serve
  1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with thin lemon slices, extra parsley, and freshly ground black pepper. Serve warm.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. If freezing, ensure it's in a freezer-safe container and consumed within three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.