This One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is a refreshing twist on the classic chicken noodle soup. It combines nourishing chicken, jasmine rice, and the bright flavors of lemon and dill. With a savory mix of onions, leeks, fennel, and garlic, this dish is perfect for warming up during the colder months. The hearty ingredients are complemented by a zesty finish, making it both wholesome and bright.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for garnish

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

• 2½ teaspoons salt, divided

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 2 large leeks, white and light green section only, sliced into thin half-moons

• 1 cup finely chopped yellow onion

• 1 large fennel bulb, trimmed, cored, and finely chopped

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 cup jasmine rice

• 8 cups chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, plus more for garnish

• Zest and juice of 1 lemon

Directions:

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season chicken thighs with 1½ teaspoons salt and pepper. Brown the chicken in batches, cooking each side for about 4 to 6 minutes. The meat will not be fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the Dutch oven and set aside.

2. In the same pot, add the leeks, onion, fennel, and remaining salt. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until softened.

3. Add garlic and oregano, and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Stir in rice and cook, stirring constantly, until the rice smells toasted, about 2 minutes.

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer on medium-low. Return the chicken thighs to the pot and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

5. Remove the chicken thighs, shred them with two forks, and return them to the soup. Add dill and lemon juice, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with lemon zest, extra dill, and a drizzle of olive oil.

Nutrients

• Calories: 300-350 kcal

• Protein: 30-35g

• Carbohydrates: 30-35g

• Fiber: 2-3g

• Sugar: 3-5g

• Fat: 10-12g

  • Saturated Fat: 2-3g

• Cholesterol: 60-80mg

• Sodium: 600-800mg

• Potassium: 450-500mg

• Vitamin A: 10-12% of the Daily Value (DV)

• Vitamin C: 15-20% of the DV

• Calcium: 4-6% of the DV

• Iron: 8-10% of the DV

These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

Why One Pot Meals Are Perfect for Busy Weekdays

In today’s fast-paced world, one pot meals have become a savior for many home cooks. The simplicity of preparing an entire meal in a single pot means less time spent on cleanup, while still being able to enjoy a wholesome and satisfying dish. The One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is an ideal example of why one pot meals are so popular. With minimal prep time and a straightforward cooking process, this dish allows you to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

This particular recipe also shines because of its versatility. You can adjust the seasoning to your taste, and the ingredients used are fairly flexible, allowing you to substitute if necessary. Whether you’re cooking for a family or preparing a cozy solo meal, this one pot wonder is sure to deliver on both convenience and flavor.

The Flavor Profile: Bright and Comforting

The combination of lemon and dill in the One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is what truly sets it apart. While many chicken soups tend to be rich and savory, this version adds a burst of brightness and freshness, thanks to the zesty lemon and aromatic dill. The lemon zest and juice infuse the broth with a citrusy tang, which works beautifully with the rich and savory flavor of the chicken and vegetables. Dill, a herb that is often paired with lemon, enhances the flavor profile with its grassy and slightly sweet notes, making every spoonful a refreshing experience.

The savory ingredients in this soup, such as the fennel, leeks, and onions, bring a depth of flavor and a touch of sweetness. These vegetables soften and release their natural sugars as they cook, creating a rich base that complements the other ingredients. The addition of garlic and oregano elevates the dish further, introducing aromatic and herbal flavors that round out the overall taste.

Nutritional Benefits of One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup

While comfort food often gets a bad rap for being heavy or unhealthy, the One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is a nutrient-packed dish that offers a balance of flavors, protein, and vegetables. Each serving provides a hearty dose of protein from the chicken thighs, which are not only flavorful but also rich in essential amino acids that help repair and build muscle. The inclusion of jasmine rice ensures that the soup also provides a good source of carbohydrates, giving you energy to power through your day.

This soup is a great source of dietary fiber, thanks to the vegetables, particularly the fennel and leeks, which provide fiber that aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness. Additionally, the lemon juice adds a healthy dose of vitamin C, an essential nutrient that supports the immune system and helps protect against oxidative stress.

For those watching their sodium intake, the soup provides a moderate amount, especially if you choose a low-sodium chicken broth. The potassium from the chicken and vegetables helps balance out the sodium levels, promoting healthy blood pressure and overall well-being. With a combination of healthy fats from the olive oil and a touch of saturated fat from the chicken thighs, this soup offers a balanced and wholesome meal.

The Versatility of the Recipe

One of the reasons why this soup is so loved by home cooks is its versatility. The ingredients used in the One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup are flexible, making it easy to substitute based on what you have on hand or dietary preferences. If you don’t have chicken thighs, you can use chicken breasts or even rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for a plant-based alternative. You could even add other vegetables, like carrots or celery, to further customize the soup to your liking.

If you’re looking to make the soup more hearty, you can increase the amount of rice, or even try using a different grain such as quinoa for a unique twist. The key to this recipe’s success is the bright and aromatic broth, which will work well with whatever modifications you make.

Tips for Perfecting the Soup

To ensure that your One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are a few helpful tips:

1. Browning the Chicken: Don’t skip the step of browning the chicken. This helps to develop deeper flavors and a nice texture on the meat, which enhances the overall taste of the soup. While it may seem tempting to skip this step, taking the extra time to brown the chicken will pay off in the final dish.

2. Simmering the Rice: When you add the rice to the pot, make sure to stir it constantly for a minute or two to allow the grains to toast slightly. This will give the rice a nutty aroma and help it absorb the flavors of the broth.

3. Shredding the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks to make it easy to incorporate into the soup. Shredded chicken ensures that each bite of the soup is filled with tender chicken, making it more satisfying.

4. Adjusting the Seasoning: After adding the dill and lemon juice, take a moment to taste the soup and adjust the seasoning. A pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon can really elevate the flavors, so don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking.

Serving and Presentation

The final touch on any dish is its presentation, and the One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is no exception. Once the soup is ready to be served, ladle it into bowls and garnish with extra dill, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a drizzle of olive oil. The fresh dill adds a pop of color and a burst of flavor, while the lemon zest provides a fragrant, citrusy finish. If you’re looking to make it extra special, serve the soup with some crusty bread or a side salad to balance out the meal.

Conclusion: A Wholesome, Flavorful Dish for Any Occasion

The One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is more than just a comforting winter dish; it’s a versatile and nutrient-rich meal that can be enjoyed year-round. The bright flavors of lemon and dill combined with the hearty chicken and rice create a satisfying soup that’s both refreshing and filling. Its ease of preparation, along with its ability to adapt to different dietary needs, makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxing weekend meal.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a cozy, flavorful bowl of soup or need a dish that will warm you up on a chilly day, the One Pot Lemon Dilly Chicken Rice Soup is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So grab a pot, gather your ingredients, and prepare to enjoy a bowl of wholesome goodness that will leave you satisfied and nourished.