A comforting and flavorful soup inspired by Mediterranean cuisine, featuring tender chicken, vibrant lemon, and hearty rice.
Heat a stockpot over medium heat and lightly coat with cooking spray.
Using a nonstick pot can help reduce the need for excessive oil.
Add diced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
Add diced chicken breast to the pot and cook until lightly browned.
Cut the chicken into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
Stir in the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Add the rice, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender, about 20 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.
Stir in chopped parsley just before serving.
Adding fresh herbs at the end preserves their vibrant flavor.
Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Pair with a slice of crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
