🍋 Cozy Lemon Chicken & Brown Rice Soup with Spinach
There’s something about a simple pot of soup that makes a home feel extra peaceful.
This Lemon Chicken and Brown Rice Soup came to me in the most ordinary moment—brushing my teeth, thinking about tomorrow’s dinner (as one does). And the more I thought about it, the more it sounded like exactly the kind of meal I love this time of year.
Why You’ll Love This Soup
It’s warm and comforting, but not heavy. It’s easy to make and comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
Hearty from the brown rice, bright from the lemon, and finished with a handful of soft spinach for that little touch of goodness.
It’s the kind of soup that feels like you’re taking care of yourself… without making a big fuss about it.
And those are often the very best kinds.
If you have rice and chicken already cooked, this soup can help you get a meal on the table in a hurry! Sauté the onion, carrots and celery. Add the garlic. Add the broth and bring to a simmer. Add in the chicken and rice. Simmer 10-15 minutes. Add the spinach and allow it to wilt for a couple minutes. Add in the lemon, salt and pepper. Done!
Granny’s Tips 💛
Add the lemon at the end instead of while boiling. This keeps the flavor bright and fresh.
I usually add rice directly to individual bowls instead of the whole pot. That way leftovers don’t get too soft in the fridge.
If freezing, I highly recommend freezing the soup base separately and adding cooked rice when reheating.
Optional Add-Ons
- Sprinkle of parmesan on top
- Fresh parsley or dill
- Extra squeeze of lemon right before serving
Grampy Rated It: “Really Good”
Okay, I should probably explain.
Grampy has a food-rating system that has quietly evolved over our 30-year marriage. It goes like this:
- Interesting = He will eat it this time, but please do not make it again.
- Good = A step up from Interesting, but not likely to become a favorite.
- Really Good = This is where most successful recipes land. He will gladly eat it again, and may suggest additions–usually add green chile.
- Awesome or Amazing = Reserved mostly for Mexican food or restaurant meals.
Grampy gave this recipe a rating of:
Really good…for healthy food.
Considering his potato chip and cookie stash, that was high praise.
Until next time, happy cooking! 💗
Cozy Lemon Chicken and Brown Rice Soup with Spinach
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots sliced
- 2 celery stalks sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie works beautifully)
- 1 cup cooked brown rice
- Juice of 1–2 lemons to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked brown rice. Let simmer for 10–15 minutes to blend the flavors.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Start with one lemon and add more to taste.
- Add the spinach and let it wilt gently for 1–2 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, and serve warm.
