Creamy Lemon Chicken & Rice Soup

I know I've been whining about the cold a lot...but it's so dang COLD! My Southern blood just can't handle it! Therefore, there has been a lot of soup and hot beverages going on around here. This soup has been a favorite. It's makes you feel like you are eating a warm blanket. No...wait...that doesn't sound very good. It's warm and comforting like a warm blanket? Maybe that's better. Maybe I should just shut up and post the recipe...

You could make this with rice or orzo. I actually made both, left them out of the soup, and let everyone choose...because one child likes orzo and hates rice, and the other loves rice...and it was just easier this way. Trust me. But you can totally choose. I bet dinner is easier at your house. *sigh*

Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 small onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped (I was out, so didn't use in pictured soup)

1 celery stalk, chopped

1 glove garlic, minced

6 cups chicken broth

2/3 cups rice (I used Jasmine)

1 lemon (zest removed and juiced)

1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded

1/4 cup heavy cream 

salt and pepper, to taste

parsley (optional)

In a stock pot, saute onion, carrot and celery on medium heat in tablespoon of olive oil. Once onions are soft and translucent, add garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. At this point, you can blend your veggies and broth with an immersion blender or you can leave chunky. (Remember my picky kids? I love my immersion blender!) Add rice, cover, and cook 10-15 minutes or until rice is tender. Reduce heat to low, add chicken, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt and pepper. Let simmer for 15-20 mins. Remove from heat, add heavy cream, stir and serve. Top with dried parsley if desired. 

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