Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

Name: Creamy Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 300 g leftover roast chicken, shredded and skin removed; 1500 ml low-salt chicken stock; 100 g risotto rice; 2 leeks, halved, washed, and finely sliced; 2 celery stalks, finely chopped; 2 eggs, whisked; 2 lemons, juiced; 1 tbsp rapeseed oil; 6 g fresh dill

This lemon chicken soup is bright, comforting, and gently creamy without any cream. Tender leeks, celery, rice, shredded roast chicken, and a silky egg-lemon finish make it a satisfying one-pot meal.

Servings4 Portions

Prep Time10 Mins

Cook Time30 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

leftover roast chicken, shredded and skin removed
300 g
low-salt chicken stock
1500 ml
risotto rice
100 g
leeks, halved, washed, and finely sliced
2
celery stalks, finely chopped
2
eggs, whisked
2
lemons, juiced
2
rapeseed oil
1 tbsp
fresh dill
6 g

Step-by-Step Instructions

Warm the rapeseed oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the sliced leeks and chopped celery, then cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring often, until softened but not browned. Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil. Stir in the risotto rice and shredded chicken, reduce the heat to a steady simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender.

Remove the pan from the heat and let the soup cool for 10-15 minutes so the eggs do not curdle. In a bowl, whisk the eggs with the lemon juice, then slowly whisk in a ladleful of warm soup to temper the mixture. Gradually stir the egg-lemon mixture back into the pan until the soup looks creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning, then serve hot with fresh dill scattered over the top.

Chef's Tips

For the smoothest texture, do not add the eggs while the soup is boiling; residual heat is enough to thicken it gently. Arborio or other risotto rice gives the soup body, but short-grain rice or orzo can also work. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently over low heat to prevent the egg from separating.