Best Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup

Makes 4 servings
Total Time: 20min
Prep: 5min

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 lb. chicken, cut into 1/2" cubes
• kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 1 Garlic clove, minced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 qt. chicken stock
• 1 c. cooked white rice
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced

1. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add chicken to pot and season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and half the lemon zest. Brown chicken on all sides, 5 minutes. Add garlic and onion and sauté, scraping bottom of the pan, 2 to 3 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt. Add carrots and celery cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add chicken stock, lemon juice, and cooked rice and simmer for 5 minutes. Add scallions just before serving.
3. Garnish with remaining lemon zest and serve.