Lemon Chicken Soup with Spinach & Dill

Serves four to six.

To learn more, read:
Bridging Summer & Autumn
by Pamela Anderson
from Fine Cooking
Issue 67
Last Edit Date: 8/9/2011 11:06:28 AM

more about:

2 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large yellow onion, cut into medium dice
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 qt. low-salt chicken broth
1/2 cup instant rice
1 tsp. dried oregano
5 oz. (6 cups lightly packed) baby spinach
2 Tbs. minced fresh dill
2 Tbs. fresh lemon juice; more to taste
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Heat the oil in a small (3-qt.) Dutch oven or soup kettle over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the chicken thighs, broth, rice, and oregano. Cover, raise the heat to medium high, and bring to a full boil; turn off the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. With tongs, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred it with a table knife and fork, discarding any obvious fat or gristle. Working in two batches, purée the broth, rice, and onions in a blender until very smooth, 30 to 60 seconds.

Return the chicken and the thickened broth to the pot and bring to a simmer over medium-low heat. Add the spinach and dill; cook until the spinach wilts completely, about 3 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more lemon juice.

nutrition information (per serving):
Size : based on six servings; Calories (kcal): 230; Fat (g): 11; Fat Calories (kcal): 100; Saturated Fat (g): 3; Protein (g): 18; Monounsaturated Fat (g): 6; Carbohydrates (g): 14; Polyunsaturated Fat (g): 2; Sodium (mg): 710; Cholesterol (mg): 50; Fiber (g): 2;

Photo: Scott Phillips

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by jacquiesr71, 4/24/2012This is very close to the Greek soup avegno lemono, but kicked up a bit. Made it last night for my husband, and he said it was the best soup he has ever had in his life. The entire family loved it including myself. BTW, I make a lot of soups/stews in the winter time. I did add carrots and used orzo vs rice and did the dill/lemon/oregano to taste. I sometimes do like my lemon goodies to have a more tart flavor =). VERY healthy and easy on the calories, too. This will for sure be one i make through out the years! YUM!

by BradyMichel, 5/14/2010The chicken thighs and the blended rice broth give this soup a "stick to your ribs" quality. Great immune booster! Oustanding flavor.

by atriola702, 7/11/2009

by gremolata, 1/26/2008what could be more satisfying than this simple soup made delicous with dill..soothing way to calm down and smell the rose'

by Nightrider, 10/28/2007Very good! My husband raved about this one. Will definitely make again.