Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil and Butter: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. The combination of olive oil and butter adds depth of flavor and prevents the butter from burning.
2. Add Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté for 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
3. Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant. Garlic adds a rich, aromatic base to the soup.

Step 2: Add the Chicken and Broth

1. Add Chicken and Broth: Place the chicken breasts or thighs in the pot, then add the chicken broth and water. The chicken will cook in the broth, infusing it with flavor and moisture.
2. Add Bay Leaves and Thyme: Add the bay leaves and thyme to the pot for additional aromatic flavor. These herbs add an earthy depth to the soup that complements the lemon.
3. Season with Salt and Pepper: Season with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind that more seasoning can be added later if needed.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken and Rice

1. Bring to a Boil: Increase the heat to high and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
2. Add the Rice: Once the soup is boiling, add the uncooked rice. Stir well to ensure the rice is evenly distributed.
3. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the soup simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the chicken is fully cooked. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Add Lemon

1. Remove and Shred the Chicken: Use tongs to remove the chicken from the pot and transfer it to a cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return Chicken to Pot: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, stirring it into the soup.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. The lemon juice adds a bright, zesty flavor, while the zest enhances the lemon aroma without adding more acidity.
4. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, a lemon slice, and extra cracked black pepper if desired. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby flavor.
2. Serve Warm: Enjoy this cozy lemon chicken & rice soup warm, with crusty bread or crackers on the side.