Instructions:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about five minutes. Add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chicken, rice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a gentle boil, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the rice is tender. Remove the chicken from the pot, shred it, and return it to the soup. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, adjust seasoning to taste, and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.