Chicken and Rice Soup

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs bonless skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of excess visible fat
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 1/2 cups chopped yellow onion (1 medium)
1 1/4 cups diced carrots (2 large)
1 cup diced celery (2 large)
1 Tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
7 to 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tsp minced fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 parmesan rinse, plus shredded parmesan for serving
3/4 cup to 1 long grain white rice*
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions: