Description
Warm up your evenings with this easy Lemon Chicken Soup recipe, perfect for busy nights when you want a bright, comforting, and nourishing meal. Made with simple, fresh ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, this soup features tender chicken, vibrant lemon, fresh herbs, and wholesome vegetables for a cozy yet light bowl of goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups chicken breast or thighs, chopped
Citrus
- Juice of 1 large fresh lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
Vegetables
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids
- 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Other
- Natural gelling agent, small amount (optional, to enhance texture)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant to build a savory foundation for the soup.
- Add Vegetables: Toss in diced carrots and celery. Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften, releasing natural sweetness and volume to the broth.
- Cook the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and brown lightly to seal in juices, ensuring the meat stays tender and flavorful.
- Pour in Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Stir in fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and dill. Add a small amount of the natural gelling agent if desired to enhance texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons to brighten the flavor beyond bottled juice.
- Do not overcook chicken to maintain tenderness.
- The natural gelling agent adds comforting texture without heaviness.
- Adjust lemon juice gradually to balance acidity.
- Homemade broth enriches flavor but store-bought low-sodium broth works well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, quick chicken soup, comforting soup, easy chicken recipe, healthy soup, light chicken soup, soup dinner
