Description
This Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and zesty dish that perfectly balances bright lemon flavors with tender chicken and cozy herbs. Quick and easy to prepare, it uses simple pantry staples and offers a nourishing meal that warms your soul on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 4 cups low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale
- 1 cup cooked rice or noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Heat 2 tablespoons of plant-based butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and aromatic, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. Brown slightly for 3-4 minutes per side to seal in juices and flavor.
- Add Broth and Herbs: Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium vegetable or chicken broth. Stir in 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Add fresh thyme and parsley. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until chicken is fully cooked, approximately 20 minutes.
- Infuse Lemon and Thicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Return chicken to soup. Stir in 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent to lightly thicken the broth.
- Add Greens and Finish: If desired, stir in fresh spinach or kale and cook for an additional 3 minutes until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, and more lemon juice if preferred. Remove from heat and serve hot.
Notes
- Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Remove chicken from heat promptly to keep it tender and juicy.
- Simmer gently to blend flavors well.
- Taste as you cook and adjust seasoning gradually.
- Plant-based butter enriches without heaviness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 350g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, comforting soup, quick chicken soup, gluten free soup, hearty soup, healthy chicken soup
