Description

This Lemon Chicken Soup is a nourishing and refreshing dish perfect for chilly days. It combines tender chicken, fresh lemons, and comforting herbs to create a bright and zesty flavor with heartwarming goodness. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, this healthy soup is packed with lean protein and antioxidants, making it a versatile meal for quick dinners or soothing comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables and Aromatics

1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids and Flavorings

6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp olive oil

Citrus and Herbs

2 fresh lemons, zested and juiced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves

Optional

1 tsp natural gelling agent
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Vegetables and Chicken: Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into even pieces for uniform cooking. Mince the garlic finely and set all the vegetables aside. Trim and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure quick and even cooking in the soup.
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the vegetables begin to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about one minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and gently cook until they start to turn golden. This step locks in flavor and helps keep the chicken tender throughout the simmering process.
Build the Soup Base: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Add the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and apple cider vinegar, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes so all the flavors can meld together.
Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Add the lemon zest and juice directly into the pot, stirring to infuse the soup with bright citrus notes. Incorporate the chopped parsley and thyme, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If using a natural gelling agent, whisk it in now to achieve your preferred soup consistency.
Final Simmer and Serve: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to fully combine all ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with your choice of garnish and sides.

Notes

Use fresh lemons for the most vibrant citrus flavor.
Simmer gently to maintain chicken tenderness and avoid overcooking.
Customize the texture using a natural gelling agent if you prefer a thicker soup.
Add delicate herbs like parsley at the end to preserve their brightness.
Taste before adding lemon juice to balance the acidity and avoid overpowering the soup.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, comforting soup, healthy chicken soup, citrus chicken soup, gluten free soup