Description

Warm up with this easy Lemon Chicken Soup recipe featuring zesty lemon juice, tender chicken breasts, and wholesome vegetables in a comforting broth. This bright and refreshing soup is quick to prepare, perfect for weeknights, and customizable with your favorite herbs and veggies. Enjoy a light yet satisfying meal packed with vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Broth

2 boneless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)

Vegetables and Aromatics

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

Flavorings and Garnish

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Natural gelling agent (optional), dissolved in cold water

Instructions

Prep Your Ingredients: Finely chop the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and tenderness in every spoonful.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic. Cook until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid browning.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until they lose their pink color but are not fully cooked through, about 4 minutes. This step helps the chicken absorb some of the vegetable flavors.
Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer to develop those rich, comforting flavors.
Incorporate Lemon and Final Touches: Stir in fresh lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste. If you prefer a slightly thicker texture, dissolve a small amount of natural gelling agent in cold water and add it to the soup. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the surface for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve the soup piping hot and enjoy every spoonful of this zesty, heartwarming Lemon Chicken Soup!

Notes

Add a little lemon zest along with the juice for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
Remove the soup from heat as soon as the chicken is tender to keep it juicy.
Taste and adjust the lemon juice and broth to balance the desired tanginess.
Use fresh parsley or an herb alternative like dill or thyme just before serving for maximum flavor and color.
Add cooked grains such as rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Lemon Chicken Soup, Comfort Soup, Zesty Soup, Healthy Soup, Quick Soup, Gluten Free Soup, Chicken Soup