Comforting Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort and warmth blend perfectly in this hearty lemon chicken soup that promises healing in every spoonful.

Packed with tender chicken and bright citrus notes, the soup captures Mediterranean culinary magic.

Zesty and nourishing, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal.

Fresh herbs dance alongside succulent chicken pieces, creating layers of delightful flavor.

Fragrant broth infused with lemon’s vibrant tang makes this soup an instant classic.

Wholesome and easy to prepare, the dish delivers restaurant-quality comfort right in your kitchen.

Bright & Cozy: Lemon Chicken Soup Season

• Boost Immunity Powerhouse: Packed with vitamin-rich ingredients like lemon and vegetables that naturally support your body's defense system.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Easily prepares in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something nourishing and satisfying.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows substitutions like swapping rice for orzo or adding different herbs, letting you create a personalized soup experience.
• Family-Friendly Nutrition: Kid-approved flavor profile with tender chicken and mild seasonings that appeal to all ages while delivering essential nutrients.

Lemon Chicken Soup: The Essentials

• Chicken Breasts: Fresh chicken provides the main protein and hearty texture for this comforting soup.
• Chicken Broth: A rich liquid base that adds deep flavor and supports the soup's overall taste profile.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: These classic soup vegetables create a flavorful foundation with a wonderful blend of sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Adds a robust and warm flavor that enhances the entire soup's taste.

• Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs that contribute an earthy and subtle background note to the soup.
• Rice or Orzo or Couscous: A starch that adds body and makes the soup more filling.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright citrus elements that provide a fresh and tangy dimension.
• Egg Yolks or Cornstarch: Optional thickening agents that help create a creamy consistency.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's overall flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: A green garnish that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and creating a smooth cooking base.

Instructions for Zesty Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Vegetable Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Sauté chopped onions, carrots, and celery until soft and slightly translucent, releasing their flavors evenly.

Step 2: Infuse With Garlic Essence

Add minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for about 60 seconds, allowing the aroma to deepen and enhance the soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Create Chicken and Herb Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot.

Add whole chicken breasts, fresh thyme sprigs, and a bay leaf.

Simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Shred and Return Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred the meat with two forks.

Return the shredded chicken to the simmering broth.

Step 5: Introduce Citrusy and Grain Elements

Stir in your choice of rice or orzo, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper.

Simmer until the grains are tender and infused with flavor.

Step 6: Create Luxurious Soup Texture

• Option 1: Whisk egg yolks and temper with hot broth, then slowly add to the soup.
• Option 2: Mix cornstarch with water and stir gently into the soup.

Step 7: Final Touch and Serving

Adjust seasonings to taste.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve the soup hot in bowls.

Tips for a Lemony, Satisfying Chicken Soup

• Add a splash of white wine while sautéing vegetables to enhance the soup's overall taste profile.
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to ensure maximum tenderness and prevent dryness.
• Grate fresh lemon zest just before adding to maintain vibrant citrus notes and aromatic intensity.
• Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that maintains similar texture.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of egg yolks for a lighter, protein-rich thickening method that adds subtle tanginess.

Lemon Chicken Soup Flavor Swaps

• Gluten-Free Zinger: Replace rice with quinoa or gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the soup's hearty texture.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap chicken with white fish like cod or halibut, and add fresh dill and a splash of white wine for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Veggie Powerhouse: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option that's packed with nutrients.
• Low-Carb Champion: Skip the grains entirely and use cauliflower rice instead, keeping the lemony brightness while reducing carbohydrate content for keto dieters.

Ways to Serve Lemon Chicken Soup Warm

• Comfort Bowl Companion: Pair this hearty soup with a crusty slice of sourdough bread for dipping and soaking up the zesty broth.
• Mediterranean Meal Enhancer: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta cheese, cucumber, and kalamata olives to complement the lemony flavors.
• Protein Power-Up: Top the soup with toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta for added texture and a protein boost that elevates the entire dish.
• Cozy Night Complete: Enjoy with a glass of light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a refreshing herbal tea to round out this warming meal.

Lemon Chicken Soup Storage Advice

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping flavors fresh and ingredients intact.
• Pack soup in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air, and freeze for 2-3 months without losing quality.
• Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent hot spots.
• Gently reheat soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth if the soup has thickened during storage to restore original consistency.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, vegetables like carrots and celery, and vitamin C from lemon, making it a nutritious meal that supports immune health.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace rice or orzo with quinoa or gluten-free rice to ensure the recipe is gluten-free and safe for those with sensitivities.

• How do I prevent egg yolks from curdling?

Temper the egg yolks by slowly adding hot broth while whisking constantly, which gradually raises their temperature and prevents scrambling.

• What if I want a lower-carb version?

Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or reduce the amount of rice, which will lower the carbohydrate content while maintaining the soup’s delicious flavor profile.

Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean zest meets comfort in this lemon chicken soup, perfect for warming souls on chilly evenings. Rich broth and tender chicken create a delightful harmony that transports you to a sunny Greek kitchen with each comforting spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 large chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 ribs celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 0.5 cup rice (or orzo pasta or couscous)
• 0.25 cup (60 milliliters) lemon juice
• 1 lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Thickening Agents:

• 2 egg yolks, whisked
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté onions, carrots, and celery until they become translucent and softened, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to brown.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, then introduce whole chicken breasts, fresh thyme sprigs, and bay leaf. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, ensuring chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Carefully extract chicken from the broth, shred meat using two forks, and return the shredded pieces back to the pot.
5. Incorporate rice, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Continue simmering until rice becomes tender, about 10-12 minutes.
6. For a luxurious, creamy texture, whisk egg yolks in a separate bowl. Gradually temper the yolks by slowly adding hot broth while continuously whisking. Alternatively, create a cornstarch slurry by mixing cornstarch with cold water.
7. Integrate the tempered egg mixture or cornstarch slurry into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent curdling or clumping.
8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, gluten-free version that maintains the soup’s hearty texture.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or white beans for a more filling meal.
• Use bone broth instead of regular chicken broth to boost nutritional value and create a richer, deeper flavor profile.
• Prevent egg curdling by carefully tempering the yolks with hot broth, whisking continuously to create a smooth, silky consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 230 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg