Description
This Lemon Chicken Soup is a cozy and refreshing meal that brightens your day with its zesty lemon flavor and tender chicken. It combines simple pantry staples and fresh produce to create a nourishing, comforting bowl perfect for any season. Ready in under 30 minutes, this soup offers a bright and healthy option that can be easily customized to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (gluten-free, natural)
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Dice the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic finely to ensure even cooking and release their aroma. Zest the lemons carefully to avoid the bitter white pith. Then squeeze the lemon juice and set aside. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces for faster cooking.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, creating a fragrant base.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and cook until lightly golden on the outside but not fully cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes. This helps seal in moisture and flavor.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Add Lemon and Natural Gelling Agent: Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and natural gelling agent to achieve a smooth, velvety consistency. Continue simmering for another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy the fresh, comforting flavors.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons and herbs for the brightest flavor impact.
- Do not skip the lemon zest as it adds intense citrus notes beyond the juice alone.
- Simmer gently to keep the chicken tender and prevent it from toughening.
- Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper gradually for perfect flavor balance.
- Add the natural gelling agent slowly and stir thoroughly to avoid clumping and ensure a smooth texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: lemon chicken soup, chicken soup, lemon soup, gluten free soup, comforting soup, quick soup, healthy soup, light soup
