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Lemon Chicken Soup: Bright and Healthy Comfort in a Bowl

This lemon chicken soup is a comforting and healthy meal, perfect for cozy evenings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil or melted butter
  • 1 cup carrots, diced can substitute with parsnips
  • 1 cup onion, chopped yellow or sweet onions preferred
  • 1 cup celery, sliced fennel is a great alternative
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced fresh preferred
  • to taste black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or double the amount of fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme can substitute with rosemary or oregano
  • to taste salt
  • 2 leaves bay leaves remove before serving
For the Protein and Broth
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs or rotisserie chicken
  • 6 cups low sodium chicken broth bone broth or vegetable broth can also be used
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup dry orzo pasta substitute with gluten-free pasta if desired
For the Zing
  • 1-2 lemons fresh squeezed lemon juice adjust for taste

Equipment

  • large pot

Method
 

Instructions for Lemon Chicken Soup
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Add 1 cup each of diced carrots, chopped onion, and sliced celery; sauté for about 5 minutes.
  3. Toss in 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for an additional minute.
  4. Season with a pinch of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt to taste.
  5. Add 2 bay leaves, 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, and 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth; stir well.
  6. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove the chicken, shred it, then return it to the pot.
  8. Add 1 cup of dry orzo pasta and cook until al dente.
  9. Squeeze in the juice of 1-2 fresh lemons and stir to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 700mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 900IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

The soup can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days and freezes well for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of broth or water if needed.

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