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+ servings
Lemon Chicken Soup

Zesty Lemon Chicken Soup for Cozy, Healthy Nights

A quick and healthy Lemon Chicken Soup that's perfect for weeknights, combining vibrant flavors and nourishing ingredients.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter.
  • 1 cup Diced Carrots No substitutions necessary.
  • 1 cup Chopped Onion Use yellow, white, or sweet onions interchangeably.
  • 1 cup Chopped Celery No substitutes recommended.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Replace with garlic powder if needed (1/4 teaspoon per clove).
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tablespoon Dried Parsley Use fresh parsley and double the amount if substituting.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme Can also use dried rosemary or basil.
  • to taste Salt Adjust for dietary needs.
  • 2 leaves Bay Leaves Omit or adjust based on preference.
For the Protein
  • 2 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs or use shredded rotisserie chicken.
For the Broth and Pasta
  • 6 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Can substitute with vegetable or bone broth.
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta Replace with gluten-free pasta or alternative grains like quinoa or rice.
For the Finishing Touch
  • 1-2 lemons Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice Adjust according to taste preference.

Equipment

  • Large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lemon Chicken Soup
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 cup of diced carrots, 1 chopped onion, and 1 cup of chopped celery to the pot, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.
  2. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, and salt to taste. Add 2 bay leaves and 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into the pot, followed by 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
  3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let the chicken cook for 15 minutes.
  4. After 15 minutes, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add 1 cup of dry orzo pasta.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the juice of 1-2 freshly squeezed lemons, adjusting to your taste preference.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 30gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Store your Lemon Chicken Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months.

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