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Lemon Chicken Lentil Soup

lentil soup recipe
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Ingredients

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  • 1 cup dried red lentils, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup water
  • Juice of 1 lemon (about 2–3 tbsp)
  • Zest of 1 lemon (about 1 tbsp)
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2–3 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Stir in the chicken pieces and brown lightly for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add red lentils to the pot and stir to coat them with the oil and vegetable mixture.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and water, then add lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried thyme. Stir to combine.
  6. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially with a lid.
  7. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are tender and chicken is cooked through.
  8. Taste and season with salt and pepper according to your preference.
  9. If using baby spinach, stir it in during the last 2 minutes of cooking, just until wilted.
  10. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
  11. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired.

Notes

  • Red lentils cook quickly and will break down somewhat, naturally thickening the soup.
  • For a thicker consistency, blend about 1/3 of the soup using an immersion blender.
  • This soup freezes well for up to 3 months in airtight containers.
  • Add a dollop of Greek yogurt when serving for extra creaminess.
  • Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon chicken lentil soup, lentil soup recipe, lemon chicken broth, healthy soup, quick weeknight soup

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/lemon-chicken-lentil-soup-easy-bold-2/