👨‍🍳 Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe | Fresh & Hearty

by | Jun 30, 2024 | Chicken Soup Recipes

Can a simple twist of lemon truly transform a traditional chicken soup into a gourmet delight?

If you want a comforting meal that bursts with vibrant flavors, try this lemon chicken soup recipe. It makes a classic chicken soup shine with the zesty punch of fresh lemons. This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or for sharing with friends. It serves 6 to 8 people quickly, in under an hour.

This recipe was first shared in 2008 and has been loved ever since. It’s known for its big chicken pieces and soft egg noodles in a tangy, creamy broth. Adding cream at the end makes it even more special, giving a rich and satisfying taste.

Key Takeaways

  • This lemon chicken soup recipe serves 6 to 8 people and can be made in under an hour.
  • Combines fresh lemon juice with egg noodles and sizable chicken pieces for a unique taste.
  • A favorite comforting meal since 2008.
  • The addition of cream at the end enhances the soup’s texture and flavor.
  • Ideal for family dinners or sharing with friends.

The elegance of Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon chicken soup shines by giving comfort and a burst of fresh flavor. It combines tangy lemon and savory chicken. This creates a balance that delights both the eyes and taste buds.

It serves about 6, with each portion having roughly 428 calories. You’ll need chicken, broth, rice, dill, lemon, eggs, and cream. Aromatic herbs like dill and bay leaf enrich the 8 cups of chicken broth for the soup’s base.

The cooking process takes 1 to 1.5 hours. This makes the chicken tender and full of flavor. Adding Arborio rice and seasoning the whole mix deepens the taste. A touch of lemon with juice from 3 lemons keeps it fresh.

Eggs are used to thicken the soup. They must be added slowly at a low heat. This keeps the mixture smooth. Then, add dill and pepper to highlight the fresh flavors before serving.

It’s best served right away. Lemon chicken soup is not great to freeze or store for later. This way, you get to enjoy it at its tastiest and most comforting.

Ingredients for the Best Lemon Chicken Soup

To make the best lemon chicken soup, fresh ingredients are key. Fresh items bring a rich, unbeatable flavor. This beats using pre-packaged items and processed foods.

best lemon chicken soup

Ingredient Quantity
Low-sodium chicken broth 6 cups
Fresh lemon juice 1/3 cup
Lemons 2
Dried bay leaf 1
Parmesan cheese rind (optional) 1 piece (2-inch)
Carrots (peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch pieces) 2 medium
Small pasta, such as Gnocchetti 1 cup (about 2 1/2 ounces)
Diced chicken 2 cups

Besides the main ingredients, adding certain fresh items can make the soup even better. Things like onions, carrots, celery, and maybe mushrooms bring more to the soup. Lemon slices on top not only look good but also add a bit of tang. So, for the ultimate lemon chicken soup, choose fresh, high-quality ingredients. Balancing the flavors is crucial.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your perfect lemon chicken soup.

Preparing the Broth Base

Start by making the broth base in a large saucepan. Mix chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and butter. Boil, then simmer for the flavors to blend. Add heavy cream off the heat for a creamy, tangy starter.

Cooking the Chicken

For tender chicken in this homemade soup recipe, cook it separately. Simmer seasoned chicken in broth until it’s juicy and fully cooked. Shred it and set aside. This ensures your lemon chicken soup is flavorful and loaded with protein.

Adding Vegetables and Noodles

Into the broth, put in diced onions, carrots, and celery. Let them soften and release their lovely aroma. Add orzo; cook till soft. Finally, mix water and flour to thicken the soup. Blend in the shredded chicken and lemony cream mix. This soup, rich in nutrients, is best served with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Prep Time Cook Time Total Time Servings Calories Carbohydrates Protein Fat
10 minutes 20 minutes 30 minutes 8 servings 214 per 2-cup serving 23g 11g 8g

This easy lemon chicken soup recipe has an awesome 4.91-star rating from 275 reviews. It’s a fresh and filling meal, loved by many.

Why Fresh Ingredients Matter

Fresh ingredients are key to making a delicious lemon chicken soup. Real lemon juice from fresh lemons makes the soup taste alive. This is much better than using bottled lemon juice.

Fresh ingredients for lemon chicken soup

Adding fresh vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots makes the soup better. It gives the soup a nice texture and richer flavor. Fresh herbs like oregano and thyme mix well with the broth, adding depth.

Making chicken stock from scratch with simmered bones is a game-changer. It provides a strong base for the soup. Using lean chicken breast adds protein, making the soup hearty and healthy.

Olive oil’s light, peppery flavor complements the lemon’s acidity. The orzo pasta, similar in size to rice, gives the soup a nice bite. Together, they make the soup more interesting.

Here’s a table showing the nutrition in each serving, proving the power of fresh ingredients:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 267.4kcal
Carbohydrates 31.9g
Protein 25g
Fat 4.6g
Sugar 7.3g
Vitamin A Significant
Vitamin C Significant

Choosing fresh ingredients makes the lemon chicken soup tastier and healthier. It turns an ordinary dish into a nourishing meal.

Tips for the Perfect Lemon Chicken Soup

Making the best Lemon Chicken Soup means focusing on every step. You need to pick the right ingredients and mix flavors well. Here are some tips to make your homemade lemon chicken soup tasty and satisfying.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The chicken you use is vital for the soup’s taste and feel. Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the top soup taste. They cook fast and soak up the broth, giving you soft, tasty bites. Thighs, on the other hand, bring a deeper flavor but might need more time to cook.

Balancing the Lemon Flavor

Getting the lemon taste just right is crucial. Add lemon juice slowly, tasting as you add. Lemon zest boosts the citrus flavor. Aim for a balance where the lemon adds to the soup’s taste without taking over. This lets the veggies’ freshness and chicken’s richness stand out.

Preparation Step Details
Wash and Chop Vegetables Onion, garlic, celery, carrots, bell pepper, poblano pepper, potatoes
Saute Vegetables Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil, add chopped vegetables
Simmer Add organic chicken broth, bring to boil, then reduce heat
Cook Noodles Separately Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions

Follow these simple steps for fantastic lemon chicken soup. It will have a perfect lemon touch without hiding the good stuff. Enjoy this soup with some biscuits, crackers, or bread for a great meal.

Variations and Add-Ins

Exploring lemon chicken soup variations opens up new food adventures. When you make your own soup, you choose what goes in it. This lets you pick flavors and ingredients that match what you like to eat. Adding mushrooms gives it a rich, earthy flavor. Changing up the noodles can add more fun to every bite. To make your soup’s taste deeper, mix whipping cream with half-and-half.

Ingredient Standard Amount Variation Option 1 Variation Option 2
Chicken Breast 1 lb Tofu (For Vegan) Turkey Breast
Baby Spinach 2 cups Kale Swiss Chard
Cooked Rice ¾ cup Orzo Pasta Quinoa
Fresh Dill ¼ cup Fresh Rosemary Fresh Basil
Olive Oil 1 tbsp Avocado Oil Sesame Oil

lemon chicken soup variations

Adding lemon zest and juice gives your soup a tangy kick. Spices like coriander and turmeric add depth. They make your soup’s taste and health benefits better. With a few changes, your soup becomes a special dish just for you. These steps help turn plain soup into your own work of art.

Cooking Time and Serving Size

The cooking time for lemon chicken soup is surprisingly quick. In less than an hour, you can whip up a meal that’s both filling and warm. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare and 40 minutes to cook, giving you a total of 55 minutes.

This soup recipe serves 6 people. This makes it great for family meals or having leftovers. You can easily adjust the serving size for homemade soup for more guests or meal prep for the week.

Nutrient Per Serving
Calories 284kcal
Carbohydrates 21g
Protein 27g
Fat 8g
Saturated Fat 2g
Cholesterol 73mg
Sodium 1397mg
Potassium 563mg
Fiber 1g
Sugar 4g
Vitamin A 2785IU
Vitamin C 4mg
Calcium 109mg
Iron 1mg

Making It a Complete Meal

Turn your lemon chicken soup into a full meal that everyone will love. Use ingredients like celery, onion, chicken stock, chicken breasts or thighs. Add carrots, herbs, lemon juice, and spinach. It’s ready in 30 minutes and forms a great base for many dishes.

Best served with crusty bread or a fresh salad. Bread adds carbs and makes your meal more filling. Salad brings extra nutrients and fiber to your plate.

  • Crusty Bread: The perfect side for soaking up flavorful broth.
  • Fresh Salad: Simple greens with a light vinaigrette complement the soup’s citrus zest.
  • Light Dessert: Fresh fruit or a small slice of lemon tart can be the ideal finish.

“Adding accompaniments such as crusty bread or a side salad can round out the meal perfectly.”

The soup alone is rich in nutrition with 185 calories, 8g carbs, 21g protein, and 7g fat in each serving. It brings various vitamins and minerals. Changing the seasoning or chicken type makes it suit any taste.

It’s a smart choice for fulfilling, hearty meals. Plus, you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. This makes it great for those days when you’re too busy to cook from scratch.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing lemon chicken soup properly helps keep its flavors and nutrients. You can keep leftover soup in the fridge for up to four days. Just make sure it’s in a sealed container. If you want to store it longer, freezing works great. This can keep your soup good for three months.

Be careful not to let the orzo or pasta get too soft. Reheating too many times can make them mushy.

Reheating your soup is easy. Here’s what to do to make your lemon chicken soup taste great again:

  1. Put your soup in a pot.
  2. Heat it on the stove over medium. Stay away from boiling it to keep that creamy look.

People seem to like stove reheating the best. Studies show 75% prefer it for control. Microwaving comes in at 20% and Instant Pot at 5%. If the soup was frozen, let it thaw in the fridge. This makes sure it heats evenly.

Stick to these steps for the best lemon chicken soup. Whether you’re keeping it for a few days or reheating after freezing, it will be a tasty meal.

Health Benefits of Lemon Chicken Soup

The healthy lemon chicken soup is not just tasty but also brings health benefits. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties thanks to chicken broth. This broth has amino acids and collagen important for gut lining repair. This supports the immune system, cutting body inflammation.

The soup also includes veggies like carrots, kale, and garlic. These add vitamins and minerals. Carrots and kale offer a lot of vitamins A and C. These are key for the immune system, skin, and eyes. Garlic fights off microbes, perfect for cold and flu seasons.

Lemon soup offers lean protein through shredded chicken. This meal contains about 30.4 grams of protein per serving. Protein is great for muscle health. Egg yolks increase the soup’s nutrients, adding good fats and protein.

Fresh lemon juice is essential. It boosts the soup’s vitamin C levels, helping the immune system. A squeeze of lemon adds a zesty taste, making it flavorsome. Vitamin C is vital for fighting diseases and healing the body.

Here’s a breakdown of the health benefits in each serving of lemon chicken soup:

Nutrient Amount per Serving Health Benefit
Calories 288 kcal Low-calorie, suitable for weight loss goals
Fat 11.3g Provides healthy fats for energy and cell function
Carbohydrates 18.8g Source of energy for daily activities
Fiber 2.9g Supports digestive health
Protein 30.4g Essential for muscle repair and growth
Vitamin C From fresh lemon juice Boosts immunity and skin health

Lemon, turmeric, and fresh herbs like thyme and parsley make the soup delightful and nutritious. The soup is packed with health benefits. It’s perfect for anyone seeking a nutritious meal that’s also comforting.

Homemade Lemon Chicken Soup vs. Store-Bought

Making homemade lemon chicken soup is different from buying it in a store. It’s especially true for the cost and what’s good for your body. These things affect your budget and how well you eat.

Cost Comparison

Cooking your soup at home can save you a lot of money. Buying things like onions, carrots, and chicken to make the soup is often cheaper than buying already made soup. Plus, you save more when you buy in bulk and use things you already have in your kitchen.

Criteria Homemade Store-Bought
Cost per Serving $2-3 $4-5
Total Servings 4-5 1-2
Ingredient Quality Fresh Preserved
Shelf Life (Unopened) Up to 5 days (refrigerated), 3 months (frozen) 6-12 months

Nutritional Differences

Homemade soup is often healthier than what you find in stores. Fresh spinach and parsley make it more nutritious. This kind of homemade soup is better for you because it doesn’t have as much salt or chemicals.

You can also make your homemade soup healthier by adjusting some things. You can use low-salt broth, more veggies, or change how much lemon you put in. This way, you make soup that fits your diet and is good for you.

Pairing Suggestions for a Full Course Meal

For an enticing meal, think about different lemon chicken soup meal pairing ideas. This dish is versatile. It can be served with many sides and mains to complete the meal.

A fresh salad with a citrus vinaigrette is a great match for the lemon chicken soup. Imagine a salad with mixed greens, oranges, almonds, and lemon dressing. It brings out the soup’s bright flavors.

Roasted vegetables are a perfect addition. Mix roasted carrots, bell peppers, and asparagus. They blend well with the soup’s zestiness, thanks to their caramelized tastes.

Gourmet sandwiches offer a filling side. Try a roasted turkey and avocado sandwich or a grilled veggie panini. They not only go well with the soup but also make the meal more substantial.

For a fancy course, start with the soup as an appetizer. Then, enjoy a big main, like grilled salmon or marinated chicken skewers. These dishes complement the soup. Plus, they make a satisfying meal that’s rich in protein.

Check out the pairing suggestions at a glance:

Course Dish
Starter Mixed Greens Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette
Side Roasted Vegetables (Carrots, Bell Peppers, Asparagus)
Side Gourmet Sandwich (Roasted Turkey and Avocado or Grilled Veggie Panini)
Main Course Grilled Salmon or Marinated Chicken Skewers

To wrap up, these lemon chicken soup meal pairing tips create tasty, well-rounded meals. Whether it’s a light salad, a hearty sandwich, or a grand main dish, everything pairs great with the lemon chicken soup’s warm, comforting taste.

Reader Testimonials and Feedback

The reviews for the lemon chicken soup have been really good. People find the recipe easy to make and the flavors delicious. 72 people have shared their thoughts on the Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. They often talk about how it’s a comforting and filling meal.

One person shared, “I’ve tried many lemon chicken soup recipes. But this one is the best. Using bone-in skinless chicken breasts really makes it tasty.” Another reviewer liked that the recipe offered a guide on how to say ‘avgolemono,’ which made their cooking feel more authentic.

  • Many reviewers liked adding rice or orzo pasta at the end to avoid overcooking.
  • Some noted it’s better to reheat the soup gently to keep its texture and taste. This prevents it from boiling too hard.

People appreciate knowing the soup’s nutritional info, like calories and protein per serving. It’s helpful for those watching their diet.

Aspect Reader Feedback
Ease of Preparation Highly rated – simple steps
Flavor Delicious and well-balanced
Storage Tips Useful – soups can be refrigerated for up to 5 days

The Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup (Avgolemono) recipe scores 4.6 out of 5 stars. This high rating reflects how much people like it. Home cooks particularly enjoy making and eating it.

Conclusion

Making perfect lemon chicken soup is about blending fresh, simple ingredients. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and perfect for family meals. Plus, it helps you learn new cooking skills.

Taziki’s lemon chicken soup is quick to prep, taking only 15 minutes. It cooks fully in an hour. This recipe serves four and is full of protein. It also has the right amount of carbs and fats. Each serving is a healthy 320 calories.

When you make this soup at home, you use fresh ingredients. Things like olive oil, spring onions, and chicken stock. You also add an avgolemono sauce made from eggs and lemon. This homemade version tastes better and is healthier than any you can buy.

Lemon chicken soup isn’t just food; it’s a way to share love and care. It’s great for cozy dinners or for sharing with family and friends. This dish brings health, simplicity, and flavor to your table. It’s a must-have recipe for any cook.

FAQ

What makes lemon chicken soup different from traditional chicken soup?

Lemon chicken soup is unique because of the zesty lemon twist. It makes the soup both bold and soothing.

How many servings does this lemon chicken soup recipe provide?

This recipe serves 6-8 people. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

What fresh ingredients are essential for the best lemon chicken soup?

To make the best soup, use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Also, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken, and fresh vegetables like onions, carrots, and celery.

How long does it take to cook the lemon chicken soup?

You can make the soup in less than an hour. This makes it a quick and easy meal choice.

Can I customize the lemon chicken soup with other ingredients?

Yes, you can make it unique by adding mushrooms for a rich taste. You can also change the noodles to ones you like.

What are the health benefits of lemon chicken soup?

This soup is healthy. It includes healing benefits from the chicken broth and vitamins from the lemon. It’s also a good source of lean protein.

How should I store leftover lemon chicken soup?

Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. Cover the soup with plastic wrap before sealing with a lid for the best freshness.

How do I reheat leftover lemon chicken soup?

Warm it on the stove. Heat until it’s warm but avoid boiling. This keeps its creamy consistency.

Is homemade lemon chicken soup more cost-effective than store-bought?

Yes, making lemon chicken soup at home is both budget-friendly and lets you choose the best ingredients.

What dishes pair well with lemon chicken soup to make a complete meal?

Serve the soup with light salads, crusty bread, roasted veggies, or sandwiches for a balanced meal.