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Lemon Herb Chicken Soup

A bright and comforting chicken soup infused with fresh lemon and herbs, featuring tender shredded chicken, crunchy vegetables, and a fragrant broth. The soup is simmered until flavors meld, then finished with a splash of lemon for a lively finish, resulting in a vibrant, hearty dish with a clear broth and tender ingredients.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded preferably from cooked chicken breast or thighs
  • 2 carrots carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks celery diced
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups chicken broth preferably homemade or low-sodium
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme chopped
  • to taste salt adjust before serving
  • to taste black pepper freshly ground

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sharp Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Begin by heating a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften and become fragrant, about 8 minutes, with the vegetables glistening and slightly translucent.
  2. Add minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for another minute, until it releases a sweet aroma and becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, stir in the shredded cooked chicken, chopped parsley, and thyme. Let the soup simmer gently for about 20 minutes to develop flavors.
  4. Taste the broth and season with salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, keeping in mind that flavors will intensify slightly as it continues to simmer.
  5. Just before serving, stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright citrus note that lifts the entire dish, and add a handful of chopped parsley for freshness.
  6. Serve the soup hot, with the shredded chicken tender and the broth clear and vibrant, garnished with extra herbs if desired. Enjoy this lively, comforting bowl that feels like a little celebration in every spoonful.

Notes

For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth. Feel free to add other herbs like dill or basil for variation. The lemon juice is best added at the end to keep the soup bright and fresh.