Healthy Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe for Comfort and Nutrition
Chicken Lentil Soup is hearty, comforting, and packed with protein. A cozy bowl that’s perfect for chilly days and easy to make!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 carrots peeled and chopped
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), diced
- 1 cup dry green or brown lentils rinsed
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- Juice of 1/2 lemon optional
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onions, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened (about 5–6 minutes).
- Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5 more minutes.
- Stir in lentils, cumin, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to toast spices.
- Pour in chicken broth and add the bay leaf. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30–35 minutes or until lentils and chicken are tender.
- Remove bay leaf. Add lemon juice, if using. Adjust seasoning.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.