The Zesty Lemon Chicken Soup with Spring Vegetables Recipe

Crafting a delightful lemon chicken soup with spring vegetables can brighten even the gloomiest day.

Crisp seasonal produce adds vibrant colors and fresh flavors to this comforting classic.

Zesty citrus notes dance through tender chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of Mediterranean-inspired ingredients.

Lightweight yet satisfying, each spoonful promises a burst of wholesome goodness.

Delicate herbs and spring vegetables bring unexpected layers of texture and taste.

Fragrant and nourishing, this soup feels like a warm embrace from your favorite home cook.

Let’s uncover the simple magic that turns basic ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Why You’ll Love Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

• Nourish with Simplicity: This lemon chicken soup delivers maximum nutrition with minimal kitchen effort, making it a go-to meal for health-conscious cooks who want delicious, wholesome food without complicated techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Packed with flexible ingredients like fresh vegetables and tender chicken, this recipe welcomes personal tweaks, allowing home chefs to adapt based on what's available in their kitchen.
• Seasonal Celebration: Bursting with spring vegetables and bright citrus notes, this soup captures the essence of renewal and freshness, transforming a simple dish into a vibrant culinary experience that connects you with seasonal produce.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families, this one-pot wonder comes together rapidly, providing a nutritious meal that satisfies hunger while minimizing cleanup and kitchen stress.

Everything You Need For Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that forms the hearty base of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the soup's foundational taste and provides extra depth.
• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that adds tangy freshness and balances the soup's richness.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base ingredients that provide a deep, savory foundation for the soup.
• Carrots, Celery, Potato: Classic soup vegetables that add texture, nutrition, and comforting flavor.
• Green Peas: Sweet and tender vegetable that brings a pop of color and light sweetness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
• Parsley, Ginger, Lemon Zest: Fresh herbs and zesty ingredients that brighten and add complexity to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking oil used to sauté vegetables and start the soup's flavor development.

How To Make Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pot

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Gently sauté diced onions until they become soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until the kitchen fills with a mouth-watering fragrance.

• Olive oil
• Onions
• Garlic

Step 2: Build the Vegetable Foundation

• Carrots
• Celery
• Potatoes

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Create the Soup Base

Add shredded chicken and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Allow the flavors to mingle and develop depth.

Step 4: Enhance with Bright Flavors

• Green peas
• Lemon zest
• Lemon juice
• Grated ginger (optional)

Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach perfect tenderness.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and stir in fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices. Savor this sunshine-filled, comforting soup with loved ones.

Tips That Help With Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

• Boost Veggie Nutrition: Chop vegetables into uniform, small pieces to ensure even cooking and maximize nutrient absorption throughout the soup.
• Preserve Chicken Tenderness: Shred chicken gently and add it later in the cooking process to prevent overcooking and maintain its soft, juicy texture.
• Elevate Lemon Flavor: Use fresh lemon juice and zest right before serving to keep the bright, citrusy notes vibrant and prevent the taste from becoming bitter or dull.
• Customize Soup Consistency: Adjust broth amount for a thicker or thinner soup – add more liquid for a lighter version or simmer longer to create a heartier texture.
• Enhance Digestibility: Include ginger for its natural anti-inflammatory properties and ability to support easy digestion while adding a subtle warming flavor to the soup.

Ways To Switch Up Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and use plant-based shredded chicken alternative for a lactose-free version that maintains the soup's rich flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add oregano, thyme, and rosemary to enhance the Mediterranean-style taste, complementing the existing lemon and chicken combination.
• Protein-Packed Power Bowl: Substitute chicken with quinoa or white beans for a vegetarian protein boost, keeping the vegetable and lemon base intact for a nutritious meal.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Remove potatoes and replace with cauliflower florets, using extra chicken and increasing healthy fats like olive oil to create a keto-friendly version of the classic soup.

What To Pair With Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright lemon flavors and light chicken broth.
• Create Rustic Bread Companion: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or herbed focaccia to soak up the delicious broth and add textural contrast.
• Match Fresh Herb Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to mirror the soup's citrusy notes and provide a refreshing side dish.
• Enhance with Mediterranean Mezze: Add small plates like hummus, olives, and feta cheese to create a Mediterranean-inspired dining experience that echoes the soup's fresh ingredients.

Storage Guide For Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Transfer soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months maximum. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature, typically 165°F for food safety.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs For Lemon Chicken Soup With Fresh Spring Vegetables

• Is this soup nutritious?

This lemon chicken soup is packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from fresh vegetables like carrots and peas, and immune-boosting ingredients like ginger and lemon, making it a wholesome and healthy meal option.

• Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! While the recipe suggests carrots, celery, and potatoes, you can customize with zucchini, spinach, or asparagus to match seasonal availability or personal preference.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add some cooked quinoa, orzo pasta, or rice to the soup to increase its heartiness and create a more substantial meal. These grains will also help thicken the soup slightly.

Lemon Chicken Soup with Spring Vegetables Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting Mediterranean-style Lemon Chicken Soup radiates fresh flavors that dance with zesty herbs and tender vegetables. Warmth and brightness combine in this nourishing dish that welcomes spring’s gentle embrace while satisfying hunger with elegant simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 medium carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium temperature for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
2. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, then incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
3. Introduce diced carrots, celery, and potatoes into the pot, stirring consistently and allowing vegetables to soften for 5-6 minutes.
4. Incorporate shredded chicken and pour chicken broth into the pot, raising heat to achieve a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
5. After 10 minutes of simmering, blend green peas, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated ginger into the mixture.
6. Season with salt and pepper, maintaining a low simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach tender consistency.
7. Verify seasoning and flavor profile, making necessary adjustments to taste.
8. Remove from heat and fold in fresh chopped parsley for vibrant herbal notes.
9. Ladle soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional lemon slices and extra parsley for visual appeal and enhanced flavor complexity.

Notes

• Boost chicken tenderness by letting the chicken simmer slowly, which helps break down proteins and retain moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Swap proteins easily by replacing chicken with tofu, white fish, or shredded rotisserie chicken for quick meal variations.
• Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to increase fiber and vitamin content without changing the soup’s core flavor profile.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt gradually, allowing individual diners to season according to their preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 215
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 55mg