Lemon chicken soup is a quick pot of shredded cooked chicken, carrots, celery and onion simmered in broth and finished with fresh lemon juice. Rice or orzo makes it heartier. Serve it hot with chopped parsley or dill on top.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Soup

To make this delicious soup, you will need:

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Chicken broth (4 cups): Preferably low-sodium for a healthier option.
Lemon juice (1/4 cup): Freshly squeezed for the best flavour.
Carrots (2, diced): Adds sweetness and nutrients.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Provides crunch and flavour.
Onion (1, diced): Enhances the depth of flavour.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers aromatic richness and health benefits.
Rice or orzo (1/2 cup, optional): For added heartiness.
Olive oil (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the vegetables.
Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley or dill): For garnish and enhanced flavour.
Salt and pepper: To taste.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté until softened.
Add the broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
Incorporate the chicken: Add the cooked chicken and rice or orzo, if using. Cook until the grains are tender.
Add lemon juice: Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs and serve hot.

Nutritional Information of Lemon Chicken Soup

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup):

Calories: 150-200 (varies with ingredients used)
Protein: 12-15 grams
Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
Fat: 5-7 grams
Vitamin C: Covers 20-30% of the recommended daily intake (RDI)
Sodium: 400-600 mg (depends on broth used)

Tips for Customizing Your Lemon Chicken Soup

Add greens: Incorporate spinach, kale, or parsley for an extra nutrient boost.
Go gluten-free: Replace orzo with quinoa or skip grains entirely.
Use a slow cooker: Combine all ingredients (except lemon juice) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Thicken the soup: Add a beaten egg while stirring for a creamy texture.

Try this recipe today and savour the perfect balance of zest and heartiness!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken in lemon chicken soup?

Yes. You need 2 cups of shredded or diced cooked chicken, so rotisserie chicken is a handy shortcut.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Swap the orzo for quinoa, or leave the grains out altogether.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes. Put everything except the lemon juice in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, then stir in the lemon juice before serving.

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Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe and Its Nutritional Information