High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Print view)

Wholesome chicken soup with bright lemon, warming turmeric, and baby kale for a nutritious meal.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3.5 oz baby kale
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1½ tsp ground turmeric
10 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
12 - ½ tsp dried thyme
13 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Oils

14 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
16 - Lemon wedges

# Step-by-Step Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, turmeric, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken breasts or thighs and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20 to 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
04 - Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
05 - Stir in baby kale and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until wilted.
06 - Add lemon juice and zest. Season with salt to taste.
07 - Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with parsley or dill and lemon wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Packed with 40g of protein per bowl, so you stay satisfied for hours without the afternoon slump.
  • The turmeric and lemon combination tastes sophisticated but comes together in under an hour.
  • It's naturally dairy-free and gluten-free, which means you're not compromising on flavor for dietary preferences.
02 -
  • Don't skip the lemon zest even if you're using juice, the oils in the zest are what make this soup sing.
  • If your broth is already salty, taste before adding more sea salt, store-bought versions vary wildly.
03 -
  • Cook the chicken whole or in large pieces rather than cutting it up first, it stays more tender and absorbs more broth flavor.
  • Make this soup the night before, the flavors deepen beautifully as it sits, and it's one less thing to do when you're busy.
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