🍗Chicken and Lentil Soup 🥣

January 28, 2025

🍗Chicken and Lentil Soup 🥣: A Hearty, Healthy Comfort Food for Every Season!

When it comes to comfort food that’s both nutritious and delicious, Chicken and Lentil Soup takes the crown! 🍗🌱 This hearty soup combines tender chicken, protein-packed lentils, and a medley of veggies in a flavorful broth that’s sure to warm your soul. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or when you need a boost of energy, this soup is a must-have in your recipe collection. Let’s get cooking! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!

Why You’ll Love This Soup ❤️

Nutritious & Filling 🥗
Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup keeps you full and energized.
Easy to Make ⏱️
Just toss everything into one pot and let it simmer to perfection.
Budget-Friendly 💰
Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
Perfect for Any Season 🌞❄️
Comforting in winter, light enough for summer, and great for meal prep year-round.

Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒

1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced 🍗
1 onion, chopped 🧅
2 carrots, diced 🥕
2 celery stalks, diced 🌿
3 garlic cloves, minced 🧄
1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed 🥄
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes 🍅
6 cups chicken broth 🥣
1 tsp ground cumin 🌾
1 tsp smoked paprika 🌶️
1/2 tsp dried thyme 🍃
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish 🌿

How to Make Chicken and Lentil Soup 👇

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until lightly browned on all sides.

Step 3: Add the Lentils and Spices

Stir in the lentils, cumin, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat everything in the spices.

Step 4: Pour in the Liquids

Add the diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy! 🍽️

Tips for the Best Soup 🌟

Use pre-cooked chicken: Save time by using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken.
Add more veggies: Toss in spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of coconut milk or cream for a richer texture.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Nutritional Benefits 🌱

Chicken: A great source of lean protein to support muscle health.
Lentils: High in fiber, protein, and iron for sustained energy.
Veggies: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Broth: Hydrating and rich in flavor without added calories.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips 🕒

Meal prep: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

Final Thoughts ✨

This Chicken and Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy bowl of goodness, this recipe has you covered. 🏆

Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your photos on social media and tag us! 📸✨

Happy cooking! 🍳❤️
Recipe inspired by love for hearty, wholesome, and easy-to-make meals.