šChicken and Lentil Soup š„£: A Hearty, Healthy Comfort Food for Every Season!
When it comes to comfort food thatās both nutritious and delicious, Chicken and Lentil Soup takes the crown! šš± This hearty soup combines tender chicken, protein-packed lentils, and a medley of veggies in a flavorful broth thatās 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. Letās get cooking! š©āš³šØāš³
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Why Youāll Love This Soup ā¤ļø
- Nutritious & Filling š„
Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, this soup keeps you full and energized. - Easy to Make ā±ļø
Just toss everything into one pot and let it simmer to perfection. - Budget-Friendly š°
Made with simple, affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand. - Perfect for Any Season šāļø
Comforting in winter, light enough for summer, and great for meal prep year-round.
Ingredients Youāll Need š
- 1 tbsp olive oil š«
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, diced š
- 1 onion, chopped š§
- 2 carrots, diced š„
- 2 celery stalks, diced šæ
- 3 garlic cloves, minced š§
- 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown), rinsed š„
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes š
- 6 cups chicken broth š„£
- 1 tsp ground cumin š¾
- 1 tsp smoked paprika š¶ļø
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme š
- Salt and pepper to taste š§
- Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish šæ
How to Make Chicken and Lentil Soup š
Step 1: SautƩ the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery, and sautƩ 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! š½ļø
Tips for the Best Soup š
- 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 š±
- 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 š
- 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 āØ
This Chicken and Lentil Soup is the ultimate comfort food thatās as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether youāre cooking for a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy bowl of goodness, this recipe has you covered. š
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Donāt forget to share your photos on social media and tag us! šøāØ
Happy cooking! š³ā¤ļø
Recipe inspired by love for hearty, wholesome, and easy-to-make meals.
