Save to Pins High Protein Lemon and Turmeric Chicken Soup is a vibrant, nourishing meal that perfectly balances health and flavor. This recipe features golden turmeric, zesty lemon, tender chicken, and baby kale, creating a hearty and protein-packed experience that is both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Save to Pins Ideal as a main dish, this soup is a modern American take on classic comfort. With its bright golden hue from turmeric and aromatic base of cumin and black pepper, it offers a refreshing and nutrient-dense twist on traditional chicken soup.
Ingredients
- Proteins: 500 g (1.1 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegetables: 1 medium onion (finely chopped), 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced), 2 celery stalks (diced), 3 garlic cloves (minced), 100 g (3.5 oz) baby kale
- Broth & Liquids: 1.5 liters (6 cups) low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon), zest of 1 lemon
- Spices & Seasonings: 1.5 tsp ground turmeric, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1 tsp sea salt (or to taste), 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Oils: 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4–5 minutes until softened.
- Step 2
- Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using); sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3
- Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
- Step 4
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
- Step 5
- Stir in the baby kale, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes until the kale is wilted.
- Step 6
- Taste and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure a smooth cooking process, use a large soup pot and a sharp chef's knife for dicing the vegetables evenly. Always confirm your chicken broth ingredients if you have specific dietary concerns regarding hidden allergens, as broth is the only potential source of allergens in this recipe.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If baby kale is not available, you can easily substitute it with baby spinach or Swiss chard. For a more filling meal, try adding cooked quinoa or brown rice directly into the soup bowls before serving.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the soup with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and serve with additional lemon wedges for extra brightness. This meal pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc.
Save to Pins This High Protein Lemon and Turmeric Chicken Soup is a wholesome way to enjoy a delicious meal that supports your nutritional goals. With 250 calories and 36g of protein per serving, it is a restorative and colorful dish you can feel good about serving any day of the week.
Questions & Answers
- → Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely. This soup actually tastes better the next day as the turmeric and lemon have time to meld. Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetet, adding a splash of broth if needed.
- → What can I substitute for baby kale?
Baby spinach or Swiss chard work beautifully as alternatives. Add them in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking just like the kale, until wilted but still vibrant. Fresh spinach cooks even faster, so add it during the final minute.
- → Is this soup freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat on the stove. Note that the kale will soften more upon reheating, but the flavor remains excellent.
- → How can I make this soup even more filling?
Add cooked quinoa, brown rice, or small pasta shapes during the last 5 minutes of simmering. You can also stir in canned white beans or chickpeas for extra fiber and protein. A slice of crusty gluten-free bread on the side makes it a complete meal.
- → Can I use a rotisserie chicken instead?
Certainly. Skip step 3 where you brown the raw chicken and add shredded rotisserie meat during the last 5 minutes of simmering just to heat through. This reduces total cooking time to about 25 minutes and still delivers excellent flavor.
- → What wine pairs well with this soup?
A dry Riesling cuts through the turmeric beautifully while complementing the lemon. Alternatively, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc offers bright acidity that balances the warm spices. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with a lemon wedge.