High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Print Version)

A vibrant, protein-packed soup with turmeric, lemon, chicken, and kale ready in 45 minutes.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

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

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1.5 tsp ground turmeric
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
13 - 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
14 - 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Oils

15 - 1 tbsp olive oil

# Cooking Steps:

01 - In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in the baby kale, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the kale is wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • High Protein: Each serving provides 36g of protein to keep you fueled and satisfied.
  • Quick and Easy: Simple preparation and a 30-minute cook time make this perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Gluten-Free: A naturally gluten-free dish that focuses on whole, nourishing ingredients.
02 -
  • Simmering the soup uncovered allows the flavors to concentrate while the chicken cooks through.
  • Adding the lemon juice and zest at the final stage keeps the flavors bright and prevents the zest from becoming bitter.
  • Sautéing the turmeric and cumin with the vegetables helps to bloom the spices, enhancing their earthy notes.
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