Description

Warm up with this easy Lemon Chicken Soup recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, fresh lemon, and comforting herbs. This bright and nourishing soup balances citrus notes with savory depth, making it perfect for any season and loved by the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound boneless chicken thighs

Vegetables

2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

Liquids & Sauces

6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 2 fresh lemons

Herbs & Seasonings

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Texture Enhancer

1 teaspoon natural gelling agent (such as agar or carrageenan) dissolved in 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Prepare the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, chopped celery, and sliced carrots. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Cook the Chicken: Add boneless chicken thighs to the pot and lightly brown them on each side. This seals in moisture and flavor, enhancing the richness of the soup.
Add Broth and Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce: Pour in the vegetable broth and stir in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer to infuse savory depth.
Incorporate Lemon and Herbs: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice, add lemon zest, chopped thyme, and parsley. These fresh ingredients brighten and elevate the soup’s flavor profile.
Simmer and Add Natural Gelling Agent: Let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender. Stir in the dissolved natural gelling agent thoroughly for a slightly rich, silky broth texture.
Final Seasoning: Season the soup with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Before serving, shred the chicken gently with two forks to distribute it evenly throughout the soup.

Notes

Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for the most vibrant flavor.
Simmer the soup gently to preserve chicken tenderness and meld flavors.
Vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) provides an essential umami boost.
Add lemon juice gradually, tasting to maintain balanced acidity.
Add fresh parsley and thyme near the end to keep their bright color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
Calories: 220
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 1.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: lemon chicken soup, easy chicken soup, comforting soup, citrus chicken soup, gluten free soup, family friendly soup