High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printable)

Vibrant chicken soup with zesty lemon, golden turmeric, and tender baby kale. High protein, gluten-free, and ready in 50 minutes.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

→ Vegetables

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

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

09 - 1½ tsp ground turmeric
10 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
11 - 1 tsp sea salt
12 - 1 tsp dried thyme
13 - ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes

→ Oils

14 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Garnish

15 - Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
16 - Lemon wedges

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, turmeric, thyme, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
04 - Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
05 - Stir in baby kale and simmer for 2-3 minutes until wilted.
06 - Add lemon juice and zest. Season with salt to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley or dill and lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The turmeric and lemon combination creates this incredible warmth that seems to wake up your whole system
  • One bowl somehow manages to feel both light and deeply satisfying at the same time
02 -
  • Turmeric can stain everything, including your clothes and counter, so be careful when measuring and stirring
  • The lemon flavor mellows as the soup sits, so add the juice right before serving for the brightest taste
03 -
  • If you have fresh thyme, use 2 sprigs instead of dried and remove them before serving
  • A swirl of coconut milk added right before serving makes for an incredibly creamy and luxurious variation
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