High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printable View)

Golden turmeric and zesty lemon transform tender chicken into a protein-rich, nourishing bowl ready in under an hour.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

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

→ Oils

15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# Directions:

01 - In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until vegetables soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, black pepper, and crushed 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 on exterior.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in baby kale, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until kale is wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The turmeric creates this gorgeous golden color that somehow makes you feel healthier just looking at it, before you even take your first spoonful.
  • Its so adaptable to whatever greens you have wilting in your fridge - that bunch of kale on its last legs suddenly becomes the perfect addition.
02 -
  • Adding the lemon juice too early will make it lose its brightness, so always save it for the final few minutes of cooking.
  • If your turmeric isnt vibrant in color, it might be old and worth replacing for both visual impact and health benefits.
03 -
  • If you have time, let the chopped onions, carrots and celery sit together for 10 minutes after cutting - this activates enzymes that create deeper flavor compounds when they cook together.
  • Adding a small knob of butter right at the end creates a silky mouthfeel that makes the soup taste like it simmered for hours longer than it actually did.
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