High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printable version)

Vibrant golden soup with tender chicken, zesty lemon, turmeric, and baby kale. Ready in 45 minutes.

# What You 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 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

# Step-by-step guide:

01 - In a large soup 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, or 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 Tips:

01 -
  • It feels like sipping on liquid sunshine that actually keeps you full for hours.
  • The combination of zesty lemon and earthy turmeric creates a flavor profile that is both grounded and uplifting.
02 -
  • Always add your lemon juice at the very end to keep the flavor bright and prevent it from turning bitter.
  • A crack of black pepper is actually vital because it helps your body absorb the benefits of the turmeric.
03 -
  • Zest your lemon before you juice it to make the process much easier and less messy.
  • If the soup feels too thin you can mash a few of the cooked carrots against the side of the pot to thicken the broth naturally.
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