Warm up with a Chicken Lentil Soup, a nourishing and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken thighs, lentils, and vibrant veggies simmered in a rich broth. Perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep, this lentil soup recipe is both wholesome and satisfying. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s one of the best Lentil Recipes Easy to make at home. Try this Chicken Lentil Soup for a delicious, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for any season!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Lentil Soup
This Chicken Lentil Soup is a comforting lentil soup recipe that’s sure to become a staple. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Hearty and Filling: Combines protein-packed chicken and lentils for a satisfying meal.
- Rich Flavor: A savory broth with spices and greens elevates this Soup.
- Easy Prep: Straightforward steps make it one of the top.
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with veggies, fiber, and protein for a wholesome dish.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknight dinners or batch cooking for the week.
Ingredients for Chicken Lentil Soup
To make this Chicken Lentil Soup (serves 6-8), gather these ingredients:
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt, plus extra to taste
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 large carrot, peeled and cut into rounds
- 1 celery rib, finely diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz package lentils, sorted, rinsed, and drained
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 5-6 oz fresh kale, chard, spinach, or a mix, washed
Ingredient Tips:
- Lentils: Sort carefully to remove debris like small rocks; green or brown lentils work best for this lentil soup recipe.
- Chicken: Thighs add richer flavor than breasts; ensure they’re boneless for easy shredding.
- Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness in Lentil Recipes Easy.
- Greens: Fresh kale or spinach adds color and nutrition; pre-washed greens save time.
- Tomato Paste: Enhances depth; a quality brand makes a difference in this lentil soup recipe.
How to Make Chicken Lentil Soup
Follow these steps to create a Chicken Lentil Soup:
- Prep the Ingredients: Sort 12 oz lentils on a sheet pan, removing debris, then rinse and drain. Season 1 lb chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt. Dice 1 onion, 1 celery rib, and 1 carrot; mince 2-3 garlic cloves. Wash 5-6 oz greens if needed.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the Soup: Add 8 cups chicken broth, sorted lentils, and reserved chicken (with juices). Stir well, bring to a boil over high heat (5-6 minutes), then reduce to medium, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are nearly tender.
- Shred Chicken and Add Greens: Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Add 5-6 oz greens to the soup, stirring until wilted. Return shredded chicken to the pot and cook 2-3 minutes until heated through and lentils reach desired tenderness. Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and add salt if needed (broth and paste may be salty enough). Serve hot alone, with crusty bread, or over white rice for a complete Chicken Lentil Soup meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Calories: ~300 per serving (based on 8 servings)
Servings: 6-8
Macros per Serving: 30g carbs, 25g protein, 8g fat, 10g fiber
Tips for Perfect Chicken Lentil Soup
- Sort Lentils Thoroughly: Check for small rocks or debris to ensure a safe lentil soup recipe.
- Cook Low and Slow: Gentle simmering keeps lentils and chicken tender.
- Avoid Over-Salting: Wait until the end to adjust salt due to broth and paste in Lentil Recipes Easy.
- Stir Frequently: Prevent lentils from sticking as the soup thickens.
- Taste Lentils: Check for desired tenderness, as cooking times vary slightly in this lentil soup recipe.
Creative Variations to Try
Customize this Chicken Lentil Soup with these ideas:
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat in this lentil soup recipe.
- Veggie Boost: Include diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra color in Lentil Recipes Easy.
- Herb Swap: Use dried thyme or rosemary instead of oregano.
- Greens Twist: Try mustard greens or arugula for a peppery note in this lentil soup recipe.
- Grain Add-In: Stir in cooked quinoa or barley for a heartier Chicken Lentil Soup.
Serving and Presentation Ideas
This Chicken Lentil Soup is a comforting lentil soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy meals. Try these serving suggestions:
- Serve in deep bowls with a slice of crusty bread for dipping in the rich broth.
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced, nutritious meal featuring this Chicken Lentil Soup.
- Present over white rice for a filling, one-bowl.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of oregano for a vibrant touch.
- Offer in a rustic pot for a family-style lentil soup recipe presentation.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a splash of broth if thickened.
- Make Ahead: Prepare a day in advance for deeper flavors in this Chicken Lentil Soup.
- Texture Note: Lentils may soften further after freezing; stir well before serving.
FAQs About Chicken Lentil Soup
Why sort lentils for Lentil Recipes Easy?
Lentils can contain small rocks or debris, so sorting ensures safety in this recipe.
Can I use chicken breasts in Chicken Lentil Soup?
Yes, but thighs are juicier; breasts work if shredded finely.
How long does lentil soup recipe last?
It keeps in the fridge for 3-4 days or freezes for 3 months.
Can I use other greens in Chicken Lentil Soup?
Arugula, mustard greens, or collards work well in this Easy dish.
How do I prevent lentils from sticking in lentil soup recipe?
Stir frequently and lower heat as the soup thickens to avoid sticking.
What pairs well with Chicken Lentil Soup?
Serve with crusty bread, rice, or a green salad for a complete meal.
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Conclusion
This Chicken Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavorful lentil soup recipe that’s perfect for cozy nights or meal prep. With its rich broth and wholesome ingredients, it’s a star among Lentil Recipes Easy. Make this Chicken Lentil Soup today and enjoy a comforting, nutritious dish that everyone will love!
Easy Chicken Lentil Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tsp salt plus extra to taste
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 1 large carrot peeled and cut into rounds
- 1 celery rib finely diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz package lentils sorted, rinsed, and drained
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 5-6 oz fresh kale chard, spinach, or a mix, washed
Instructions
- Prep the Ingredients: Sort 12 oz lentils on a sheet pan, removing debris, then rinse and drain. Season 1 lb chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt. Dice 1 onion, 1 celery rib, and 1 carrot; mince 2-3 garlic cloves. Wash 5-6 oz greens if needed.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken thighs and cook 4-5 minutes per side until browned. Remove chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and set aside (it will finish cooking later).
- Cook the Vegetables: In the same pot, add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add garlic, 1 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tsp oregano, and ¼ tsp black pepper; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Simmer the Soup: Add 8 cups chicken broth, sorted lentils, and reserved chicken (with juices). Stir well, bring to a boil over high heat (5-6 minutes), then reduce to medium, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lentils are nearly tender.
- Shred Chicken and Add Greens: Remove chicken from the pot and shred using two forks. Add 5-6 oz greens to the soup, stirring until wilted. Return shredded chicken to the pot and cook 2-3 minutes until heated through and lentils reach desired tenderness. Stir often to prevent sticking.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste and add salt if needed (broth and paste may be salty enough). Serve hot alone, with crusty bread, or over white rice for a complete Chicken Lentil Soup meal.
Notes
- Sort Lentils Thoroughly: Check for small rocks or debris to ensure a safe lentil soup recipe.
- Cook Low and Slow: Gentle simmering keeps lentils and chicken tender in this Chicken Lentil Soup.
- Avoid Over-Salting: Wait until the end to adjust salt due to broth and paste in Lentil Recipes Easy.
- Stir Frequently: Prevent lentils from sticking as the soup thickens.
- Taste Lentils: Check for desired tenderness, as cooking times vary slightly in this lentil soup recipe.
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