Easy Chicken Lentil Soup
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!
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.