Warm your soul with this delicious and comforting Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup. Packed with flavors and nutrients, this soup is easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of zesty lemon and spicy ginger creates a unique and refreshing flavor profile.
- This soup comes together in no time, making it perfect for a quick and easy meal prep option.
Ingredient Notes:
Proteins and Fats:
- Olive oil: Adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Provide lean protein, but already cooked chicken can also be used.
- Unsalted butter: Enhances the overall flavor of the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- Carrots, celery, onion, and ginger: These aromatic vegetables add texture and flavor to the soup.
Spices and Seasonings:
- Italian seasoning, turmeric, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper: Create a well-balanced and flavorful broth.
Others:
- All-purpose flour: Used as a thickening agent.
- Chicken stock or broth: Forms the base of the soup.
- Orzo pasta: Adds a hearty element to the soup.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors of the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned.
- Stir in carrots, celery, onion, and ginger, cooking until vegetables are soft.
- Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in flour until vegetables are coated.
- Pour in chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add orzo pasta and simmer until cooked.
- Stir in lemon juice and adjust seasoning to taste.
Helpful Tips:
- For a creamier soup, add a splash of heavy cream at the end.
- To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh ginger for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preference.
- Allow the soup to simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop the flavors fully.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad. Pair it with a glass of white wine for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to thin out the soup.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of pasta in this soup? Yes, feel free to use any short pasta you have on hand.
- Can I freeze this soup? While it can be frozen, the texture of the pasta may change slightly upon thawing.
- Can I omit the butter for a lighter version? Yes, you can use additional olive oil instead of butter.
Conclusion:
Warm, flavorful, and easy to make, this Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup is sure to become a favorite in your household. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out!
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Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
This Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup Recipe is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the zesty taste of lemon with the warmth of ginger. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and orzo pasta, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Fats
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces (or 18 oz. already cooked chicken)
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 medium carrots (170g), finely chopped
- 3 stalks celery (110g), finely chopped
- 1 medium onion (200g), chopped
- 1 Tbsp ginger, finely chopped or minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1/2 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp salt, more to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Others
- 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
- 48 oz. chicken stock or broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta (200g) or other short pasta like acini di pepe
- 1–2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice, more to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until browned. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Saute Vegetables: In the same pot, melt butter and add carrots, celery, onion, and ginger. Cook until softened.
- Add Spices and Flour: Stir in Italian seasoning, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Cook Soup: Pour in chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Add orzo pasta and cook until tender. Return chicken to the pot and simmer until heated through.
- Finish with Lemon Juice: Stir in lemon juice to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and enjoy hot.
Notes
- If using pre-cooked chicken, add it back to the soup at the end to warm through.
- Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg