Heart-Healthy Lemon Chicken Soup

Bright, citrusy, and nourishing, Heart-Healthy Lemon Chicken Soup is the perfect balance of comfort and wellness in a bowl. This delightful recipe combines tender shredded chicken, wholesome brown rice, and a medley of fresh vegetables simmered in low-sodium chicken broth for a flavor-packed yet health-conscious meal. Fresh lemon juice and zest lend a zesty, vibrant twist, while aromatic herbs like thyme and dill elevate the soup with layers of freshness. Packed with nutrient-rich spinach and prepared with heart-friendly olive oil, this soup is both satisfying and supportive of a healthier lifestyle. Ready in just an hour and perfect for meal prep or a cozy dinner for the week, this light yet flavorful dish is sure to become a staple in your healthy eating routine.

Nutriscore Rating: 76/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:45 mins

Total Time:60 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 6 cups Low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, chopped
• 3 medium Carrots, sliced
• 2 stalks Celery, sliced
• 3 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Brown rice
• 2 Lemons, juice and zest
• 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
• 2 cups Spinach, fresh

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the chopped onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3

Add the chicken breast to the pot and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth.

Step 4

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the pot. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.

Step 6

Add the brown rice to the simmering broth and cook for about 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender.

Step 7

Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat everything through and meld the flavors.

Step 9

Stir in the fresh dill and spinach, allowing the spinach to wilt.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed.

Step 11

Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh dill if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2966.2 grams (2966.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1525

Total Fat 52.00g	67%
Saturated Fat 9.50g	48%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 386mg	129%
Sodium 4267mg	186%
Total Carbohydrate 92.70g	34%
Dietary Fiber 23.00g	82%
Total Sugars 27.70g
Protein 174.10g	348%

Vitamin D 23IU	114%
Calcium 545mg	42%
Iron 12mg	69%
Potassium 4453mg	95%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 30.5%

Protein: 45.4%

Carbs: 24.2%