Zesty Chicken Soup

Dive into a bowl of comforting and vibrant Zesty Chicken Soup, a hearty and wholesome dish packed with bold flavors and nutritious ingredients. This recipe features tender shredded chicken, sautéed aromatics like garlic and onion, and a medley of colorful vegetables simmered in a savory chicken broth. What sets this soup apart is the zesty infusion of fresh lemon juice and zest, complemented by warm spices like cumin, oregano, and thyme for a flavor-packed experience. Finished with wilted baby spinach and a sprinkle of optional fresh cilantro, this soup is as nourishing as it is delicious. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a light lunch, this quick recipe comes together in just 45 minutes and serves 4, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or meal prepping.

Nutriscore Rating: 73/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 3 pieces carrots, diced
• 2 pieces celery stalks, diced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned, unsalted)
• 1 lemon zest of lemon
• 1 lemon juice of lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups baby spinach leaves
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.

Step 2

Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Sear for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Add the dried oregano, cumin, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.

Step 6

Return the seared chicken breasts to the pot, lower the heat to a simmer, and cover the pot. Let cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.

Step 8

Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and baby spinach leaves. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.

Step 9

Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Step 10

Serve hot and enjoy your zesty chicken soup!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	2550 grams (2550.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1147

Total Fat 42.60g	55%
Saturated Fat 8.00g	40%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.70g
Cholesterol 296mg	99%
Sodium 6184mg	269%
Total Carbohydrate 55.70g	20%
Dietary Fiber 15.70g	56%
Total Sugars 25.80g
Protein 136.20g	272%

Vitamin D 4IU	18%
Calcium 406mg	31%
Iron 12mg	68%
Potassium 3981mg	85%

*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: 33.3%

Protein: 47.3%

Carbs: 19.4%