28-Minutes Lemon Garlic Chicken Soup – A Refreshing Dish

Awaken your senses with a delightful escapade into the culinary world, where the zest of freshly squeezed lemons meets the earthy undertones of garlic in a harmonious blend. Our lemon garlic chicken soup, an enchanting elixir, promises to infuse your day with sunshine even on the coldest winter nights. 

Tender chicken pieces nestled amongst a symphony of aromas elevate this timeless comfort dish into a gourmet spectacle. Each spoonful unveils the perfect balance of tangy and savory, engaging your palate in a sublime waltz of flavors. 

This soup brings more than just warmth to your table—it promises rejuvenation. This unique spin on a kitchen classic is more than just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to immerse you in its magic, making it the perfect choice for those who seek a vibrant, hearty dish that speaks directly to the soul.

What Is Lemon Garlic Chicken Soup?

Lemon garlic chicken soup is a comforting and refreshing dish, blending savory chicken, aromatic garlic, and tangy lemon in a soothing broth. The soup is typically prepared by simmering chicken pieces with garlic, onions, and herbs. 

The zest and juice from fresh lemons are added to impart a citrusy note, balancing the soup’s richness. This combination creates a harmonious blend of flavors, making this soup a go-to dish for cold nights, offering warmth, comfort, and a gastronomical adventure.

Can You Vary The Recipe With Other Ingredients?

• Keto Replace potatoes with low-carb vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli.
• Paleo The recipe is already Paleo-friendly. Just ensure your chicken is organic and free from any additives.
• Gluten-Free This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your chicken broth for hidden gluten.
• Whole30 Use compliant chicken broth and ensure your chicken is free from sugars and non-compliant additives.
• Vegetarian/Vegan Swap the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Add a Mediterranean touch by incorporating some oregano and thyme into the soup.
• Infuse an Asian twist by adding ginger and replacing the potatoes with bok choy.
• For a creamy version, stir in coconut milk or heavy cream before serving.

Add-Ons

• Boost the protein content with the addition of lentils or chickpeas.
• Add extra vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for nutrition.
• For some heat, include a chopped chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.

Toppings

• Sprinkle a handful of fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, to enhance the flavors.
• Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta adds a delightful salty note.
• Crunchy croutons or a slice of crusty bread on the side can offer a pleasing texture contrast.
• A drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon just before serving can heighten the soup’s richness and tang.

Can I Make Lemon Garlic Chicken Soup In A Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot?

Slow Cooker

• Place all the ingredients (chicken, potatoes, carrots, garlic, lemon zest, and juice) into your slow cooker.
• Add enough broth or water to cover the ingredients, ensuring not to exceed the max fill line.
• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until the vegetables are tender.
• Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.

Instant Pot

• Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot.
• Pour in broth or water up to the max fill line.
• Secure the lid and set the valve to a sealing position.
• Select the “Soup” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer according to your device’s manual (generally, 15-20 minutes should suffice).
• Once cooked, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then manually release any remaining pressure.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.

Can I Use Store Bought Broth, Or Should I Make My Own?

Store-Bought Broth

• When selecting a store-bought broth, look for a low-sodium, organic option if possible. Low-sodium broths allow you to control the salt content of your soup more effectively.

Homemade Broth

• Making chicken broth allows you to fully utilize a whole chicken and customize the flavor with your preferred mix of vegetables and seasonings. It can also be a more economical choice and is typically lower in sodium and preservatives than many store-bought versions.

How To Serve ?

• Bread: This soup with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls is comforting. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
• Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette dressing can complement the rich flavors of the soup, creating a balanced meal.
• Garnish: Top the soup with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill, a squeeze of lemon, or a sprinkle of black pepper just before serving. A swirl of good-quality olive oil can also add a gourmet touch.
• Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese on top for an extra flavor boost.
• Presentation: Serve the soup in warm bowls to keep it hot longer. You can also use soup mugs for a cozy, casual meal.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Crusty Bread or Rolls: A warm piece of crusty bread or dinner rolls is a classic side that works well to soak up any leftover soup.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can contrast the warm, hearty soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables such as brussels sprouts, carrots, or asparagus would add an extra serving of veggies.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For a more filling meal, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. The richness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the bright, acidic notes in the soup.
• Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad with a lemon vinaigrette would echo the flavors in the soup and add a nice textural contrast.
• Steamed Brown Rice or Couscous: Grains can make the meal more substantial.

Storage And Make Ahead

• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make Ahead: To make ahead, prepare the soup as directed but leave out any pasta or rice if using, as they can become mushy when stored. Refrigerate the soup without the pasta or rice, then add them and simmer until cooked just before serving. This ensures a fresh, hearty soup with perfectly cooked pasta or rice.

What Can We Do With Leftovers?

• Next Day Meal: Reheat and enjoy as is for a quick, satisfying meal.
• Chicken Salad: Shred any remaining chicken pieces and mix them with fresh vegetables for a light salad. The soup acts as a flavorful dressing.
• Grain Bowl: Add leftovers to cooked quinoa or rice, top with fresh greens, and have a hearty grain bowl.
• Stir-fry: Add leftover soup to a stir-fry for a flavor boost.
• Pasta Sauce: Reduce the soup on the stovetop until thick and use it as a sauce for pasta.
• Pie Filling: Use the soup as a base for a comforting chicken pot pie.

TIPS

• Boost Flavor: Infuse the broth with lemon zest and whole garlic cloves while simmering for an extra punch of flavor.
• Add Freshness: Stir in a handful of chopped parsley or cilantro just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Creamy Texture: For a richer soup, blend a portion of the cooked soup until smooth, then mix it back into the pot.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked chickpeas or white beans for added protein and texture.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the lemon and garlic.

Nutrition Table