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Spiced Chicken Lentil Soup with Hearty Veggies

Spiced Chicken Lentil Soup with Hearty Veggies
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Spiced Chicken Lentil Soup with Hearty Veggies is a nourishing and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, protein-rich red lentils, and a colorful mix of vegetables simmered in a fragrant blend of spices. Perfect for any season, this comforting soup offers a balanced, savory taste with a slight spicy kick, packed with nutrition and easy to prepare for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Lentils

  • 1 cup red lentils, rinsed thoroughly under cold water

Vegetables

  • 2 medium carrots, chopped
  • 2 stalks celery, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup fresh or canned tomatoes, diced
  • 2 cups spinach or kale, chopped

Spices

  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Liquids & Oils

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Seasoning

  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the onions, garlic, carrots, celery, and leafy greens. Rinse the lentils thoroughly under cold water until the water runs clear. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Spices: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper, allowing the spices to toast lightly to enhance their flavors.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the spiced vegetables and sauté until they start to brown on all sides, sealing in their juices and fully absorbing the aromatic base.
  4. Add Lentils, Tomatoes, and Broth: Pour in the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (fresh or canned), and chicken broth. Stir well, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook gently until the lentils soften and the chicken is fully cooked through, about 20-25 minutes.
  5. Stir in the Greens and Finish: In the last few minutes of cooking, add the spinach or kale, allowing it to wilt into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten and balance the flavors.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground spices for maximum aroma and intensity.
  • Check lentils early to avoid overcooking; they should be tender but remain intact.
  • Toast spices in oil before adding broth to develop deeper, richer flavors.
  • Adjust soup consistency by adding more broth or water for a thinner soup, or cook longer for a stew-like thickness.
  • Let soup rest off heat for 10 minutes before serving to enhance flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: spiced chicken lentil soup, hearty vegetable soup, healthy chicken soup, easy weeknight dinner, protein-rich soup, gluten free soup

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