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.
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Recipe Information
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)
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
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.
In the same pot, add chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables have softened.
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
Add the dried oregano, cumin, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
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.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and baby spinach leaves. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
Taste and adjust seasoning, if necessary. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.
Serve hot and enjoy your zesty chicken soup!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
286 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 10.1 g | 13% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.9 g | 9% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 74 mg | 25% | |
| Sodium | 1441 mg | 63% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 13.8 g | 5% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.8 g | 13% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.3 g | ||
| Protein | 34.0 g | 68% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 106 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 3.1 mg | 17% | |
| Potassium | 1030 mg | 22% | |
*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.
