Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Lentil Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal that combines tender shredded chicken with protein-rich lentils and warming spices. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup dry red lentils
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded chicken
• Cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the spices are fragrant and well combined with the paste.
3. Step 3: Add the dry lentils, sliced carrots, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the lentils and carrots are tender, about 20 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the shredded chicken just to warm it through. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, use smoked chicken or add a smoked ham hock while simmering the soup.
• If you prefer a thicker soup, blend part of the soup before adding the chicken.
• Swap red lentils for green or brown lentils, but cooking time may increase.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for a bright, fresh finish.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables or beans for additional protein.

Are red lentils the best choice for this soup?

Red lentils cook quickly and break down beautifully, creating a creamy texture. While you can use other lentils, red lentils are recommended for the best consistency and flavor in this recipe.

Lentil Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 133 reviews

This hearty Lentil Chicken Soup combines tender shredded chicken, red lentils, and aromatic spices in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting meal, it highlights Mediterranean-inspired flavors with smoked paprika, cumin, and turmeric, making it nutritious and satisfying.

• Author: Yana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Soup Base

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• ½ teaspoon turmeric
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Main Ingredients

• 1 cup dry red lentils
• 2 large carrots, sliced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded chicken

Garnish

• Cilantro, for serving

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until they turn lightly golden, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add Spices and Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the spices release their aroma and the onion mixture is well coated with the paste.
3. Cook Lentils and Vegetables: Add the dry red lentils, sliced carrots, and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are tender.
4. Add Shredded Chicken and Serve: Stir in the shredded chicken to warm through. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.

Notes

• Use cooked shredded chicken from rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken for ease.
• Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and spices.
• For a thicker soup, purée a portion of the soup before adding the chicken.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
• Red lentils cook quickly and tend to break down; avoid overcooking if you prefer a firmer lentil texture.

Keywords: lentil chicken soup, easy chicken soup, red lentil soup, healthy soup, one-pot soup, Mediterranean soup