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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://cookwithyana.com/lentil-chicken-soup-recipe/