Easy Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Chicken lentil soup is a hearty dish made with chicken pieces, brown or green lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and warm spices. Everything cooks in chicken broth until the flavors blend. The lentils make the soup creamy without adding cream, while the chicken adds rich protein. This soup is known for being easy, nutritious, and perfect for cold days or simple family meals.

Most versions of chicken lentil soup take about 45 minutes from start to finish. Chopping vegetables takes 10 minutes. Cooking and simmering the soup takes 30 to 35 minutes, depending on the type of lentils used. Brown and green lentils hold their shape well and cook at a steady pace, making them great for quick, weeknight cooking.

This chicken lentil soup always brings steady warmth and balance to the table. The mix of lentils, chicken, and vegetables builds a full flavor without extra steps. The lemon and parsley add brightness that lifts the whole pot. Watching the broth turn rich and golden as the lentils soften creates a comforting feeling that carries straight into each bowl.

Why You’ll Love It Chicken Lentil Soup

• Flavor Comfort: You’ll love Chicken Lentil Soup because it gives warm, rich comfort in every bite. The mix of tender chicken and soft lentils makes a cozy bowl that feels healing and filling.
• Simple Nutrition: This Chicken Lentil Soup offers protein, fiber, and steady energy. It’s easy to digest and supports healthy eating. You get a full meal in one bowl without extra work or stress.
• Quick Cooking: You’ll enjoy Chicken Lentil Soup because it cooks fast and fits busy days. It uses simple ingredients and needs little prep. It’s a smart choice for meal prep and everyday cooking.

Ingredient Notes for Chicken Lentil Soup

Below are short, clear notes for each ingredient you’ll use in Chicken Lentil Soup. The points are simple and helpful for cooks at any level.

• Dry brown or green lentils: Hold their shape well in Chicken Lentil Soup. They add fiber, protein, and a rich, earthy taste.
• Chicken breast or thighs: Both work in Chicken Lentil Soup. Thighs add more flavor, while breasts stay lean and tender.
• Onion: Builds a sweet, savory base for the soup. It boosts aroma and depth.
• Carrots: Add color and natural sweetness. They balance the spices in Chicken Lentil Soup.
• Celery stalks: Bring a mild, earthy crunch that rounds out the soup’s flavor.
• Garlic cloves: Add warm, bold taste. Fresh garlic makes Chicken Lentil Soup taste brighter.
• Olive oil: Helps soften the vegetables and adds a smooth finish.
• Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out every flavor in Chicken Lentil Soup.
• Ground cumin: Gives a warm, earthy note common in many comfort soups.
• Paprika: Adds mild heat and a deep, smoky color.
• Turmeric: Gives Chicken Lentil Soup a golden color and gentle, earthy taste.
• Chicken broth: The main liquid that makes the soup rich, full, and comforting.
• Bay leaf: Adds subtle herbal flavor during simmering.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the whole Chicken Lentil Soup with fresh acidity.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a clean, fresh taste and a pop of color before serving.

Helpful Tips and Add Your Touch

Cooking Chicken Lentil Soup becomes easy when you keep flavors simple. Add herbs that match your taste and adjust broth levels to make the Chicken Lentil Soup as thick or light as you like. Fresh veggies help the Chicken Lentil Soup stay bright, warm, and full of comfort.

Try new spices to give your Chicken Lentil Soup a personal touch. Add lemon for freshness or chili for heat. Taste as you cook to keep the Chicken Lentil Soup balanced. These small changes help your Chicken Lentil Soup stand out and feel homemade and satisfying.

Chicken Lentil Soup Variation

You can change Chicken Lentil Soup in many ways. One simple variation uses coconut milk. It makes the soup creamy and smooth. Add a little curry powder for a warm spice. Another option is to add vegetables like carrots, spinach, or tomatoes. These add color and more nutrients. You can also use chicken thighs if you want more flavor. Some people enjoy adding lemon juice for a fresh finish. Each change keeps Chicken Lentil Soup simple while bringing new taste to the bowl.

How to Serve Chicken Lentil Soup

Serve Chicken Lentil Soup hot. It tastes best when fresh and warm. Add chopped parsley for color. A squeeze of lemon can make the flavor brighter. Many people enjoy the soup with warm bread or soft rolls. You can also pair it with a light salad. If you want a thicker meal, serve Chicken Lentil Soup over rice. This makes the dish more filling and adds texture. Simple toppings like green onions or black pepper also improve the flavor.

Storage Options

Store Chicken Lentil Soup in an airtight container once it cools. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat it on the stove for the best texture. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the soup for up to three months. Make sure to leave space in the container because the soup expands when frozen. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then warm it on the stove until hot. Chicken Lentil Soup keeps its taste well, making it good for meal prep.

FAQs About Chicken Lentil Soup

Can I freeze chicken lentil soup?
Yes, you can freeze chicken lentil soup for up to three months. Store it in an airtight container to keep the taste fresh.

How long does chicken lentil soup take to cook?
Chicken lentil soup usually cooks in about 35–45 minutes. This gives the lentils time to soften and blend with the broth.

Can I make chicken lentil soup without vegetables?
Yes, you can make chicken lentil soup without vegetables, but veggies add more flavor and nutrients. Try adding carrots or celery for a richer taste.

Is chicken lentil soup good for meal prep?
Yes, chicken lentil soup is great for meal prep because it stays fresh for days and reheats well. It also packs balanced nutrients for easy lunches.

Easy Chicken Lentil Soup Recipe

Chicken lentil soup is a hearty dish made with chickenpieces, brown or green lentils, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, and warmspices. Everything cooks in chicken broth until the flavors blend. The lentilsmake the soup creamy without adding cream, while the chicken adds rich protein.This soup is known for being easy, nutritious, and perfect for cold days orsimple family meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup dry brown or green lentils rinsed
• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
• 1 medium onion diced
• 2 carrots chopped
• 2 celery stalks chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp turmeric optional, for color and depth
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottom soup pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp chef’s knife
• Chopping board
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
• Ladle
• Small bowl for washing lentils

Method

 

1. Sauté the base: Heat olive oil in your pot. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Stir for 4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
2. Add the chicken: Add chicken pieces. Stir until lightly browned on the outside.
3. Season well: Add salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and turmeric. Stir to coat everything.
4. Add lentils and broth: Pour in the rinsed lentils. Add warm broth and a bay leaf.
5. Bring to a boil: Turn heat to high and let the pot boil for 2 minutes.
6. Simmer gently: Lower heat. Cover and simmer for 25–30 minutes until lentils soften.
7. Finish with lemon: Remove bay leaf. Add lemon juice for a bright finish.
8. Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and garnish with parsley.

Notes

To get the best texture in Chicken Lentil Soup, avoid overcooking the lentils. They should be soft but still hold their shape. If you like a thicker soup, use an immersion blender to puree a small portion, then return it to the pot. For richer flavor, use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. And always adjust salt at the end because soups reduce and become naturally saltier.