Description
A comforting and fresh Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, hearty beans, and nutrient-packed kale, all simmered in a flavorful broth with aromatic herbs and bright lemon juice. Perfect for a cozy meal that balances savory and refreshing flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
- 1/2 an onion, finely chopped
- 3 carrots, finely chopped
- 3 ribs celery, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary and/or 2 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 can cannellini or navy beans, rinsed and drained
- 3 cups shredded kale
- 2-3 cups cooked shredded chicken or turkey
- 5 cups chicken broth (bone broth or Better Than Bouillon base recommended)
- Juice of two lemons
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Bread
- Butter
Instructions
- Saute Veggies: In a large soup pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until the vegetables are very soft and fragrant.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, rosemary and thyme sprigs, and kosher salt. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning or browning, until the mixture releases a delicious aroma.
- Simmer Soup: Add the rinsed cannellini or navy beans, shredded kale, shredded chicken, chicken broth, and the remaining olive oil (optional) into the pot. Bring the soup to a low simmer and cook for 10-20 minutes, or until the kale is fully wilted. For deeper flavor, allow the soup to simmer gently for longer on low heat.
- Finish and Serve: Remove and discard the rosemary and thyme stems. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences. Serve the soup hot topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Accompany with thick slices of bread spread with butter and a pinch of rosemary salt for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey for chicken if desired or use leftover cooked poultry to save time.
- The optional olive oil added at the end adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter soup.
- Using bone broth or a quality broth base enhances depth of flavor.
- The soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread and butter, making it an ideal comforting dish.
- Adjust the lemon juice to brighten the soup to your preferred level of tartness.
