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High Protein Chicken Lentil Soup

A hearty and satisfying soup combining tender chicken, nutritious lentils, and vibrant vegetables, perfect for chilly days.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs (boneless, skinless, diced) Use either breast or thighs based on preference.
  • 1 cup dried lentils (green or brown, rinsed) Make sure they are rinsed before using.
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 2 medium carrots (diced)
  • 2 stalks celery (diced)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 6 cups chicken broth or stock Ensure it is Halal-certified.
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped spinach or kale For added nutrition.
  • 1 medium lemon (juice of, freshly squeezed)
  • to taste Fresh herbs for garnish (like parsley or cilantro)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute.
Cooking
  1. Add the diced chicken to the pot, cooking until it’s no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Sprinkle the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper over the chicken and vegetables, stirring well to coat everything.
  3. Pour in the rinsed lentils and chicken broth. Stir and bring the mixture to a boil.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
  5. Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and the lemon juice. Let it sit for another 5 minutes to allow the greens to wilt.
  6. Taste and adjust the seasoning, if necessary. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

For vegetarian options, replace chicken with legumes like chickpeas or tofu. Ensure lentils are rinsed ahead of time to expedite cooking. Be careful not to overcook the lentils; they should hold some shape but be tender.