High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printable)

Golden turmeric and zesty lemon infuse tender chicken pieces in this protein-packed, gluten-free soup with baby kale.

# What You'll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 3.5 oz baby kale

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1.5 teaspoons ground turmeric
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
13 - 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
14 - 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Oils

15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, ground turmeric, ground cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on the surface.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in baby kale, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the kale is wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under an hour but tastes like you've been simmering it all day.
  • The protein content keeps you satisfied without that heavy feeling, which honestly changed how I think about weeknight cooking.
  • One pot means minimal cleanup, and honestly that's become my favorite feature.
02 -
  • Don't skip the step of cooking the spices in the fat for a full minute, that's where the turmeric's real depth comes from, not from just dumping it into broth.
  • Fresh lemon juice at the end is non-negotiable because it transforms the entire soup from warm and okay into something that feels bright and intentional on your tongue.
03 -
  • If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works beautifully, just shred it and add it in during the final simmer so it doesn't dry out.
  • The flavors deepen overnight, so make a double batch and save half for a day when cooking feels like too much effort but nourishment feels necessary.
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