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Bright Ginger Lemon Chicken Soup

This chicken soup features tender chicken simmered with carrots, celery, and fragrant ginger, creating a warm, comforting broth. Brightened with fresh lemon and herbs, it boasts a vibrant, clear appearance with a nourishing, brothy texture. The combination of warming spices and zesty citrus makes it both soothing and invigorating.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups diced onions
  • 3 cloves garlic cloves minced
  • 1 thumb-sized piece fresh ginger sliced thin
  • 2 carrots carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 1.5 pounds bone-in, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 cups broth low sodium, rich in umami
  • 1 lemon fresh lemon zested and juiced
  • a handful fresh parsley or cilantro chopped, for garnish
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Sharp chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Ladle
  • Microplane or zester

Method
 

  1. Gather all your ingredients: diced onions, minced garlic, sliced ginger, chopped carrots and celery, chicken, broth, lemon zest, and herbs.
  2. Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add diced onions, minced garlic, and sliced ginger, and sauté until fragrant and the onions turn translucent—about 5 minutes. The mixture should smell warm and spicy, with a light sizzle.
  3. Add chopped carrots and celery to the pot. Stir and cook for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and release their sweetness.
  4. Nestle the chicken pieces into the pot, then pour in the broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, watching for bubbles and steam rising—this should take about 8-10 minutes.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 30-40 minutes. During this time, the chicken will become tender, and the flavors will meld beautifully. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to keep the broth clear.
  6. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly. Use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
  7. Stir the shredded chicken back into the broth. Add lemon zest and squeeze in the fresh lemon juice, then stir to combine. This will brighten the broth with a zesty zing.
  8. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh, herbal finish.
  9. Serve the soup hot, with the broth clear and vibrant, the vegetables tender, and the chicken juicy and flavorful. Enjoy this comforting, zesty bowl that’s both warming and lively.