High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printer-Friendly)

Golden turmeric and zesty lemon create this nourishing, protein-rich chicken soup with baby kale.

# What You 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 Steps:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, ground turmeric, 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 surface.
04 - Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in baby kale, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2 to 3 additional minutes until kale is wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust salt and seasonings as desired. Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

# Helpful Hints:

01 -
  • The turmeric creates a golden hue that makes you feel energized before you even take the first sip.
  • It packs a massive protein punch without feeling heavy or oily like some traditional stews.
02 -
  • Adding the lemon at the end prevents the soup from becoming bitter during the long simmer.
  • Black pepper is essential here because it actually helps your body absorb the benefits of the turmeric.
03 -
  • Zest your lemon before you juice it to avoid a slippery mess and save your knuckles.
  • Cut your chicken into uniform pieces so everything finishes cooking at the exact same moment.
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