High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken Soup (Printable Version)

Golden turmeric and zesty lemon highlight tender chicken in this vibrant soup with baby kale for a nourishing, protein-rich meal.

# 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

# Method:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, 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.
04 - Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in the 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. Serve hot.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of brightness from the lemon and earthiness from the turmeric, creating a flavor profile that somehow feels both comforting and refreshing at once.
  • The protein content makes this substantially more filling than typical chicken soups, keeping hunger at bay for hours without weighing you down.
02 -
  • Adding the turmeric too late or not sautéing it in oil first can leave a raw, almost chalky taste instead of the warm, aromatic flavor youre after.
  • The lemon zest contains aromatic oils that dissipate with heat, which is why adding it near the end creates that beautiful citrus perfume that makes this soup distinctive.
03 -
  • For maximum flavor extraction, add the stripped chicken bones back to the pot during simmering if youre starting with bone-in pieces, then remove before serving.
  • A splash of white wine added after sautéing the vegetables but before the broth goes in creates a foundation of acidity that balances the earthy turmeric and makes the lemon taste even brighter.
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