Imagine a soup that's not just another ordinary chicken soup, but a vibrant, citrusy experience that dances on your taste buds and warms your soul. Our Meyer Lemon Chicken Soup is the ultimate culinary revelation that combines the comforting richness of classic chicken soup with the bright, unexpected tang of Meyer lemons. This isn't just a recipe; it's a flavor adventure that will revolutionize your home cooking and leave your family begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- Juice of 2 Meyer lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and shred the cooked chicken breasts. Set these aside to have everything ready for cooking.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
- Add the sliced carrots and celery to the pot. Continue to sauté the vegetables for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
- Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- While the soup is simmering, juice the 2 Meyer lemons. Once the chicken has simmered, add the lemon juice to the pot. Stir well to combine.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Remember to start with a small amount of salt, as the chicken broth may already contain salt.
- Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to develop further.
- Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Serve the Meyer Lemon Chicken Soup hot, and enjoy this refreshing and comforting dish!
Tips
- Use fresh Meyer lemons for the most authentic and vibrant citrus flavor - their unique sweetness sets this soup apart from traditional recipes.
- For extra depth, consider roasting or grilling the chicken breasts before shredding to add a smoky undertone to the soup.
- If Meyer lemons aren't available, you can substitute with a mix of regular lemon juice and a touch of orange juice to mimic their distinctive flavor profile.
- Allow the soup to simmer slowly to help the flavors meld together - patience is key to developing a rich, complex taste.
- For a creamier version, you can add a splash of heavy cream or stir in some Greek yogurt just before serving.
- Fresh herbs are crucial - don't skip the parsley garnish, as it adds a fresh, bright finish to the soup.
- This soup freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a larger batch for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
