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Lemon Ginger Chicken Soup

This bright and cozy lemon chicken soup combines tender shredded chicken with a zesty, aromatic broth. It’s made by simmering chicken breasts, then infusing the broth with ginger, garlic, lemon zest, and juice, resulting in a clear, flavorful soup with fresh herbs and a lively finish. The final dish is warm, comforting, and beautifully vibrant in appearance.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Homestyle
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large chicken breasts lean and tender
  • 1 lemon lemon for zest and juice
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 inch fresh ginger grated
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for sautéing
  • 4 cups water for broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped, for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Sharp knife
  • Grater
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Place the chicken breasts in a large pot, cover with water, and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is opaque and easily shredded. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.
  2. Remove the cooked chicken from the broth and set aside to cool slightly. Strain the broth if desired for clarity and discard any solids.
  3. While the chicken cools, zest the lemon and set the zest aside. Juice half of the lemon into a small bowl, then set aside.
  4. In a separate large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute. The aroma should be warm and slightly spicy.
  5. Pour the warm broth into the aromatics and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the broth. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so flavors meld and the chicken heats through.
  7. Finish the soup by stirring in chopped fresh dill and parsley, which add bright herbal notes. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired.
  8. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra herbs and lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon right before serving. Feel free to customize with other fresh herbs or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.