Spring Chicken Soup With Lemon

Name: Spring Chicken Soup With Lemon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 4 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 lemon, juiced and zested; 1 cup fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Balanced Meals

I absolutely love making this Spring Chicken Soup with Lemon as the weather starts to warm up. Fresh herbs, vibrant vegetables, and tender chicken create a deliciously light dish that's perfect for a quick weeknight meal. The addition of lemon brightens the flavors and makes the soup feel revitalizing. I often find myself enjoying a warm bowl while listening to the gentle sounds of nature outside, surrounded by the beauty of spring. This soup truly captures the essence of the season and is a recipe I can't get enough of.

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-01-24T13:27:34.744Z

Making this soup was a delightful adventure as I explored my local farmer's market, picking out bright vegetables and fragrant herbs. I find that using fresh ingredients makes all the difference, both in flavor and nutrition. I also love to add a hint of zest to the broth; it elevates the chicken and vegetables to a whole new level.

While cooking, I discovered that simmering the chicken with the vegetables gives the broth a rich taste that’s comforting without being heavy. This soup is perfect paired with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal. It’s not just a dish; it's a celebration of springtime ingredients!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and zesty flavor from fresh lemon
Hearty yet light consistency with seasonal vegetables
A wholesome, nourishing meal that's quick to prepare

Choosing the Right Chicken

For the best flavor in your Spring Chicken Soup, I recommend using bone-in chicken that's been cooked and shredded, such as rotisserie chicken. This type of chicken infuses the broth with rich flavor while keeping the meat juicy. If you prefer, you can poach chicken breasts in the broth as it simmers. Simply remove the chicken when cooked through and shred it before returning it to the pot. Aim for roughly 20 minutes of simmering for the breasts to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Shredded chicken adds a lovely texture to the soup and makes it hearty. If you're feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different types of chicken like smoked or grilled varieties. This can add a unique flavor dimension to your soup.

Fresh Ingredients Matter

Using fresh ingredients is key to enhancing the bright flavors in this soup, especially the lemon. Opt for organic lemons if possible, as they tend to have richer flavor profiles and more zest. When zesting your lemon, make sure to only scrape off the yellow outer skin, as the white pith beneath it imparts a bitter taste. This zesty kick from the lemon is essential for balancing the hearty elements of the chicken and vegetables.

Fresh herbs, particularly parsley, not only serve as a light garnish but also enhance the overall aroma and flavor of the soup. If you want to take it up a notch, consider adding in some fresh dill or thyme, which pairs beautifully with the lemon. You can also adjust the amount based on your preference for herbaceous flavor, adding a sprig or two for an herby finish.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Spring Chicken Soup is an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and store it in an airtight container for up to four days in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that the spinach will wilt slightly upon reheating, so if you prefer it fresh, consider adding it just before serving. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat until hot, which should take about 10 minutes.

If you want to freeze the soup for later use, make sure to omit the spinach before freezing, as it doesn't thaw well. Freeze it in portions and it should last up to three months. To serve, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove before adding fresh spinach to bring it back to life.

Ingredients

Gather everything you need for this delightful Spring Chicken Soup with Lemon.

For the Soup

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 cup fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Make sure everything is fresh for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your perfect soup!

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add Carrots and Celery

Stir in the sliced carrots and celery, cooking for another 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

Pour in the Chicken Broth

Add the chicken broth to the pot, bringing everything to a gentle boil.

Add Chicken and Lemon

Once boiling, add the shredded chicken, lemon juice, and zest. Season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for 15 minutes.

Stir in the Spinach

In the last few minutes of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach until just wilted.

Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Enjoy the flavors of spring with every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips

For added depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when sautéing the vegetables. It complements the lemon wonderfully and enhances the overall taste of your soup.

Flavor Variations

Feel free to customize the flavor of your soup by introducing additional vegetables. Adding peas or green beans towards the end of the cooking process can lend a sweet crunch. If you like a bit of spice, consider pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. These can balance out the freshness of the lemon while still keeping the dish light and spring-like.

If you're trying to reduce carbohydrates, swap out some of the carrots with zucchini or cauliflower. These vegetables will maintain the soup's integrity and still provide a delightful texture without overwhelming the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

To enhance your Spring Chicken Soup experience, serve it with a side of crusty artisan bread or a fresh garden salad. A dollop of pesto or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top before serving can elevate the meal further, providing additional flavor layers that complement the soup’s fresh notes.

For a complete spring-themed dinner, pair this soup with lemon-infused grain bowls or a refreshing citrus salad. The combination of these dishes will bring the essence of spring to your table while maintaining a cohesive flavor profile.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.

→ Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes well. Just make sure to leave out the spinach until you reheat it.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian option.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to add any seasonal vegetables you like! Zucchini or green beans are great additions.