Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
Legumes
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
- Juice of 1–2 fresh lemons
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, then cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Brown the Chicken: Add the diced chicken breasts to the pot. Cook until golden brown on all sides, sealing in the juices and building flavor at the soup’s base.
- Add Chickpeas and Broth: Stir in the drained and rinsed chickpeas, then pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing the heat to simmer.
- Season and Simmer: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of paprika to taste. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through.
- Finish with Lemon and Herbs: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed juice of 1-2 lemons and the chopped fresh parsley or thyme. This adds brightness and a fresh herbal note to the soup.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for the best flavor.
- Watch the simmering time to keep chicken tender and juicy.
- Drain and rinse canned chickpeas to reduce excess sodium and maintain a fresh taste.
- For richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or a quality store-bought option.
- Add lemon juice gradually at the end and taste to avoid overpowering acidity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: lemon chicken chickpea soup, hearty soup, lemon soup, chicken soup, chickpea soup, healthy soup, gluten free soup, comfort food