Imagine curling up with a warm bowl of Lemon White Bean Chicken Soup, where every spoonful bursts with zesty flavor and comforting goodness. This delightful American dish combines tender chicken, hearty white beans, and the bright freshness of lemon, making it the perfect antidote to a chilly day or a busy weeknight. With just 35 minutes from prep to table, you’ll discover that this soup is not only quick and easy to make but also a nourishing option for the whole family. Ready to dive into a recipe that will leave your taste buds dancing? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing the chicken breast into 1/2-inch cubes, finely chopping the onion, and mincing the garlic. Zest and juice the lemon, setting both aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent and softened, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the onions and cook for an additional 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic's aromatic qualities.
- Increase heat to medium-high and add diced chicken breast. Season with salt and pepper. Cook chicken, stirring occasionally, until it is no longer pink and begins to develop light golden edges, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and let cook for 10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Add drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Stir gently and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove pot from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Let soup rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow flavors to fully integrate. Ladle into warm bowls and serve hot.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can dice the chicken and chop the vegetables a day in advance. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for a quick assembly when you're ready to cook.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the onions and garlic. It will give your soup a subtle kick!
- Fresh Herbs: Garnish your soup with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving. This not only enhances the presentation but also adds a fresh aroma that complements the lemon.
- Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the white beans with some broth before adding them back to the pot. This will create a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your soup with a crusty loaf of bread or a light salad for a complete meal. The combination of flavors will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 75mg
