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**Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies: A Refreshing and Nutritious Delight**
Chicken soup is often considered a comfort food, a remedy for the cold or a pick-me-up when you’re feeling under the weather. But not all chicken soups are created equal. Some can be rich and heavy, while others, like the *Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies*, offer a lighter, more refreshing twist on the traditional favorite. This vibrant, nutrient-dense soup brings together fresh spring vegetables, tender chicken, and a burst of zesty lemon that adds brightness to every spoonful. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy on a cool day or a light, healthy dish to kick-start your springtime cooking, this recipe has it all.
In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons why this *Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies* is an ideal choice for a nutritious and satisfying meal. We will delve into the health benefits of the ingredients, how to prepare this easy-to-make soup, and tips for making it your own. Plus, we’ll offer variations and ideas for serving it, so you can enjoy this dish year-round and customize it to fit your tastes.
### **Why Choose Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies?**
There are several reasons why *Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies* stands out. It combines the comfort of chicken soup with the refreshing quality of spring vegetables and the vibrant, tangy flavor of lemon. Here’s why this recipe is worth making:
#### **1. Nutrient-Packed Ingredients**
This soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. It features a variety of fresh vegetables, lean protein from chicken, and the health benefits of herbs and lemon. Some of the key ingredients are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber that contribute to overall well-being:
– **Chicken:** A great source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth, tissue repair, and overall body function. Chicken also contains essential vitamins and minerals such as B-vitamins (especially niacin and B6) that play key roles in energy metabolism and red blood cell production.
– **Spring Veggies:** In this soup, the spring vegetables typically include carrots, peas, and asparagus. Carrots are rich in beta-carotene (a form of vitamin A), which supports eye health and immune function. Peas are packed with fiber and protein, as well as important vitamins like A, C, and K. Asparagus is low in calories but high in fiber, folate, and antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
– **Lemon:** The star of the soup’s flavor profile, lemon adds a refreshing burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the broth. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune health and has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage.
– **Herbs:** Fresh herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill add flavor without adding excess calories or sodium. Herbs also contain beneficial compounds such as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
#### **2. A Light Yet Satisfying Meal**
Unlike some heavier, cream-based soups, *Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies* is light and refreshing while still being satisfying. The clear, broth-based nature of this soup means it won’t leave you feeling sluggish or overstuffed, but it will still fill you up with nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish the body.
The addition of spring vegetables provides a balance of natural sweetness and earthy flavors, while the lemon adds the perfect tangy contrast to the savory elements of the chicken and broth. It’s the kind of meal that feels wholesome yet light, perfect for any time of year, especially when the weather starts warming up.
#### **3. Supports Digestive Health**
The combination of fresh vegetables and chicken broth makes this soup excellent for digestion. The high water content of the soup helps with hydration, while the fiber from the vegetables promotes digestive regularity. Additionally, the gelatinous nature of homemade chicken broth (especially if you make it from scratch or use bones) can be soothing for the gut, promoting gut health and helping to heal the lining of the intestines.
#### **4. Versatile and Customizable**
One of the great things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it based on what you have in your fridge or what vegetables are in season. Add or swap out different ingredients to suit your tastes. For example, you can use zucchini, spinach, or even broccoli as substitutes for the spring vegetables. You could also add grains like quinoa or rice for a heartier meal. This flexibility makes the recipe perfect for anyone trying to work with what they have or personalize their soup to their preferences.
#### **5. Quick and Easy to Make**
Although homemade soups often require long cooking times, *Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies* is relatively quick and easy to prepare. You can make it in under an hour if you’re using pre-cooked chicken or store-bought broth. It also requires only a few basic ingredients, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nourishing meal that doesn’t take hours to prepare.
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### **Ingredients for Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies**
To prepare this delicious soup, you will need the following ingredients:
#### **For the Soup Base:**
– **1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs** (diced or shredded)
– **6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth** (or homemade chicken stock)
– **1 tablespoon olive oil** (for sautéing)
– **1 large onion**, chopped
– **2 cloves garlic**, minced
– **2 medium carrots**, sliced into rounds or half-moons
– **1 cup peas** (fresh or frozen)
– **1 bunch asparagus**, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– **1 tablespoon fresh thyme** (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
– **1 bay leaf**
– **Salt and pepper**, to taste
#### **For the Lemon Component:**
– **Juice and zest of 1 lemon** (this adds freshness and brightness to the soup)
– **Lemon slices** (optional, for garnish)
#### **For Garnish (optional):**
– **Fresh parsley**, chopped
– **Fresh dill** or **fresh thyme** (for additional flavor)
– **A drizzle of olive oil** (for richness)
– **A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt** (optional, for creaminess)
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### **Instructions for Making Simple Lemony Chicken Soup with Spring Veggies**
This easy-to-follow recipe will have you enjoying a bowl of vibrant, comforting soup in no time. Here’s how to make it:
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
If you’re using whole chicken breasts or thighs, cook the chicken first. You can either:
– **Poach the chicken**: In a pot, cover the chicken with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Remove the chicken from the water, shred or chop it into small pieces, and set it aside. If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, skip this step.
– **Cook the chicken in the soup**: Alternatively, you can add raw, diced chicken directly into the soup base in step 3.
#### **Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables**
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, until fragrant.
#### **Step 3: Add the Broth and Vegetables**
Pour in the chicken broth, and bring it to a simmer. Add the sliced carrots, peas, asparagus, thyme, and bay leaf to the pot. Stir well and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
#### **Step 4: Add the Chicken and Lemon**
Once the vegetables are tender, add the shredded or chopped chicken to the pot. Stir to combine. Add the lemon juice and zest to the soup and stir again. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Allow the soup to simmer for another 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
#### **Step 5: Serve and Garnish**
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley, dill, or thyme. You can also drizzle a little olive oil over the soup for added richness. If desired, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy finish.
For an extra burst of lemony freshness, top the soup with a few slices of lemon.
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