Fresh Springtime Lemony Chicken & Veggie Soup Recipe for Cozy Days

Spring bursts with vibrant colors and fresh lemon chicken soup that sings of renewal and comfort.

Delicate herbs dance alongside tender vegetables in this light, nourishing dish.

Each spoonful carries the brightness of seasonal produce and zesty citrus notes.

The soup captures the essence of warmer days with its clean, refreshing flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces mingle with crisp vegetables, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.

Nutrition meets pure deliciousness in this simple yet elegant recipe.

You’ll want to savor every comforting bite of this springtime treasure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes into Springtime Lemony Chicken and Veggie Soup

• Butter, Olive Oil: Creates rich, velvety foundation with deep, silky flavor and prevents sticking.
• Leek: Offers subtle onion-like sweetness and delicate texture, choose firm white and light green parts.
• Carrots: Adds natural sweetness and vibrant color, select firm and bright orange vegetables.
• Garlic: Provides intense, aromatic punch, look for plump cloves without sprouting.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor profile, use freshly ground for maximum taste.
• Herbes de Provence: Brings Mediterranean herbaceous notes, select high-quality dried blend.

• Chicken Stock: Creates foundational liquid base, choose low-sodium for better control.
• Cooked Chicken: Adds protein and heartiness, use rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken.
• English Peas: Introduces sweet, tender green element, select bright green and firm pods.
• Baby Zucchini: Provides delicate texture and mild flavor, choose small, tender specimens.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Delivers vibrant citrus notes, use fresh lemons for maximum zing.
• Fresh Basil: Offers fragrant, peppery finish, select bright green leaves without wilting.

• Quinoa: Adds nutritious grain component, rinse before cooking to remove bitter coating.
• Lemon Wedges: Provides optional extra citrus burst for serving, choose firm, bright fruits.

Tools for Springtime Lemony Chicken and Veggie Soup

• Soup Pot: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for simmering and developing rich flavors.
• Cutting Board: Sturdy surface for chopping leeks, carrots, and other vegetables.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and chicken cutting.
• Wooden Spoon: Essential for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure salt, pepper, and herbs.
• Citrus Zester: Ideal for removing lemon zest without bitter white pith.
• Ladle: Convenient for serving hot soup into bowls.

How to Make Springtime Lemony Chicken and Veggie Soup

Springtime Lemony Chicken and Veggie Soup

• Aromatic Foundation

Start by warming butter and olive oil in a spacious pot over gentle heat. Toss in sliced leeks and chopped carrots, letting them dance and soften while releasing their delightful flavors.

• Herbal Awakening

Introduce minced garlic, a whisper of salt, cracked pepper, and fragrant Herbes de Provence. Allow these ingredients to mingle and create a delicious base for your soup.

• Liquid Symphony

Pour in rich chicken stock and coax the mixture into a gentle simmer. Let the vegetables become tender and infused with deep, comforting flavors.

• Fresh Finale

Remove the pot from heat and welcome peas, zucchini, tender chicken pieces, bright lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice. Let the ingredients cuddle and warm together briefly.

• Beautiful Presentation

Ladle the vibrant soup into waiting bowls. Crown each serving with fluffy quinoa, scatter fresh basil leaves, and offer a lemon wedge for an extra zesty touch.

Flavoring Tips for Springtime Lemony Chicken and Veggie Soup

• Cooking Tips & Variations
• Chicken Swap Magic: Replace rotisserie chicken with grilled, poached, or leftover roasted chicken for equally delicious results without extra preparation time.
• Broth Boost Technique: Use homemade chicken stock for deeper flavor, or enhance store-bought broth by simmering with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary before adding to the soup.
• Veggie Flex Strategy: Swap zucchini with asparagus, spinach, or green beans during spring for variety. Frozen vegetables work perfectly when fresh produce isn't available.
• Low-Carb Conversion: Skip quinoa and replace with cauliflower rice or skip grains entirely. For protein lovers, add an extra handful of shredded chicken or sprinkle grated parmesan on top.
• Herb Garden Hack: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives instead of basil. These green additions can transform the soup's flavor profile and make each batch unique.

Serving Ideas for Springtime Lemony Chicken and Veggie Soup

• Fresh Herb Garnish Paradise: Sprinkle crisp chopped basil or dill on top for a vibrant color pop and refreshing herbal boost that elevates each spoonful with brightness.
• Quinoa Crunch Companion: Serve alongside perfectly cooked quinoa for added protein and delightful textural contrast that transforms this light soup into a satisfying meal.
• Citrus Zest Enhancement: Place fresh lemon wedges on the side, allowing each person to squeeze extra tangy brightness directly into their bowl, personalizing their soup experience with a zingy touch.
• Crusty Bread Partner: Pair with warm, crusty sourdough or rustic whole grain bread to soak up the delicious broth, creating a complete and comforting dining moment that feels like a warm hug.

Storage Prep for Springtime Lemony Chicken and Veggie Soup

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Smart Freezing Technique: Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving slight expansion space. Freeze up to 3 months for future quick meals. Separate chicken and vegetables in portions for easier thawing and reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm soup on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to distribute temperature evenly. Add splash of fresh chicken stock if soup seems too thick. Avoid microwave to prevent zucchini and chicken from becoming rubbery.
• Ingredient Freshness Hack: Keep quinoa, basil, and lemon separate when storing. Add these garnishes just before serving to maintain crisp texture and vibrant flavor. Chopped basil stays best when wrapped in slightly damp paper towel inside sealed container.

Zesty Chicken Soup

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty springtime lemony chicken and veggie soup delivers Mediterranean comfort with zesty herbs and garden-fresh ingredients. Balanced flavors and nourishing broth invite you to savor each spoonful of this soul-warming culinary experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 4 cups warm chicken stock/broth
• 1 leek, quartered, and white part sliced
• 2 carrots, peeled and diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, pressed through garlic press
• 1 cup fresh English peas (or frozen peas)
• 1 cup baby zucchini, small dice
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp herbes de provence
• Salt
• Black pepper
• 2 tsps lemon zest
• 2 tbsps fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped, fresh basil leaves
• 4 lemon wedges, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Sauté Base: Melt butter and olive oil in a spacious soup pot over medium heat, creating a rich foundation for the aromatic vegetables.
2. Vegetable Medley: Add leeks and carrots, cooking until leeks turn translucent and carrots soften, releasing their natural sweetness while developing deep flavor profiles.
3. Spice Infusion: Introduce garlic, salt, pepper, and Herbes de Provence, allowing the spices to bloom and intensify their aromatic qualities for maximum flavor extraction.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken stock into the pot, bringing to a gentle simmer and partially covering to allow vegetables to tenderize and meld flavors for 10-15 minutes.
5. Final Composition: Remove from heat and fold in green peas, zucchini, chicken pieces, lemon zest, and lemon juice, letting the residual warmth gently heat the fresh ingredients while preserving their vibrant textures.
6. Flavor Refinement: Adjust seasoning to ensure a harmonious balance of tastes, creating a perfectly nuanced culinary experience.
7. Elegant Presentation: Ladle the soup into serving bowls, crown with a scoop of fluffy quinoa, and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a bright lemon wedge to elevate the dish’s sensory appeal.

Notes

• Sauté Technique: Gently cook leeks and carrots until soft to develop deep, sweet underlying flavors without burning vegetables.
• Spice Blooming: Toast herbs and spices briefly in hot oil to release maximum aromatic compounds and intensify overall taste profile.
• Temperature Control: Maintain gentle simmer when adding stock to preserve vegetable nutrients and prevent overcooking delicate ingredients.
• Finishing Touch: Add fresh ingredients like peas and zucchini at the end to retain crisp texture and vibrant color, preventing them from becoming mushy.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg