Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup Recipe

Try Our Zesty Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup Recipe Today!

Crafting a delightful lemon rosemary chicken soup can transport you to a cozy kitchen filled with warm, comforting aromas.

Hints of Mediterranean herbs dance through this classic recipe, creating a soul-soothing experience.

Delicate rosemary leaves and bright citrus notes blend seamlessly, promising a light yet satisfying meal.

Each spoonful carries a gentle complexity that awakens your senses and warms you from within.

Fresh ingredients come together effortlessly, turning simple pantry staples into an extraordinary dish.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among fragrant herbs, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

You’ll love how easily this soup comes together, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort food that nourishes both body and spirit.

Tips to Maximize That Bright, Herbal Flavor

  • Boost Veggie Flavor: Sauté vegetables in olive oil until they caramelize slightly for deeper, richer taste and enhanced sweetness.
  • Herb Power: Use fresh rosemary sprigs for more intense aromatic notes, removing stems before serving for cleaner texture.
  • Lemon Zest Trick: Add lemon zest along with juice to amplify citrus brightness and provide more complex flavor profile.
  • Protein Swap: Easily substitute chicken with white beans, tofu, or rotisserie chicken for different dietary preferences or quick meal preparation.
  • Freeze and Store: Cool soup completely before storing in airtight containers, which keeps soup fresh for up to 4 days in refrigerator or 3 months in freezer.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Lemon Soup

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing soup with leafy greens as they can become mushy.
  • Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth if the soup seems too thick.
  • Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop heating once the soup is steaming hot.

Food Pairings That Complement the Citrus Notes

  • Grab a warm, crusty artisan bread with rosemary baked into the crust. The herbal notes will complement the rosemary in the soup, creating a harmonious flavor experience that enhances the overall meal.
  • Select a bright, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines mirror the lemony brightness and herbal undertones of the chicken soup, cutting through the richness while providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
  • Top the soup with a quick homemade gremolata made from chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. This vibrant garnish adds a fresh, zingy layer that amplifies the soup's citrusy and herbaceous profile, bringing extra complexity to each spoonful.
  • Create a light side salad with mixed greens, segments of fresh citrus like grapefruit or orange, and a lemon vinaigrette. The bright, tangy elements will echo the soup's lemon and rosemary notes, creating a cohesive and balanced meal.

Fresh Twists for This Herby Chicken Soup

  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace regular beans with quinoa or rice, ensuring a gluten-free base while maintaining the soup's hearty texture.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans, adding extra plant-based protein and keeping the herb-infused flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute beans with cauliflower florets and use chicken thighs for a richer, more substantial low-carbohydrate version of the soup.
  • Mediterranean Spin: Add chickpeas, increase rosemary, and garnish with crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation that enhances the original recipe's Mediterranean undertones.

Common Questions on Lemon Rosemary Soup

  • Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from chicken and beans, vitamins from vegetables like kale and carrots, and immune-boosting herbs like rosemary and garlic.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just ensure your broth is gluten-free and skip the optional Parmesan cheese or use a gluten-free alternative.

  • How can I add more protein to this soup?

You can increase protein by adding more chicken, using rotisserie chicken, or stirring in cooked quinoa or additional beans.

  • What if I don't have fresh rosemary?

No problem! Use dried rosemary instead. Just use 1/3 of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup That Soothes

  • Hearty, one-pot soup delivers ultimate warmth and satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich beans, and nutrient-dense greens, this soup provides a balanced, healthy meal in minutes.
  • Fresh rosemary and bright lemon juice create a vibrant, restaurant-quality taste that transforms basic ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe offers busy home cooks a quick, delicious solution for weeknight dinners that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

What You Need for a Fragrant Chicken Bowl

Base Ingredients:
  • Chicken, Broth: Hearty protein and flavor base, choose skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender meat.
  • Beans: Adds protein and creamy texture, white beans like cannellini work best.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base for depth of flavor, fresh and crisp vegetables preferred.
  • Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor, fresh garlic recommended for best taste.
  • Kale or Spinach: Nutritious green element, adds color and additional nutrients.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Rosemary: Aromatic herb with pine-like flavor, fresh sprigs provide more intense taste.
  • Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend for additional complexity, premixed or homemade works well.
  • Lemon Juice: Bright, citrusy finish that elevates the soup's flavor profile.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra richness and savory notes.
Optional Serving Suggestions:
  • Crusty Bread: Complementary side for dipping and added texture.

How to Make Lemon Rosemary Soup Shine

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame. Add chopped:
  • Onions
  • Carrots
  • Celery

Cook while stirring occasionally until vegetables become soft and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 2: Enhance With Fragrant Herbs

Introduce minced garlic, freshly chopped rosemary, and Italian seasoning blend. Stir continuously for another minute to release incredible herbal aromas.

Step 3: Build Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken broth. Add:
  • Cooked chicken pieces
  • White beans

Increase heat and bring mixture to a gentle rolling simmer.

Step 4: Incorporate Leafy Greens

Fold in fresh kale or baby spinach leaves. Allow soup to simmer for 10-15 minutes until greens become tender and wilted.

Step 5: Brighten With Citrus Finish

Remove any whole rosemary stems. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper according to personal preference.

Step 6: Serve With Flair

Ladle steaming soup into warm bowls. Optional garnishes include:
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Crusty artisan bread
  • Fresh herb sprinkle
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Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup Recipe

Lemon Rosemary Chicken Soup Recipe


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4.6 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comfort meets elegance in this lemon rosemary chicken soup, a Mediterranean-inspired dish that whispers warmth and sophistication. Fresh herbs and citrus notes dance together, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 (15 ounces / 425 grams) can cannellini or navy beans

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cups chopped kale or spinach

Liquids, Seasonings, and Extras:

  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Juice of 2 lemons
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Grated Parmesan
  • Extra rosemary
  • Crusty bread

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate temperature, gently sautéing diced onions, sliced carrots, and chopped celery until they transform into a softened, translucent medley.
  2. Introduce minced garlic, fragrant rosemary, and robust Italian seasoning, stirring briefly to awaken their aromatic essence and infuse the vegetable base with deep, layered flavors.
  3. Pour in rich chicken broth, nestle tender white beans and pre-cooked chicken pieces into the liquid, allowing the ingredients to meld and create a harmonious broth.
  4. Gradually fold vibrant kale or tender spinach leaves into the simmering mixture, permitting the greens to gently wilt and integrate their verdant nutrition into the soup.
  5. Carefully extract any whole rosemary sprigs, then brighten the soup’s profile with a zesty splash of fresh lemon juice, seasoning delicately with salt and cracked black pepper to elevate the overall taste.
  6. Transfer the steaming, aromatic soup into serving bowls, offering optional garnishes like freshly grated Parmesan cheese or accompanying with rustic, crusty bread for a complete, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Swap kale or spinach with any leafy greens like Swiss chard or arugula for varied nutrition and flavor profiles.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken to save time and add depth to the soup’s taste.
  • For gluten-free option, ensure broth is certified gluten-free and skip bread serving suggestion.
  • Create a vegetarian version by replacing chicken with extra beans or plant-based protein like tofu cubes.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 310
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 44 g
  • Fiber: 10 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Jessica Martinez

Jessica Martinez

Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Organic Baking Techniques, Gluten-Free Recipe Development, Southwestern Dessert Specialties, Food Styling and Photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College (SFCC)

  • Program: Certificate in Patisserie
  • Focus: Cultivating disciplined kitchen preparation for a safe, organized, and sanitary workstation; mastering the timely production of nutritious, visually appealing pastries; safely operating standard pastry equipment; and honing core patissier techniques for professional pastry work.

Jessica brings the sweet side to Urban Organic with her passion for baking and love for the Southwest. She trained at Santa Fe Community College and has built a career creating beautiful, gluten-free, and organic desserts that feel both nostalgic and new.

She believes baking should be fun, creative, and open to everyone, no matter your diet or skill level. Jessica’s recipes are simple enough to follow, but special enough to remember.

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