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Bright Lemon Chicken Soup

This chicken soup combines tender shredded chicken with a flavorful broth infused with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon, creating a bright and comforting dish. It features a gentle simmering process that develops rich flavors, finished with a squeeze of citrus for vibrancy and optional noodles or rice for added heartiness. The final appearance is a clear, fragrant soup with tender meat and colorful herbs, perfect for a cozy meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 whole chicken (whole or thighs) preferably bone-in for flavor
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 carrots carrots chopped
  • 2 stalks celery chopped
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 each lemon for juice and zest
  • 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, thyme) chopped
  • 1 cup noodles or rice optional
  • to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot
  • Fine sieve
  • Shredder or forks
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Place the whole chicken or chicken thighs into a large heavy-bottomed pot, then add chopped onions, carrots, and celery around the chicken.
  2. Pour in the apple cider vinegar and cover the ingredients with water, then bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  3. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface as the broth begins to bubble gently, and cook for about 1.5 hours until the chicken is tender and the broth is flavorful.
  4. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly while you strain the broth through a fine sieve into another pot for clarity.
  5. Shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding bones and skin, then return the shredded meat to the broth.
  6. If using noodles or rice, add them now and simmer for about 10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
  7. Zest the lemon directly into the soup, then squeeze in the lemon juice, stirring gently to combine.
  8. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over the soup and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Gently heat the soup for a few minutes more, allowing flavors to meld and the soup to warm through.
  10. Serve hot, garnished with additional herbs if desired, alongside crusty bread for a comforting meal.

Notes

For a richer broth, use a whole chicken; for a leaner option, substitute with chicken thighs. Add noodles or rice just before finishing to make the soup more filling. Adjust lemon and herbs to taste for brightness and freshness.