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Cozy Zesty Lemon Artichoke Chicken Soup

zesty lemon artichoke chicken soup - featured image

A bright and comforting chicken soup featuring zesty lemon and creamy artichokes, perfect for chilly nights. Quick and easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g), diced or shredded
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400g) quartered artichoke hearts, drained
  • Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
  • 4 cups (1 quart) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) dry white wine (optional)
  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients (10 minutes): Chop the onion, celery, and carrots finely. Mince the garlic and zest then juice the lemon, setting both aside separately. Dice or shred the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables (8 minutes): Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 6-8 minutes. Add the garlic last and stir for 1 minute more.
  3. Deglaze with Wine (optional, 2 minutes): Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer until the wine mostly evaporates.
  4. Add Broth and Herbs (5 minutes): Pour in the chicken broth and add dried thyme and oregano. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
  5. Cook the Chicken (10-12 minutes): Add the diced chicken to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered until the chicken is no longer pink and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Stir occasionally.
  6. Incorporate Artichokes and Lemon (3 minutes): Stir in the drained artichoke hearts, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let simmer for 3-5 minutes to meld flavors.
  7. Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with crusty bread or grilled cheese.

Notes

Use fresh lemon juice and zest for best flavor. Canned artichokes packed in water or marinated provide the best texture. For gluten-free, ensure broth and wine are gluten-free or omit wine. To make creamier, add Greek yogurt or heavy cream before serving or blend part of the soup. If soup tastes flat, add a splash of fresh lemon juice before serving. Frozen artichokes are not recommended due to watery texture. Slow cooker method: sauté veggies first, then cook on low 4-6 hours, add lemon juice at end.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken soup, lemon soup, artichoke soup, cozy soup, easy chicken soup, zesty lemon, comfort food, quick soup