This Chicken Lentil Soup is cozy, hearty, and packed with protein and veggies. Made with tender chicken breast, red lentils, warm spices, and kale, it’s an easy comfort food dinner that’s great for meal prep. Serve with crusty bread for the perfect bowl. Discover the full recipe.
Ingredients
This soup uses everyday ingredients plus a few warm spices that give it depth.
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Red lentils | 1 ½ cups |
| Chicken breast | 500 g (about 2 large) |
| Olive oil | ¼ cup |
| Carrots, diced | 1 cup |
| Onion, chopped | 1 cup |
| Garlic, chopped | 1 Tbsp |
| Tomato paste | 2 Tbsp |
| Chicken bouillon | 1 Tbsp |
| Ground coriander | 1 tsp |
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp |
| Turmeric | ½ tsp |
| Curry powder | 1 Tbsp |
| Garam masala | ½ Tbsp |
| Kale, chopped | 1 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Chicken Lentil Soup (Easy, Cozy & High-Protein Comfort Food)
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Cozy chicken lentil soup with red lentils, warm spices, veggies, and kale. Perfect comfort food.
Ingredients
1½ cups red lentils
500 g chicken breast
¼ cup olive oil
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup chopped onions
1 Tbsp chopped garlic
2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 Tbsp chicken bouillon
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ tsp turmeric
1 Tbsp curry powder
½ Tbsp garam masala
1 cup chopped kale
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté onions and carrots in olive oil.
2. Stir in garlic, spices, and tomato paste until fragrant.
3. Add 4–5 cups water, bouillon, and seasonings.
4. Add chicken and simmer 10 minutes.
5. Add lentils and cook 5–10 minutes.
6. Remove chicken, shred, and return to pot.
7. Add kale and simmer 5 minutes.
8. Serve hot.
Notes
Red lentils thicken the soup.
Add more water for a thinner broth.
Great for meal prep and freezing.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Step-by-Step Instructions and Helpful Tips
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onions and carrots and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent.
Step 2: Bloom the Spices
Stir in garlic, curry powder, coriander, cumin seeds, turmeric, garam masala, and tomato paste. Cook briefly, stirring, just until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Water and Seasonings
Carefully pour in 4–5 cups water. Add chicken bouillon, salt, pepper, and any optional red pepper flakes. Stir to deglaze the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Simmer the Chicken
Add chicken breasts (whole or cut into large pieces). Partially cover and bring to a gentle boil for about 10 minutes.
Step 5: Add Lentils
Add rinsed red lentils and simmer another 5–10 minutes until lentils are tender and chicken is fully cooked.
Step 6: Shred and Return Chicken
Remove chicken to a plate, shred or cube it, then return it to the pot. Stir to combine and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 7: Add Kale
Stir in chopped kale. Cover and simmer 5 minutes more, or until kale is wilted and lentils are cooked to your preference.
Serve hot as-is or with crusty bread.
Helpful Tips
- Red lentils cook fast and naturally thicken the soup
- Add more water or stock if you prefer a thinner broth
- This soup tastes even better after it rests overnight
Conclusion
Chicken Lentil Soup is a simple, satisfying way to get a balanced meal in one bowl. Between the protein-packed chicken, fiber-rich lentils, and comforting spices, it’s a recipe you’ll want on repeat through colder months and busy weeks. It’s easy to make, perfect for meal prep, and incredibly customizable based on what you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use a different type of lentil?
Yes, but cooking times vary. Red lentils cook the fastest and make the soup thicker.
2. Can I make Chicken Lentil Soup in advance?
Yes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
4. What can I serve with Chicken Lentil Soup?
Crusty bread, pita, a simple salad, or rice are all great options.