As the crispness of winter settles in, I often find solace in a warm bowl of Chicken and Red Lentil Soup With Lemony Yogurt. There’s just something so heartening about the scent of sautéed onions mingling with garlic and spices, wafting through my kitchen. This soup is the ultimate comfort food, marrying tender chicken with creamy red lentils, creating a satisfying harmony that’s perfect for both chilly nights and cozy gatherings.
I discovered this recipe during one of those evenings when takeout just didn’t feel right. The warm, golden broth, enhanced by turmeric and brightened with fresh herbs, wraps around you like a soft blanket, making each spoonful a heartfelt hug. Not only is it simple to put together, but it’s also packed with protein and flavor, ensuring that everyone at the table leaves with happy hearts and full bellies. Let’s dive into the delightful process of making this nourishing dish that promises to elevate any meal!
Why is Chicken and Red Lentil Soup special?
Comforting warmth: Each bowl is a hug in a dish, perfect for those chilly nights when you crave something soothing.
Protein-packed goodness: With tender chicken and hearty lentils, this soup fills you up while nourishing your body.
Simple preparation: You don’t need to be a pro in the kitchen; this recipe is straightforward and rewarding.
Versatile flavors: Feel free to experiment with spices and herbs, tailoring it to your family’s taste preferences or dietary needs.
Crowd-pleaser appeal: Serve it at gatherings or family dinners, and watch everyone come back for seconds!
Make-ahead magic: It stores beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making weeknight meals a breeze.
Chicken and Red Lentil Soup Ingredients
• Discover the essentials for a heartwarming bowl!
For the Soup
- Extra-virgin olive oil – Adds richness and depth for a flavorful base.
- Onions – Provide sweetness and texture; yellow or white varieties work best.
- Garlic – Boosts flavor and aroma; fresh is ideal, but pre-minced works too.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – The main protein source for tenderness and moisture; chicken breast is a leaner option.
- Red lentils – Create a creamy, hearty base perfect for this Chicken and Red Lentil Soup; avoid substituting with green or brown lentils.
- Ground turmeric – Imparts vibrant color and earthy flavor; use fresh turmeric for a lively twist.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning to enhance all flavors.
For the Fresh Herbs
- Fresh parsley, dill, and mint (mixed) – Offer brightness and herbal nuances; swap any based on your preferences or what’s available.
For the Topping
- Plain full-fat yogurt – Adds creaminess and tang; Greek yogurt can be thinned with water for a similar effect.
- Fresh lemon juice – Brightens the dish and elevates the flavors beautifully.
Now that you have everything ready, you’re only moments away from sipping on this delightful Chicken and Red Lentil Soup!
How to Make Chicken and Red Lentil Soup
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Heat the oil: Start by heating extra-virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. This will be the flavorful foundation for your soup.
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Sauté the onions: Add diced onions to the pot and sauté until they’re deeply charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing that sweetness to develop.
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Add garlic: Toss in sliced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened. The aroma should be irresistible at this point!
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Mix in chicken and lentils: Stir in boneless, skinless chicken thighs, rinsed red lentils, ground turmeric, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
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Pour in water: Add 8 cups of water to the pot, stirring to combine. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing it to simmer for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the lentils start to break down.
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Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot once cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then shred it into bite-sized pieces, and return it to the pot.
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Incorporate herbs: Add in your mixed fresh herbs and adjust the seasoning as needed. Stir everything together for a fresh pop of flavor!
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Prepare the yogurt mix: In a bowl, combine plain full-fat yogurt with fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt. Thin it with a little water if necessary to achieve a smooth consistency.
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Serve the soup: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, topping each serving with a generous dollop of the lemony yogurt.
Optional: Garnish with additional herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for extra flair.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Chicken and Red Lentil Soup Variations
Feel free to play around with these delightful twists to make this soup truly your own!
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Add Greens: Stir in chopped spinach or kale for a nutrient boost that brings a splash of color.
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Spice it Up: Incorporate cumin or smoked paprika to shift the flavor profile into exciting new territories.
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Creamy Coconut: Substitute half the water with coconut milk for a rich, velvety texture that adds tropical vibes.
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Eggsquisite Addition: Top with a soft-boiled egg for extra creaminess and a lovely finishing touch that elevates each bowl.
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Savory Mushrooms: Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, umami flavor that makes this soup even heartier.
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Extra Zing: Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of lime juice to brighten the flavors and add a delightful tang.
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Nutty Twist: Toss in a spoonful of almond butter or tahini for a unique, nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
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Heat It Up: For those who love spice, introduce a diced jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper to wake up your taste buds.
Expert Tips for Chicken and Red Lentil Soup
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Right Lentils: Use red lentils only: They break down and create a creamy soup, unlike green or brown lentils which retain their shape.
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Sauté Timing: Don’t rush the onions: Char them well for deeper sweetness; this can really elevate the overall flavor.
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Herb Swap: Mix and match herbs: If you don’t have parsley, fresh cilantro or basil can offer a delightful twist to your Chicken and Red Lentil Soup.
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Cooking Time: Don’t skip shredding: Longer simmering tenderizes the chicken, making it easier to shred for that comforting texture.
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Flavor Boost: Use chicken stock instead of water: This simple switch adds a richer, more complex flavor to your soup.
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Perfect Topping: Thin the yogurt: Adjusting the consistency makes it easier to swirl into the hot soup, enhancing its creaminess.
What to Serve with Hearty Chicken and Red Lentil Soup?
Create a wholesome feast that beautifully complements the warmth and heartiness of this delicious soup.
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Crusty Bread: The perfect vehicle for savoring every flavorful drop, crusty bread adds a delightful crunch that contrasts the soup’s creaminess.
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Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette provide a light balance, enhancing the soup’s richness.
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Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers add texture and sweetness, making the meal even more satisfying.
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Herbed Rice: A side of fluffy herbed rice infuses every bite with aromatic flavors, making it a wonderful companion for soaking up the soup.
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Cheese-Infused Biscuits: Fluffy, cheesy biscuits offer a savory twist for dipping, complementing the flavors of the chicken and lentils perfectly.
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Refreshing Mint Tea: A warm cup of fresh mint tea cleanses the palate and refreshes the senses, providing a soothing finish to your meal.
Indulging in these pairings turns your soup into a nourishing feast, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that everyone will love.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken and Red Lentil Soup
Fridge: Store your Chicken and Red Lentil Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This ensures it stays fresh and delicious.
Freezer: You can freeze this soup for up to a month. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and label with the date.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of water to loosen the soup if it thickens.
Leftover Tips: If you have leftovers after a meal, store them separately from toppings like yogurt to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
This Chicken and Red Lentil Soup is a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can chop the onions and garlic, and mix the spices up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerating them to keep fresh. Additionally, the chicken can be cooked and shredded up to 3 days beforehand, stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, simply combine the prepped ingredients in your pot, add water, and simmer until the lentils are creamy and tender. Add your fresh herbs and a dollop of lemony yogurt just before serving for a nutrition-packed, heartwarming dish that retains its comforting goodness.
Chicken and Red Lentil Soup With Lemony Yogurt Recipe FAQs
What type of lentils should I use?
Only red lentils will work for this recipe as they cook down into a creamy texture that is perfect for a hearty soup. Green or brown lentils won’t provide the same consistency and will remain firm.
How should I store leftover Chicken and Red Lentil Soup?
You can store your soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just remember to let it cool completely before sealing. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to a month. Make sure to leave a little space at the top for the soup to expand as it freezes.
Can I freeze Chicken and Red Lentil Soup?
Absolutely! To freeze, portion the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion. Label with the date, and it will stay delicious for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, and reheat on the stove. You can add a splash of water if it thickens too much during reheating.
What if my soup turns out too thick?
If your soup is too thick after cooking, don’t worry! Just add a bit of warm water or chicken broth while reheating, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. Additionally, if the soup thickens too much in the fridge, a little water added during reheating can bring it back to its creamy, cozy state.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
This soup is quite versatile! If you or someone you’re serving has allergies, make sure to check the labels on ingredients. The recipe includes ingredients like chicken and yogurt, which may not be suitable for everyone. For a vegan version, you can use vegetable broth and substitute tofu for chicken, and swap out the yogurt with a plant-based yogurt.
What is the best way to enhance the flavors in my soup?
For a flavor boost, try adding spices like ginger or cumin during the sautéing process with your onions and garlic. This will infuse the oil with aromatic flavors. Also, using chicken stock instead of water adds another layer of richness. Finally, always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; every batch can vary slightly!
Cozy Chicken and Red Lentil Soup With Lemony Yogurt Magic
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- Add diced onions and sauté until deeply charred and tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Add sliced garlic and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken thighs, rinsed lentils, turmeric, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add 8 cups of water, stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- Remove and shred the chicken once cooked through, then return it to the pot.
- Incorporate the fresh herbs and adjust seasoning as needed.
- In a bowl, mix yogurt with lemon juice and a pinch of salt, thinning with water if necessary.
- Ladle soup into bowls, topping each with a generous dollop of the lemony yogurt.