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Caramelized Lemon Chicken Soup

Caramelized Lemon Chicken Soup
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Caramelized Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and tangy blend of tender chicken and bright citrus flavors. Featuring caramelized lemons sautéed to unlock their rich citrus notes, combined with savory chicken broth and aromatics, this soup provides a satisfying, refreshing, and soothing meal. Simple to prepare with pantry staples, it’s perfect for cozy evenings or any time you crave a zesty, nourishing bowl that elevates traditional chicken soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, cut into pieces

Citrus & Aromatics

  • 2-3 fresh lemons, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Fats

  • 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or quality store-bought)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter (for caramelizing lemons and sautéing)

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Lemons: Slice fresh lemons thinly and sauté them in olive oil or butter over medium heat until the edges turn golden brown and develop rich caramel notes, about 8-10 minutes. This step unlocks the deep citrus flavor that transforms the soup.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onions and minced garlic to the caramelized lemon oil and cook until they soften and become fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. This forms the flavor foundation.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Add seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and sear them on both sides until lightly browned but not fully cooked through, which seals in juices and adds savoriness.
  4. Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze and lift those flavorful browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook until the chicken is tender and cooked through, approximately 20-25 minutes.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Remove the chicken to shred or dice, then return to the pot. Stir in chopped parsley or thyme, adjust salt and pepper to taste, and let the soup rest for a few minutes to marry all flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh lemons for the best bright citrus flavor instead of bottled juice.
  • Caramelize lemons slowly over medium heat to avoid bitterness and develop deep flavors.
  • Deglaze the pan after browning chicken to capture all the savory browned bits for extra flavor.
  • Shred chicken evenly for consistent texture and taste in every spoonful.
  • Allow the soup to rest off heat before serving so flavors meld perfectly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://amandafood.com/caramelized-lemon-chicken-soup/