Description
This easy Chicken and Lentil Soup is a hearty, healthy, and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes. Made with red lentils, shredded chicken, carrots, tomato paste, and aromatic spices, it’s the perfect comforting bowl that’s high in protein, fiber, and rich, warm flavors. Ideal for meal prep, this wholesome soup thickens beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup dry red lentils
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook until golden and soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, smoked paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the red lentils and sliced carrots to coat with the spices and tomato paste.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the lentils and carrots are soft.
- Add the shredded chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Use red lentils for the best creamy consistency — they cook quickly and blend into the broth.
- Toast your spices in oil before adding liquid to maximize flavor.
- The soup thickens as it cools; add extra broth when reheating if needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean / Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 473 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 16 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 53 mg
Keywords: Chicken and Lentil Soup, healthy lentil soup, easy chicken soup, red lentil soup, high protein soup, comfort food, Mediterranean soup