When the late afternoon sun starts to dip and a cool breeze creeps in, nothing hits the spot quite like a bowl of warm, nourishing soup. This high protein chicken soup is just that—rich, satisfying, and packed with good-for-you ingredients that fill you up without weighing you down.

I remember one afternoon when I first made this soup. The kitchen smelled like a cozy cabin, with garlic and thyme mingling in the air. I was halfway through chopping the kale when my phone buzzed, pulling my attention away for a moment. Somehow, that brief distraction made the moment even more real—soup simmering on the stove, the quiet hum of the day fading outside, and a sense of calm settling in. It wasn’t perfect timing or a fancy setting, but it was exactly what I needed. I stirred in a squeeze of lemon, tasted a spoonful, and felt that familiar comfort of a meal made with simple care.

Why You’ll Love It:

Hearty and wholesome, with lean chicken and lentils delivering a serious protein boost.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just good ingredients doing their thing.
Vegetables like kale and peas add fresh color and texture, making every bite interesting.
Simmering the soup lets flavors deepen slowly, so each spoonful feels crafted and satisfying.
While it’s nourishing, it’s not overly heavy, perfect for when you want to feel good without feeling stuffed.

If you’re not sure about lentils or kale, don’t worry—this soup is forgiving and easy to tweak to your vibe. It’s one of those recipes that welcome a little improvisation.

High Protein Chicken Soup

Print Recipe

A nourishing and high-protein chicken soup packed with lean chicken breast, vegetables, and legumes, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 medium carrots, peeled and diced
3 celery stalks, diced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces), cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup dry lentils, rinsed
1 cup chopped kale, stems removed
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Juice of 1/2 lemon

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Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Add the minced garlic, dried thyme, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the chicken pieces and lentils to the pot. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, or until the lentils and chicken are cooked through.
Stir in the chopped kale and frozen peas. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the kale is wilted and peas are heated through.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot and enjoy your high protein chicken soup.

Kitchen Notes: I usually make this soup in a big, heavy-bottomed pot that holds heat well and helps everything cook evenly. It’s great on its own, but I like serving it with a crusty piece of bread or a simple side salad when I want a fuller meal. Sometimes I swap the kale with spinach if that’s what I have on hand, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note. I haven’t tested it with other legumes besides lentils, but black beans or chickpeas might work if you soak them properly. Just be mindful that cooking times could change a bit.

FAQ:

Can I make this soup ahead of time? Absolutely. It actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have had time to mingle.

Is it freezer-friendly? Yes, you can freeze leftovers in airtight containers for a couple of months. Just thaw and warm gently on the stove.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Sure, thighs will add a bit more richness, though the texture will be a little different.

Ready to cozy up with a bowl? This high protein chicken soup is waiting to be your next go-to comfort meal.