Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup with Spinach and Garlic

A rich and flavorful soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant spinach, a burst of fresh lemon, and a creamy texture that makes it perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients (Serves 4):

• 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 medium onion (chopped)
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
• 1 celery stalk (diced)
• 750 ml (3 cups) chicken broth
• 200 ml (3/4 cup) heavy cream
• 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh spinach leaves (washed)
• Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the chicken:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and golden brown.
3. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.

2. Sauté the vegetables:

1. In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery.
2. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

3. Add the broth and simmer:

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil.
2. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

4. Add the chicken and spinach:

1. Stir in the shredded chicken and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

5. Make it creamy:

1. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Add lemon and herbs:

1. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried thyme. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

7. Serve:

1. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
2. Serve with warm crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

Tips:

• For extra tanginess: Add more lemon juice to taste, or even a splash of white wine during the sautéing of vegetables for added depth of flavor.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or a lighter cream instead of heavy cream for a lower-fat version.
• For a more rustic texture: If you like a chunkier soup, leave some of the vegetables unblended or chop the chicken into larger pieces.

This Creamy Lemon Chicken Soup with Spinach and Garlic is a perfect combination of bright flavors and creamy comfort—ideal for a cozy meal on chilly days!