The Crave Begins
There’s something about a bowl of lentil & chicken soup that just grounds me. It’s cozy. It’s nourishing. And more than anything, it feels like home in a bowl. I lean on this high-protein, high-fiber comfort classic when I need something wholesome and hearty that won’t weigh me down. Whether it’s a cold evening, a rainy lunch hour, or a reset after a weekend of indulgence, this is the soup I come back to over and over again.
I grew up with lentils simmering on the stovetop, usually alongside a handful of spices and a few humble vegetables. Over the years, I gave the dish a protein upgrade by adding shredded chicken breast and fresh herbs. The result? A protein-packed lentil soup that’s naturally gluten-free, clean eating–approved, and seriously satisfying. With a base of garlic, onion, carrots, and celery, this soup layers in flavor while giving your body everything it craves: lean protein, complex carbs, and immune-boosting veggies.
And the best part? It only takes about 35 minutes from pot to bowl.
Lentil & Chicken Soup That Warms You to the Core
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 1 cup dried brown lentils rinsed
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 2 celery stalks diced
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon optional, for brightness
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Simmer the Base – Pour in chicken broth. Stir in lentils, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add Chicken – Nestle raw chicken breasts into the pot. Reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes.
- Shred and Finish – Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the pot. Simmer another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or add lemon juice.
- Serve It Up – Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or as is.
Notes
Secret Tips for Lentil & Chicken Soup Success
1. Sauté for Depth: Always sauté the onions, garlic, and carrots before adding broth—this caramelization step adds incredible depth of flavor to the final soup. 2. Bloom Your Spices: Add ground spices like cumin, turmeric, or smoked paprika after sautéing the vegetables but before adding liquid. This helps release their full aroma. 3. Use Bone Broth: For extra collagen and a richer texture, swap regular broth with homemade or store-bought bone broth. 4. Don’t Rush the Simmer: Let the lentils cook low and slow to break down just enough while maintaining a creamy-yet-hearty texture. 5. Finish with Fresh Herbs and Citrus: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lemon right before serving brighten the entire dish and cut through the richness. 6. Freeze in Portions: Let the soup cool completely and freeze in individual containers. Great for grab-and-go lunches on busy days.Flavor Snapshot
- Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup, Meal Prep
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired, American Comfort
- Skill Level: Beginner
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Main Ingredients: Chicken breast, lentils, carrots, celery, garlic, herbs
- Best For: Cold days, make-ahead meals, light dinners, anti-inflammatory diet
Fuel Facts
- Calories per serving: 290 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 10g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 480mg
Budget Breakdown
- Chicken Breast (1 lb): $3.99
- Brown Lentils (1 cup): $1.20
- Carrots, Celery, Onion: $2.50
- Garlic & Herbs: $0.75
- Olive Oil & Broth: $1.75
- Total Estimated Cost: $10.19
- Cost Per Serving: $1.70
What’s the Big Deal?
High-Protein and Fiber-Rich Combo
This lentil & chicken soup delivers a powerful one-two punch of nutrition. The shredded chicken breast brings in a lean, high-protein source that’s perfect for muscle recovery and energy. Meanwhile, the brown lentils are rich in dietary fiber, promoting steady digestion, helping lower cholesterol, and keeping you full for hours. That makes this soup a smart choice for those seeking high-protein meals for weight loss or sustained energy.
According to the USDA FoodData Central, one cup of cooked lentils contains about 18 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber—making it one of the most nutrient-dense legumes you can keep in your pantry.
Naturally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free
For anyone navigating gluten-free recipes or staying away from dairy, this recipe is a total win. Lentils, chicken, olive oil, and vegetables are naturally gluten- and dairy-free, making this soup an ideal option for anti-inflammatory diets and clean eating meal plans. It’s a comfort food that feels good going down and leaves you energized, not weighed down.
Heart-Healthy Ingredients
This healthy chicken lentil soup is built on a base of olive oil, garlic, carrots, celery, and tomatoes—ingredients long known for their heart-boosting benefits. Olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that help reduce LDL cholesterol, while garlic and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.
As Cleveland Clinic explains, combining these whole foods into your meals is a solid way to promote cardiovascular wellness and long-term health. You’re not just filling up—you’re nourishing your body with every bite.
Meal Prep Gold
This lentil & chicken soup isn’t just delicious—it’s practical. The flavors deepen over time, and it stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. That makes it a prime choice for meal prep-friendly soups that stay fresh and satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for one or planning ahead for the week, this soup brings you back to the basics with a little upgrade in nutrition and comfort.
Best Served When
After a Long Day
This lentil & chicken soup is the ultimate comfort after a long day. It’s warm, protein-rich, and incredibly soothing—whether you’re coming home from work, recovering after a tough workout, or just need something grounding. Thanks to the combination of lean chicken breast and fiber-packed lentils, you get sustained energy without the crash. It’s the kind of nourishing bowl that feels like a reset button.
During Cold or Rainy Weather
When it’s gloomy outside, this soup becomes your edible sweater. The broth is rich but clean, the spices are warming, and every bite is packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients like garlic, carrots, and olive oil. If you’re battling the winter blues or just need a bowl of something cozy and homemade, this gluten-free lentil soup fits the bill perfectly.
For Clean Eating or Gut Reset Weeks
Trying to reduce inflammation or eliminate processed foods? This dairy-free chicken lentil soup supports clean eating goals without sacrificing flavor. It’s naturally low in fat, free of gluten and dairy, and loaded with digestive-friendly fiber. According to Cleveland Clinic, anti-inflammatory meals like this one can support better gut health, immune response, and long-term energy balance.
Meal Prep for Busy Weeks
This is one of those recipes that actually tastes better the next day. Cook up a double batch on Sunday, portion it out, and you’ve got a protein-packed lunch or dinner ready to roll. It freezes beautifully and reheats without drying out, making it ideal for those following high-protein meal prep or healthy batch cooking routines. It also travels well in thermoses for those no-microwave workdays.
From My Kitchen Notes
The first time I made this lentil & chicken soup, it was born from a need to clean out the fridge. I had leftover roast chicken, a half-used bag of brown lentils, and a few veggies that needed saving. With some garlic, broth, and a handful of herbs, I tossed it all into a pot—and by the time it finished simmering, I knew I’d found something worth keeping in my regular rotation.
Now, I make this on purpose. Especially in fall and winter, when the body craves warmth and deep nourishment, this is one of my go-tos. It’s wholesome, flexible, and honestly hard to mess up. I also love how easy it is to scale the recipe up or down depending on how much I want to prep.
And while I’ll always stand by the original version, I’ve played around with dozens of variations depending on what’s on hand—like tossing in spinach, subbing red lentils, or giving it a spicy kick with red pepper flakes.
This isn’t just soup. It’s fuel, comfort, and flavor in one simple bowl.
Grocery Game Plan
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 1 cup dried brown lentils, rinsed
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (optional, for brightness)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Chicken: I prefer breasts for lean protein, but thighs work too for added flavor.
- Lentils: Brown lentils hold their shape best in soups. Red lentils cook faster but break down into a thicker texture.
- Broth: Use low-sodium broth so you can control the salt level.
- Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh finish—totally optional, but I highly recommend it.
The Fix-Up (How It’s Done)
- Sauté the Aromatics – In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
- Simmer the Base – Pour in chicken broth. Stir in lentils, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Add Chicken – Nestle raw chicken breasts into the pot. Reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for 25 minutes.
- Shred and Finish – Remove the chicken, shred with two forks, then return to the pot. Simmer another 5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or add lemon juice.
- Serve It Up – Ladle into bowls and top with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with crusty bread or as is.
Flavor Twists
Lemon-Garlic Chicken Lentil Soup
If you’re craving a zesty, refreshing twist on traditional lentil & chicken soup, add a splash of fresh lemon juice and a bit of zest right before serving. Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale while the soup is still hot to wilt it slightly—perfect for those looking for a clean eating chicken soup that’s light yet satisfying. The citrus brightens the earthy lentils while boosting the antioxidant content of the dish.
According to Healthline, lemon juice adds vitamin C and may support digestion and immunity—especially welcome during cold season.
Spicy Mediterranean Version
For a bold, flavorful variation, transform your base recipe into a spicy Mediterranean lentil chicken soup. Start by sautéing garlic with red pepper flakes, then stir in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, chopped olives, and fresh basil. This twist adds depth, heat, and complexity while still delivering on the heart-healthy ingredients and gluten-free dinner ideas.
Creamy Chicken Lentil Soup
Want a comforting version that tastes creamy without using dairy? After simmering, blend about half the soup (lentils, veggies, and broth) using an immersion blender, then stir in the shredded chicken. The result is a thick and creamy chicken lentil soup that feels indulgent but stays clean, high in fiber, and low in fat. Perfect for colder days or when you’re craving comfort in a bowl.
Chicken and Red Lentil Soup
For a smoother, quicker-cooking variation, swap brown lentils with red lentils. Red lentils break down faster and yield a thicker, almost stew-like consistency. This option is great for busy nights or when you need a protein-rich soup in under 30 minutes. Add a pinch of turmeric and cumin to lean into warm, healing flavors common in anti-inflammatory meal prep.
Leftover Love
Refrigerate
Let the soup cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze
Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
Reheat
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickened.
Pull Up a Chair
Try these pairings with your next bowl:
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Kitchen Talk (FAQs)
Is lentil & chicken soup good for weight loss?
Yes—lentil & chicken soup is one of the best meals for weight loss thanks to its high fiber and lean protein content. It promotes fullness, stabilizes blood sugar, and prevents overeating. According to WebMD, lentils are nutrient-dense, low in calories, and excellent for maintaining a healthy weight.
Can I make lentil & chicken soup in the slow cooker?
Absolutely. This is a great slow cooker high-protein soup option. Simply add everything except lemon juice and parsley to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Shred the chicken at the end and stir in fresh herbs and lemon before serving for that bright, clean flavor.
Which lentils are best for chicken soup?
Brown and green lentils work best because they hold their shape while simmering. If you prefer a creamier texture, red lentils are a good choice—they break down and create a thicker consistency, ideal for those wanting a creamier chicken lentil soup without cream.
Is this soup high in protein?
Yes. Each serving of chicken and lentil soup offers about 28 grams of protein from the shredded chicken and lentils combined. It’s an ideal option for those following high-protein clean eating plans or looking to support muscle recovery.
What’s the healthiest way to make lentil chicken soup?
Use boneless skinless chicken breast, a low-sodium broth, and olive oil. Load it up with vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach. Skip cream, butter, or excess salt. These clean ingredients make it a great fit for anti-inflammatory diet plans.
Can I make this chicken lentil soup ahead for meal prep?
Yes—this recipe is meal prep-friendly and holds up well for several days. Store it in individual airtight containers. It freezes beautifully and can be reheated without losing texture, making it one of my favorite batch-cooking clean soup recipes.
Is lentil & chicken soup gluten-free?
Yes. All the ingredients in this gluten-free chicken lentil soup are naturally free from gluten. Just double-check your broth and seasonings to ensure they are labeled gluten-free, especially if you’re cooking for someone with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Is lentil soup anti-inflammatory?
Definitely. This soup contains several anti-inflammatory ingredients, including garlic, olive oil, lentils, and lean chicken. According to Healthline, these foods are rich in antioxidants and can reduce inflammation when consumed regularly.
How do I thicken or thin the soup?
To thicken lentil & chicken soup, simmer it uncovered to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, blend a small portion of the soup and stir it back in for a naturally creamy consistency. To thin the soup, just add extra broth or water until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add rice or pasta to this soup?
Yes—you can add cooked brown rice, wild rice, or small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo. If you’re looking to increase the carb count for more energy (like post-workout), this is an easy way to bulk up the soup without losing its clean eating profile.
What vegetables go well in lentil and chicken soup?
Spinach, kale, zucchini, or diced sweet potato work really well. These veggies add micronutrients and color while keeping the soup hearty. For even more plant power, toss in green beans, chopped bell peppers, or broccoli near the end of cooking.
Can I make this a one-pot dinner?
Absolutely. This one-pot lentil chicken soup is designed for minimal cleanup. Everything cooks together, and the flavors deepen as it simmers. It’s perfect for a no-fuss weeknight dinner that leaves you with fewer dishes and a whole lot of satisfaction.
Final Bite
This lentil & chicken soup has seen me through so many seasons—both literal and figurative. It’s what I reach for when I want something healing, hearty, and no-fuss. I’ve made it for friends who needed a pick-me-up, packed it in thermoses for road trips, and doubled it for busy weeks when I just need fuel that I can trust.
There’s something powerful about a meal that’s this humble yet this impactful. Simple ingredients, cooked with intention, always deliver more than the sum of their parts. And that’s what this soup is to me: deeply comforting, highly practical, and full of goodness.
I hope it keeps you warm, nourished, and coming back to your kitchen just like it does for me.
“Simple ingredients, simmered with care—this lentil & chicken soup is real food with real purpose.” — Molly
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Lean chicken, hearty lentils, and vibrant veggies all come together in one comforting, protein-packed bowl that’s ready in under an hour.
