There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of chicken soup when you’re feeling under the weather or just need some cozy comfort. My lemon butter chicken soup bowl became my go-to remedy after a particularly nasty bout of flu last winter, that bright citrusy kick cuts through the richness so beautifully. What started as a desperate kitchen experiment turned into my favorite healthy chicken soup recipe that’s equally perfect for weight loss days or when you just need a quick keto-friendly meal.
This immune-boosting chicken soup packs all the classic comfort with an extra zing from fresh lemon zest and juice. The butter adds just enough richness without making it heavy, while the tender chicken and veggies make it satisfying enough for a complete meal. I love how versatile it is, one pot, 30 minutes, and you’ve got something that works whether you’re fighting a cold, watching your waistline, or just craving something warm and nourishing.
What really makes my lemon butter chicken soup bowl special is how the ingredients work together. The acidity from the lemon brightens everything up while the thyme and garlic give it that deep, savory flavor we all crave in good chicken soup. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself making on repeat, simple enough for weeknights but impressive enough to serve to guests. For other bright, comforting chicken soup ideas, check out this lemon basil chicken soup recipe.
Print40-Minute Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl That Heals
A comforting and healthy Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl packed with immune-boosting ingredients. Perfect for colds, weight loss, or a quick keto-friendly meal.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 lemon (juiced and zested)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add lemon juice, zest, thyme, and black pepper.
- Simmer for 20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Season with salt and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- For keto: Omit carrots and add more leafy greens.
- For weight loss: Reduce butter to 1 tbsp and use lean chicken.
- Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
- Add ginger for extra anti-inflammatory benefits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
This isn’t just any chicken soup, it’s my little miracle bowl that somehow manages to be comforting and energizing at the same time. Here’s why it’s become my kitchen staple:
- Immune-boosting powerhouse: Between the vitamin C from fresh lemon and the anti-inflammatory garlic, it’s like a warm hug for your immune system. Perfect for when cold season hits!
- Keto dream: With just 12g net carbs per serving (skip the carrots if you’re being strict), it fits beautifully into low-carb lifestyles. If you are looking for more low-carb options, this healthy low-carb chicken soup recipe might interest you.
- Weeknight hero: From chopping to serving, you’re looking at just 40 minutes, faster than waiting for takeout!
- Weight-loss friendly: At only 220 calories per generous bowl, it keeps you full without the guilt.
- Flavor bomb: That lemon-butter combo? Absolute magic. It brightens up the whole dish while keeping that classic chicken soup comfort.
Honestly, I’ve lost count of how many times this recipe has saved me, whether I’m sick, busy, or just craving something that makes me feel good from the inside out. For more inspiration on comforting meals, visit familytastes.com.
Ingredients for Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Here’s everything you’ll need to make my go-to lemon butter chicken soup bowl, I swear by these exact measurements and prep for the perfect balance of flavors:
- 2 tbsp butter, real, unsalted butter for that rich base flavor
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into 1-inch pieces (boneless, skinless works best)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth, the better quality, the tastier your soup
- 1 large lemon, you’ll use both the juice (about 3 tbsp) and 1 tsp zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced finely (about 2 tsp)
- 1 medium onion, diced small (about 1 cup)
- 2 carrots, sliced into thin coins (peeled first!)
- 2 celery stalks, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces (leaves included for extra flavor)
- 1 tsp dried thyme, or 1 tbsp fresh if you’ve got it
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Salt to taste, I start with 1/4 tsp and adjust at the end
- Fresh parsley for garnish, about 2 tbsp chopped
Pro tip: measure everything before you start cooking, this soup comes together fast once you begin!
How to Make Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Alright, let’s get cooking! This lemon butter chicken soup bowl comes together in just a few simple steps, but each one builds layers of flavor. Follow along closely, I’ve learned a few tricks over the many times I’ve made this!
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken and Vegetables
Start by melting that glorious butter in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it stops foaming and starts smelling nutty. Add your diced chicken breast in a single layer, don’t crowd the pan! Give it about 2 minutes undisturbed to get some golden color, then stir and cook until it’s mostly opaque (another 3-4 minutes).
Now toss in your onion, carrots, celery, and garlic all at once. The veggies should sizzle when they hit the pan, that’s how you know your temperature is right! Cook them just until the onions turn translucent, about 3 minutes. You want them softened but still with some crunch, they’ll cook more later.
Step 2: Simmer with Broth and Seasonings
Pour in your chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, that’s pure flavor! Bring everything to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer. This is when you’ll add the lemon juice (careful, it might splash!), zest, thyme, and black pepper. If you prefer a richer broth base, try this classic homestyle chicken broth soup recipe.
Let it bubble away uncovered for 20 minutes, the broth will reduce slightly and the flavors will marry beautifully. Taste around the 15 minute mark and adjust salt if needed. The carrots should be tender but not mushy when it’s done.
Step 3: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes, this allows the flavors to settle. Ladle into bowls while still piping hot and shower with freshly chopped parsley. I like serving mine with extra lemon wedges on the side for those who want an extra citrus kick!
Important tip: Don’t skip that final rest time! It makes all the difference in letting the lemon flavor mellow just enough so it doesn’t overpower. Now dig in, this is comfort in a bowl at its finest.
Tips for the Perfect Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
After making this lemon butter chicken soup bowl more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to take it from good to wow every single time:
- Zest first, juice later: Always zest your lemon before juicing, it’s impossible to zest a squeezed lemon! The zest packs way more flavor than the juice alone.
- Butter temperature matters: Let your butter soften slightly before cooking, cold butter burns faster, while properly softened butter gives you that perfect golden sauté.
- Keto hack: Swap carrots for zucchini slices or mushrooms to keep carbs ultra-low while still getting great texture.
- Broth boost: For extra richness, use half broth and half water with a tablespoon of chicken bouillon paste.
- Herb magic: Throw in a Parmesan rind while simmering for incredible umami depth (remove before serving).
My biggest tip? Trust your nose, when that lemony, buttery aroma fills your kitchen, you know it’s going to be amazing!
Variations of Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
One of my favorite things about this lemon butter chicken soup bowl is how easily it adapts to whatever I’m craving or have on hand. Here are my go-to twists:
- Anti-inflammatory boost: Add 1 tbsp grated ginger with the garlic, perfect for when colds hit! For a similar immune boost, try the lemon ginger immune boost chicken soup.
- Greens lovers: Stir in 2 cups chopped spinach or kale during the last 5 minutes of simmering.
- Extra protein: Swap half the chicken for turkey bacon pieces, crisp them first for amazing texture.
- Creamy version: Finish with 1/4 cup coconut milk for a silky, dairy-free richness.
Don’t be afraid to play around, this soup welcomes creativity while keeping its bright, comforting soul.
Serving and Storing Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Nothing beats curling up with a steaming bowl of this lemony goodness, especially when you pair it right! I love serving mine with crusty whole grain bread for dipping, the chewy texture contrasts perfectly with the smooth broth. For low-carb days, almond flour crackers or a simple side salad work beautifully.
Storage is a breeze, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps wonderfully in the fridge for 4 days (the flavors actually deepen!), or freeze portions for up to 3 months. Pro tip: freeze in mason jars leaving 1-inch headspace, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently to keep that bright lemon flavor intact!
Nutritional Information for Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Here’s the breakdown per generous serving (about 1½ cups), keep in mind these are estimates since ingredients can vary:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 25g (hello, muscle fuel!)
- Carbs: 12g (4g net carbs if you’re counting)
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 8g (mostly from that glorious butter)
Not bad for something that tastes this indulgent, right? The lemon and herbs pack flavor without adding calories!
FAQs About Lemon Butter Chicken Soup Bowl
Q1. Can I make this soup keto-friendly?
Absolutely! For a strict keto version, simply omit the carrots (they add most of the carbs) and replace them with low-carb veggies like zucchini or mushrooms. You can also increase the butter to 3 tbsp for extra richness, just watch your macros!
Q2. How long does this chicken soup last in the fridge?
Stored properly in airtight containers, your lemon butter chicken soup bowl will stay fresh for 4 days in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve after a day! For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months, perfect for quick healthy meals.
Q3. What’s the best substitute for fresh lemon juice?
While fresh is always best, you can use 2 tbsp bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Just skip the zest (it won’t taste right from bottled). For extra brightness, add 1/4 tsp citric acid powder along with the bottled juice.
Q4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Of course! Thighs add wonderful richness. Just trim excess fat and increase cooking time by 2-3 minutes when browning. The soup will be slightly more indulgent, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
Q5. Is this soup good for colds?
It’s fantastic! Between the vitamin C from lemon, anti-inflammatory garlic, and hydrating broth, this is my go-to immune-boosting chicken soup when I’m under the weather. For extra cold-fighting power, add fresh ginger when sautéing the vegetables.
I’d love to hear how your lemon butter chicken soup bowl turns out! Did you add any special twists? Maybe throw in some ginger or swap the carrots for zucchini? Drop a comment below and let me know, your feedback helps me create even better recipes for everyone.
And if you snapped a photo of your beautiful creation (that golden broth with flecks of parsley is just begging to be Instagrammed!), tag me so I can see your masterpiece. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchens!
Last thing, if this soup warmed you up on a chilly day or helped kick a cold to the curb, consider giving it a 5-star rating. Those little stars mean the world to home cooks like me who pour our hearts into these recipes. Now go enjoy that soup, you’ve earned it!