Chicken Soup with Collards and Lemon
The ultimate comfort food on a cold day, Chicken Soup with Collards and Lemon is packed with nutrients and flavor. This easy weeknight dinner is not only healthy but also warms your soul. It’s the perfect recipe for cozy family gatherings or a comforting solo meal. Try making it tonight and enjoy a bowl of happiness!
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon
- Saucepan
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 T chicken soup base see notes
- 12 cups chicken broth see notes
- 1 medium onion chopped small
- 1/4 cup carrots (or more if you don't mind a few more carbs)
- 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning see notes
- 1 bunch fresh collards washed, trimmed, and chopped small (about 6 cups chopped collards)
- 4 to 5 cups diced chicken or turkey
- 1 cup frozen cauliflower rice (or use a 10 ounce package if that's what you have)
- small pinch red pepper flakes (the kind that's sprinkled on pizza)
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste
- lemon wedges for serving to squeeze into the soup (optional)
Instructions
- Combine chicken soup base and chicken broth in large soup pot and start to simmer over very low heat.
- Chop onion and carrots and add to the soup with the Poultry Seasoning.
- Wash collard greens, trim away thick ribs, and coarsely chop the collards.
- Add collard greens to soup pot and continue to simmer over very low heat for a total of 20 to 30 minutes.
- While soup simmers, cut up enough leftover chicken or leftover turkey to make 4 to 5 cups diced.
- Measure out one cup of frozen cauliflower rice.
- Add diced chicken and frozen cauliflower rice to the soup, stir, and let it come back to a simmer for about 20 minutes more.
- After 20 minutes, add red pepper flakes and lemon juice, and season with salt and fresh-ground black pepper to taste; then simmer for about 5 minutes more.
- Serve hot with lemon wedges to squeeze into the soup at the table.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze portions for future meals. Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
- Pairing: This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a light salad.
- Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Herb upgrades: Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley can enhance the flavor.