This chicken soup came from a need to make something hearty without dairy—no cream, no butter. It’s a simple, honest bowl that warms you from the inside out. I love how the lemon adds brightness, balancing the richness of the chicken and veggies. It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t need fuss or fancy ingredients.

Why I Keep Coming Back to This Recipe

It’s simple, honest, and adaptable. On busy days, I rely on it for quick comfort. The lemon and herbs lift my spirits. It’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when I need something nourishing and straightforward.

Breaking Down the Ingredients

• Chicken broth:: The flavorful base—choose low-sodium for control, or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
• Carrots:: Sweet and bright, they add a nice crunch if added late, or a soft melt if cooked longer.
• Celery:: Gives a subtle aromatic bite, balancing the richness of the chicken.
• Onion:: Adds a foundational sweetness and depth—use yellow for mellow, red for a sharper flavor.
• Lemon juice:: A splash of brightness that cuts through the richness, invigorating every spoon.
• Herbs:: Fresh thyme or parsley add an herbal lift—use dried if fresh isn’t available.
• Cooked chicken:: Shredded, it’s the protein that makes this soup feel hearty and satisfying.

Tools of the Trade for Chicken Soup

• Large Stockpot: To hold all ingredients and allow gentle simmering.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring and preventing ingredients from sticking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure broth, seasonings, and lemon juice accurately.
• Knife and Chopping Board: Chopping vegetables and shredding chicken efficiently.
• Ladle: Serving the soup easily and without mess.

How to Make Your Cozy, Dairy-Free Chicken Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Start with a good, sturdy pot—something that can hold all those flavors and ingredients without spilling.

Step 2: Bring 1.5 liters of chicken broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat—about 70°C to 75°C (160°F to 170°F).

Step 3: Add chopped carrots, celery, and a sliced onion. Let them cook for about 10 minutes until slightly tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Stir in shredded cooked chicken, a splash of lemon juice, and your choice of herbs—thyme, parsley, or a bay leaf for depth.

Step 5: Simmer everything together for another 15 minutes. The aroma should be warm, a little smoky, and inviting.

Step 6: Taste and season with salt and pepper. If it’s too plain, a dash more salt or a squeeze of lemon brightens it up.

Step 7: Remove the herbs, if used, and let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving. It thickens slightly as it cools.

Dairy-Free Chicken Lemon Soup

This hearty chicken soup is made with a flavorful chicken broth base, loaded with tender shredded chicken, carrots, celery, and onions. Brightened with fresh lemon juice and herbs, it offers a comforting, nourishing bowl with a clear, inviting appearance and a balance of savory and citrus notes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Comfort Food

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 liters chicken broth low-sodium or homemade
• 2 carrots carrots peeled and chopped
• 2 stalks celery chopped
• 1 onion yellow onion, sliced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
• a handful fresh thyme or parsley chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded

Equipment

• Large stockpot
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Knife
• Chopping Board
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Pour the chicken broth into a large stockpot and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, until small bubbles form around the edges and it’s fragrant.
2. Add chopped carrots, celery, and sliced onion to the simmering broth. Let them cook for about 10 minutes until they become tender and release their aroma, and the broth turns slightly enriched with their flavors.
3. Stir in the shredded cooked chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the soup, and let it warm through for about 5 minutes.
4. Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle over your chopped herbs. Stir gently to combine, which will brighten the soup’s flavor and add a fresh herbal aroma.
5. Let the soup simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften further. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Remove any whole herbs or bay leaves if used, and let the soup rest for a couple of minutes to settle and slightly thicken before serving.
7. Use a ladle to serve the hot, clear soup into bowls, ensuring each has a good mix of vegetables, chicken, and broth. Enjoy this nourishing, dairy-free chicken lemon soup right away.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a bay leaf during simmering or a dash of black pepper. To make it more filling, serve with crusty bread or a side of greens.

Cooking Checkpoints & Tips to Keep in Mind

• The broth should be gently simmering—not boiling vigorously—to keep flavors tender and clear.
• Veggies should be slightly soft but not mushy—test with a fork after 10 minutes.
• Chicken should be shredded easily—overcooking can make it stringy and tough.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

• Under-seasoned broth.? Too bland? Add a splash more salt or lemon juice to brighten.
• Overcooked veggies.? Vegetables too mushy? Cook for less time or on lower heat.
• Thin broth.? Soup too thin? Stir in a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry and simmer briefly.
• Overcooked chicken.? Chicken stringy? Shred gently and avoid overcooking.

This soup isn’t just about comfort. It’s about making something nourishing with simple, honest ingredients. Feel free to toss in extra veggies or spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes. Every spoonful is a small act of kindness, especially on days when you need it most. Enjoy it hot, with a side of crusty bread if you like—this one’s all about the warmth and the quiet moments.

Jonny

I’m Jonny, the cook, writer, and food lover behind this flavorful corner of the internet. Whether it’s a sizzling weeknight stir-fry, a no-bake dessert that saves the day, or a comforting Sunday classic — this blog is where I share recipes that are bold, doable, and made to impress without the stress.