Armenian Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

This vibrant and flavorful Armenian Lemon Chicken Soup recipe is a crowd-pleaser! Choose your adventure: a quick 1-hour version using leftover chicken, or a richer, 4-hour option starting from scratch. This recipe, perfected in college and famed among friends, boasts a bright lemony flavor balanced with fresh herbs and tender chicken. Get ready to savor a taste of Armenia in your kitchen!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 75 mins
Calories 163.4 kcal
Protein 34g
Rating 2.5 (2 Reviews)
Armenian Lemon Chicken Soup 40

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Armenian Lemon Chicken Soup

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How to Make Armenian Lemon Chicken Soup

  1. **Prepare the Chicken:** If using raw chicken, de-bone and de-skin 1.5 lbs of chicken thighs and breasts. Chop or shred the chicken. If using leftover cooked chicken, shred 1.5 cups.
  2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** In a large pot, sauté 1 medium onion (chopped), 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, and 1 medium tomato (diced) in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until softened.
  3. **Simmer the Broth:** Add the prepared chicken, 8 cups of water, 1 teaspoon salt, and 10 peppercorns to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer. Simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour (using leftover chicken) or 3-4 hours (using raw chicken).
  4. **Optional: Chill & Store:** If making ahead, let the broth cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat thoroughly before proceeding.
  5. **Prepare the Finishing Touches:** While the broth simmers (or after reheating), cook 1 cup of your favorite pasta (ditalini, orzo, or egg noodles) according to package directions. Chop 1 cup fresh spinach. Juice 1 large lemon.
  6. **Combine & Finish:** Bring the simmering broth to a gentle boil. Add the cooked pasta, spinach, and lemon juice. Stir in 1 tablespoon of dried mint leaves.
  7. **Season & Serve:** Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and the pasta is cooked through. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
  8. **Optional Garnish:** Garnish with extra fresh mint, a lemon wedge, and a drizzle of olive oil (optional).

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

4 g

Sugar

13g

Fat

9g

Carbs

3g

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