Lentil soups have always held a special place in my heart, and on this site, recipes like the Moroccan Carrot Red Lentil Soup have consistently been reader favorites. These are the kinds of recipes I’ve cherished since the early days of my website, and I love knowing that my readers enjoy them just as much, making them repeatedly for their families.

When the weather turns cool, lentil soups become my ultimate go-to for their sheer convenience, affordability, and incredibly satisfying nature. And this Chicken Lentil Soup is no exception! It’s been on my list to share for a while, and I’m thrilled to finally bring you this comforting bowl. Unlike many of my other lentil soups that lean towards vegan or vegetarian, this recipe incorporates shredded chicken, adding a significant boost of protein and making it a truly substantial meal.

It’s an excellent way to utilize leftover rotisserie chicken you might have on hand. You can even get creative and substitute in leftover Herb Butter Roasted Turkey from holiday meals for an extra layer of flavor. If you’re a fan of diverse lentil creations, you might also enjoy my other favorites such as Lemon Lentil Soup, Lebanese Lentil Soup, Red Lentil Curry, Mediterranean Lentil Salad, or this heartwarming Slow Cooker Lentil Soup. Each offers a unique twist on this beloved legume!

Why This Chicken Lentil Soup is Your New Favorite Meal

This Chicken Lentil Soup isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, designed to make your life easier and your taste buds happier. Here’s why you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again:

• Effortlessly Easy to Make: Forget complicated techniques or endless steps. This recipe simplifies soup-making. You’ll begin by quickly sautéing your aromatics, then everything else goes into the pot to simmer. It’s a truly straightforward process that yields incredible flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Your entire family will adore the delicious result!
• Fantastic for Freezing & Meal Prep: One of the best qualities of lentil soups is how wonderfully they freeze. I often make a generous batch, enjoy half for dinner, and freeze the rest for future meals. When hunger strikes, simply transfer the frozen soup to the fridge overnight to thaw, then gently reheat it on the stove. If it thickens up too much (which lentils tend to do), a splash of water or broth will bring it back to perfect consistency. It’s an ideal solution for convenient, homemade meals anytime.
• Feeds a Crowd (or Provides Leftovers for Days): This recipe is designed to generously serve several people, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, entertaining guests, or contributing to a potluck. Need to feed an even larger gathering? Easily double the ingredients! Its robust flavors and satisfying texture also make it a wonderful starter for a holiday meal or a hearty accompaniment to roasted meats like lamb, chicken, or turkey.
• Packed with Nutrients & Wholesome Goodness: Beyond its delicious taste, this soup is a powerhouse of nutrition. Lentils are renowned for their fiber and plant-based protein, while shredded chicken adds lean animal protein. The fresh vegetables contribute essential vitamins and minerals, making this a well-rounded and incredibly healthy meal that will keep you full and energized.
• Warm & Comforting Flavors: The thoughtful blend of aromatic spices like cumin, turmeric, and ginger creates a depth of flavor that is truly comforting. It’s a bowl that wraps around you like a cozy blanket, making it the ultimate comfort food for any season, especially during cooler months.
• Versatile and Adaptable: This soup is a blank canvas for customization. From adding extra vegetables to experimenting with different spices or even other proteins, it’s easy to tailor it to your dietary preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand.

For precise ingredient measurements and detailed cooking instructions, please refer to the complete recipe card provided below.

• The Aromatic Foundation – Vegetables: This soup truly begins with a classic flavorful base of diced sweet onion, fragrant garlic, crisp carrots, and crunchy celery. This combination, often known as “mirepoix,” adds essential nutrition, sweetness, and a foundational depth of flavor. While these are highly recommended, feel free to customize by adding other vegetables or omitting some based on your preferences.
• The Heart of the Soup – Red Lentils: My preferred choice for this recipe is red lentils. They are wonderfully quick-cooking and tend to soften beautifully, almost dissolving slightly to create a naturally thick and creamy texture, while still providing a hearty, filling consistency. Always remember to rinse and sort your lentils thoroughly before cooking to remove any small debris.
• Warm & Inviting Spices: The unique character of this soup truly shines through its spice blend. I use a fragrant and aromatic mix of earthy cumin, vibrant turmeric, subtly sweet coriander, pungent ginger, robust curry powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a gentle warmth. This combination imparts a rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. If you happen to be out of coriander, don’t fret; the soup will still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
• Bright Finish – Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end is a game-changer for lentil soups. It introduces a delightful brightness and a subtle citrusy tang that perfectly cuts through and balances the warm, earthy spices. While the soup remains delicious without it, I highly recommend this optional step for an elevated flavor experience.
• Protein Powerhouse – Shredded Chicken: This recipe is a fantastic way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken. Shredded rotisserie chicken or chicken cooked in a slow cooker works exceptionally well here. To maintain its tender texture, stir the chicken in at the very end, allowing it just enough time to warm through rather than simmering it for extended periods.
• Liquid Base – Vegetable Broth: Using a good quality vegetable broth provides the perfect liquid foundation, adding another layer of flavor. You can also opt for chicken broth if you prefer a richer chicken essence in your soup.
• Fresh Herbs for Garnish: A generous sprinkle of fresh dill and parsley (or even cilantro) not only adds a burst of fresh flavor but also brightens the soup visually, making it even more appealing.

Customizing Your Chicken Lentil Soup: Endless Variations

One of the best things about this Chicken Lentil Soup is its incredible adaptability. Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor it to your exact preferences or what you have available in your pantry. Here are some fantastic ways to modify this recipe:

• Boost the Veggies: Want even more nutrients and flavor? Stir in extra vegetables! Consider adding finely chopped cauliflower, cubes of potatoes or sweet potatoes for extra heartiness, sliced bell peppers, spinach, or kale (added at the very end to wilt). For a touch of heat, a diced jalapeño can be a wonderful addition.
• Add More Legumes: To further increase the protein and fiber content, incorporate other beans. Chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or white beans (like cannellini or navy beans) both complement the existing flavors beautifully. Add them along with the lentils or during the last 10 minutes of simmering.
• Experiment with Lentil Types: While red lentils are chosen for their quick cooking and creamy texture that can be easily blended, don’t limit yourself! Brown or green lentils also work wonderfully, offering a firmer, more distinct texture to the soup. You can use one type or a mix, depending on your desired consistency. For an even smoother soup, you can blend all or just half of the red lentil mixture.
• Spice It Up (or Down!): The spice blend is a highlight, but feel free to adjust it. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky depth, a pinch of chili powder for extra warmth, or even a Middle Eastern za’atar blend for a unique aromatic twist. A bay leaf or two simmered with the broth will also add complexity.
• Incorporate Grains: For an even more substantial meal, stir in cooked grains like brown rice, white rice, quinoa, or small pasta shapes (like orzo) during the last few minutes of cooking. This will make the soup incredibly filling and satisfying.
• Achieve a Richer, Thicker Texture: If you prefer a thicker, creamier soup, there are a couple of tricks. Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of tomato paste after sautéing the carrots and celery – it adds both color and a lovely umami depth. Alternatively, a splash of full-fat coconut milk at the end can lend a luscious creaminess and a subtle sweetness that pairs well with the spices.
• Protein Alternatives: While shredded chicken is fantastic, feel free to swap it! Cooked ground turkey or a mild Italian sausage (browned and crumbled) could be excellent alternatives. If you’re a seafood lover, pre-cooked shrimp added in the last minute or two would also be delicious.
• Garnish Galore: Elevate your serving with various toppings. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds, or a swirl of high-quality olive oil can add extra flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Chicken Lentil Soup

Making this hearty Chicken Lentil Soup is a straightforward process that yields incredibly satisfying results. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and comforting meal:

1. Step 1: Build the Aromatic Base. Begin by heating 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large soup pot or a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced sweet onion and minced garlic. Sauté them for about 2 minutes until they become fragrant and begin to soften. This step is crucial for building a foundational flavor.
2. Step 2: Bloom the Spices. To the softened onion and garlic, add the vibrant blend of cumin, turmeric, coriander, ginger, curry powder, cayenne red pepper, sea salt, and black pepper. Continue to sauté for approximately 4 minutes. This process, known as “blooming” the spices, gently toasts them in the hot oil, releasing their full, complex aromas and flavors into the base of the soup. Don’t rush this step!
3. Step 3: Soften the Root Vegetables. Now, add the diced carrots and celery to the pot. Sauté these vegetables until the carrots become tender-crisp, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes. This ensures they are soft but still retain a slight bite in the final soup.
4. Step 4: Introduce Liquids and Lentils. Pour in the 6 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth for an even richer flavor). Add the 1 1/2 cups of rinsed and picked-over red lentils to the pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the lentils are submerged in the liquid.
5. Step 5: Simmer to Perfection. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Continue cooking until the lentils are completely tender. Red lentils cook relatively quickly and will soften considerably, some even breaking down to thicken the soup naturally.
6. Step 6: Finishing Touches and Serving. Once the lentils are tender, remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice (this step is optional but highly recommended for a bright, balancing flavor). If you prefer a smoother soup, now is the time to partially or fully purée it using an immersion blender directly in the pot, or by carefully transferring batches to a regular blender (be cautious with hot liquids). Finally, stir in the 3 cups of shredded chicken, allowing it to warm through for a minute or two. Serve your hot, comforting chicken lentil soup garnished generously with fresh dill, fresh parsley, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a bit of extra zing. It’s wonderfully paired with crusty bread or warm pita bread for dipping!

Smart Storage & Freezing Tips for Your Chicken Lentil Soup

This Chicken Lentil Soup is not only delicious freshly made but also fantastic for saving for later. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy its comforting flavors whenever you like.

Refrigeration

Once the soup has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When reheating, you might notice that the lentils have absorbed a significant amount of the broth, causing the soup to thicken considerably. Don’t worry, this is normal! Simply add a splash of extra vegetable broth or water to reach your desired consistency as you warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Freezing for Later

This soup is an excellent candidate for freezing, making it perfect for meal prep. To freeze, ensure the soup has cooled completely before transferring it to freezer-safe airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Leave about an inch of headspace if using containers to allow for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freezing in individual portions is a great way to have quick, healthy meals ready to go.

Thawing & Reheating Frozen Soup

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen soup, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight. This slow thawing method helps maintain the soup’s texture and flavor. Once thawed, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it is heated through. Just like with refrigerated soup, you may need to add a bit of water or broth to adjust the consistency to your liking.