Some days you just need something warm, nourishing, and easy enough to make without Googling “how to dice celery.” This Chicken & Lentil Soup is your go-to hug-in-a-bowl — hearty, healthy, and designed for one, so you won’t be eating the same soup until Friday. Unless you want to. No judgment.
❤️ Why You’ll Love It
- One pot = one wash-up job – Music to your lazy weekday ears.
- Hearty but healthy – Lentils and chicken keep you full without the food coma.
- Budget friendly – Stretch one chicken thigh into a whole meal.
- Cozy vibes, zero effort – Like Sunday dinner, but in your PJs on a Tuesday night.
🛒 What You’ll Need (Serves 1)
- 1 chicken thigh (boneless is easiest, but bone-in adds flavour)
- ½ cup canned lentils (rinsed and drained)
- 1 small carrot, chopped
- 1 small celery stalk, chopped
- 1–1½ cups chicken broth (or water + stock cube)
- A little oil, salt, and pepper
Optional flavour boosters:
- Garlic or onion (if you’ve got it)
- Bay leaf or a sprinkle of thyme
- Squeeze of lemon to finish (trust me)
- A pinch of chilli flakes for warmth
🍳 How to Make It
- Sauté (optional but tasty)
Heat a splash of oil in a small pot. If you’ve got onion or garlic, add it now. Toss in your chopped carrot and celery and cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened. - Add the good stuff
Pop in your chicken thigh, lentils, and broth. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. - Simmer away
Let it bubble gently for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the veg is soft. Shred the chicken with a fork right in the pot. - Taste and tweak
Season with salt and pepper. Add herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or a dash of hot sauce if that’s your vibe. - Serve + slurp
Pour into your favourite bowl (or a mug, we’re not fancy here) and enjoy it hot. Socks on, spoon in.
💡 Healthy Hacks & Handy Tips
- No lentils? Use a small handful of rice, or a bit of canned chickpeas.
- Want more greens? Stir in baby spinach at the end — it wilts in seconds.
- Time saver tip: Chop all your soup veggies for the week ahead and store in containers or freezer bags. Then it’s just “toss + simmer” each night.
- Craving carbs? Serve with toast, pita, or even a cheeky grilled cheese if you’re going full comfort mode.
🧠 Nutrition Notes
This soup is:
- High in protein from chicken and lentils — great for muscle repair and satiety
- Rich in fibre thanks to the lentils and veggies
- Naturally low in fat and sugar but still super satisfying
You don’t need to go full kale-and-quinoa to eat well. This is real food, made simple.
💬 Final Thoughts
Chicken & Lentil Soup is one of those quietly brilliant meals. Nothing flashy, nothing complicated — just real ingredients doing what they do best. And because it’s made for one, you won’t be stuck eating the same pot of soup until your next birthday.
👉 Want more cozy solo dinners that are actually doable on a weeknight?
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