When you’re craving a warm, hearty, and nourishing meal, nothing hits the spot like Spiced Chicken & Red Lentil Soup. This comforting soup combines tender chicken, protein-packed red lentils, and fragrant spices to create a dish that’s rich in flavor, quick to make, and incredibly satisfying.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or a cozy lunch, this soup is packed with nutrition, warmth, and depth of flavor—without being heavy.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

Hearty and filling thanks to red lentils and chicken

Rich, aromatic spices for a warming flavor profile
Quick and easy—ready in about 40 minutes
Family-friendly and versatile

Meal prep friendly—tastes even better the next day
Healthy and nutrient-rich—high in protein, fiber, and vitamins

It’s comfort food with a nourishing twist, perfect for any season.

Key Ingredients

Protein

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs

Lentils

Red lentils (split)—cook quickly and become tender without losing shape

Vegetables

Onion, carrots, celery

Garlic and ginger for depth
Tomatoes (fresh or canned)

Spices

Ground cumin

Ground coriander
Smoked paprika
Turmeric

Cinnamon (optional for warmth)
Cayenne or chili flakes for heat (optional)

Broth & Liquid

Chicken or vegetable broth

Water (as needed for desired consistency)

Fresh Herbs & Garnish

Fresh cilantro or parsley
Lemon wedges for brightness

Choosing the Best Chicken

Chicken Breast

Lean, cooks quickly
Shreds easily

Chicken Thighs

Juicier and more flavorful

Ideal for slow-simmered soups

Rotisserie Chicken

Adds convenience and depth of flavor

Tip: Use bone-in chicken if you want extra richness in the broth, then remove bones before serving.

How to Make Spiced Chicken & Red Lentil Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot.
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery until soft.
Add garlic and ginger, cooking until fragrant.

Step 2: Toast the Spices

Add cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, and optional cayenne.
Toast for 1–2 minutes to release their aroma.

Step 3: Add Chicken & Lentils

Stir in chicken pieces and red lentils.

Add chopped tomatoes and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add Broth & Simmer

Pour in chicken broth (or water) to cover ingredients.
Simmer for 20–25 minutes, until lentils are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Remove chicken, shred, and return to the pot.

Step 6: Adjust Seasonings

Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for brightness.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional herbs and a squeeze of lemon.
Serve with warm flatbread or crusty bread if desired.

Texture & Flavor Profile

Tender chicken with shredded consistency

Soft, creamy red lentils that thicken the soup naturally
Aromatic spices for warmth and depth
Slight acidity from tomatoes and lemon balances richness

Fresh herbs add brightness and freshness

Each spoonful is hearty, comforting, and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Perfect Spiced Chicken & Red Lentil Soup

Rinse red lentils thoroughly to remove excess starch.

Toast spices to deepen flavor before adding liquids.
Simmer gently to avoid overcooking chicken and lentils.
Adjust consistency with extra broth or water if needed.

Add lemon at the end for bright, fresh flavor.

Delicious Variations

Coconut-Spiced Chicken & Lentil Soup

Add coconut milk for creaminess and subtle sweetness.

Extra Veggie Version

Include zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers for more fiber and color.

Spicy Version

Increase cayenne or chili flakes for a warming kick.

Mediterranean Twist

Add roasted red peppers, smoked paprika, and oregano for a Mediterranean flavor.

Slow Cooker Version

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low 4–6 hours for easy hands-off cooking.

What to Serve with Spiced Chicken & Red Lentil Soup

Warm naan, pita, or crusty bread
Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Rice or quinoa on the side for extra heartiness

Yogurt or tzatziki dollop for creaminess

This soup pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides or can stand alone as a complete meal.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

Make Ahead

Soup flavors deepen overnight—perfect for meal prep.

Store chicken separately for reheating if desired.

Storage

Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Can also freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Reheating

Reheat on stovetop over low heat.
Add extra broth if soup thickened in the fridge.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking chicken—add towards the end for tender, juicy results.

Using too much water initially—lentils thicken soup naturally.
Skipping toasted spices—flavor depth comes from proper toasting.
Forgetting to rinse lentils—prevents excess starch and mushiness.

Adding lemon too early—acid can toughen chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes—omit chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra lentils or beans for protein.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes, but thaw first for even cooking.

Q: Can I use other lentils?
A: Red lentils cook fastest and break down to thicken soup. Green or brown lentils require longer cooking and retain shape.

Q: Is this soup kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Use mild spices and skip cayenne for younger palates.

Why This Recipe Works

Red lentils add creaminess and protein

Spices and aromatics create a warm, comforting flavor profile
Tender chicken provides heartiness
Simple ingredients make it approachable yet impressive

Bright lemon and herbs balance richness

It’s comforting, flavorful, and nutritious—perfect for any day of the week.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Cozy weeknight dinners

Meal prep for busy workweeks
Comfort food during cold weather
Brunch or casual gatherings

Family-friendly soup nights

This soup is flexible, satisfying, and universally loved.

Final Thoughts

Spiced Chicken & Red Lentil Soup is a hearty, flavorful, and wholesome dish. With tender chicken, protein-rich lentils, and aromatic spices, it’s a meal that warms you from the inside out.

If you want a nourishing, cozy, and delicious soup that’s simple to make but full of flavor, this recipe is a must-have in your kitchen.

Spiced Chicken & Red Lentil Soup (Hearty, Flavorful & Comforting)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Instructions

Sear chicken: In a large pot, heat oil over medium-high. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook 5–6 min until golden. Remove and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5 min until softened. Stir in garlic and spices; cook 1 min until fragrant.
Simmer soup: Add broth, red lentils, and optional tomato paste. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 15–18 minutes, until lentils are tender and starting to break down.

Add chicken back and simmer 5 more minutes to heat through.
Finish: Stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add cayenne if using.
Serve hot, garnished with herbs, a lemon wedge, and a swirl of yogurt or coconut milk.

💡 Pro Tips:
– Red lentils cook fast and create a naturally creamy texture—no blending needed!
– For extra depth, add 1 tsp harissa or a bay leaf while simmering.
– Use rotisserie chicken to save time—add in last 5 minutes.

Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):