Chicken soup is not just comfort food, it can also be a great way to get more protein into your day. Chicken is naturally high in protein, and when paired with beans, lentils, or extra vegetables, these soups become even more filling. High protein soups help keep you full longer and support muscle health, making them great for anyone active or trying to eat healthier. These recipes are also simple to make and perfect for meal prep throughout the week. In this article, we will share 12 high protein chicken soup recipes that are both healthy and delicious.
1. Classic Chicken And Vegetable Soup
This simple soup uses shredded chicken breast along with a mix of hearty vegetables. Saute onions, carrots, and celery in a large pot until softened. Add chicken broth and shredded cooked chicken, then let everything simmer for twenty minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like thyme or parsley. This classic soup is a great base recipe you can easily change up.
2. Chicken And White Bean Soup
White beans add extra protein and fiber to this hearty, filling soup. Cook diced chicken breast in a pot with onions and garlic until browned. Add chicken broth, canned white beans, and diced tomatoes, then let it simmer for twenty five minutes. Season with Italian herbs for a comforting, flavorful soup. This dish is filling enough to be a full meal on its own.
3. Chicken Lentil Soup
Lentils are packed with protein, making this soup extra filling and nutritious. Cook chicken pieces with onions and garlic until lightly browned in a large pot. Add broth, dried lentils, and diced carrots, then simmer for about thirty minutes until the lentils are tender. Season with cumin and a squeeze of lemon juice for extra flavor. This soup is hearty enough to satisfy even on the coldest days.
4. Spicy Chicken Chickpea Soup
Chickpeas add extra protein and a nice texture to this warm, spicy soup. Saute onions, garlic, and your favorite spices in a large pot until fragrant. Add chicken broth, shredded chicken, and canned chickpeas, then let it simmer for twenty minutes. Adjust the spice level with chili powder or hot sauce to your taste. This bold soup is both filling and full of flavor.
5. Creamy Chicken Quinoa Soup
Quinoa adds extra protein along with a nice texture to this creamy soup. Cook diced chicken with onions and celery in a large pot until browned. Add broth and quinoa, letting everything simmer until the quinoa is fully cooked, about fifteen minutes. Stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end for a creamy finish. This soup is filling and works great as a complete meal.
6. Chicken And Black Bean Soup
Black beans bring extra protein and a slightly earthy flavor to this satisfying soup. Cook shredded chicken with onions, garlic, and cumin in a large pot. Add chicken broth and canned black beans, then let it simmer for twenty minutes. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for extra brightness. This soup has a nice Southwest flavor that many people love.
7. Egg Drop Chicken Soup
This protein packed soup uses both chicken and eggs for a double protein boost. Simmer chicken broth with shredded chicken and sliced green onions in a pot. Slowly drizzle beaten eggs into the hot broth while stirring gently to create thin egg ribbons. Season with a splash of soy sauce for extra flavor. This light but filling soup comes together in under twenty minutes.
8. Chicken And Barley Soup
Barley adds extra protein and fiber, making this soup very filling. Cook chicken pieces with onions and carrots in a large pot until lightly browned. Add broth and barley, then let everything simmer for about forty minutes until the barley is tender. Season with fresh herbs for a warm, comforting flavor. This hearty soup is perfect for cold weather meals.
9. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
This protein rich soup uses eggs and chicken together for a creamy, tangy result. Simmer chicken broth with shredded chicken and cooked rice in a pot. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs with fresh lemon juice, then slowly add hot broth while whisking. Pour this mixture back into the pot and stir gently until slightly thickened. This soup has a bright, tangy flavor that feels light yet filling.
10. Chicken And Edamame Soup
Edamame adds a fun twist along with extra plant based protein to this soup. Cook chicken pieces with garlic and ginger in a large pot until browned. Add broth and shelled edamame, then simmer for fifteen minutes until heated through. Season with soy sauce and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian inspired flavor. This unique soup is both filling and packed with nutrients.
11. Chicken And Cottage Cheese Soup
This unusual but tasty combination adds extra protein through cottage cheese blended into the broth. Cook shredded chicken with onions and garlic in a pot until fragrant. Add broth and let it simmer, then stir in cottage cheese until it melts into the soup. Blend slightly if you want a smoother texture. This creamy soup is surprisingly high in protein and very filling.
12. Chicken And Split Pea Soup
Split peas are naturally high in protein, making this soup extra hearty and filling. Cook chicken pieces with onions and carrots in a large pot until browned. Add broth and dried split peas, then simmer for about forty five minutes until the peas break down. Season with thyme and black pepper for a warm, comforting flavor. This thick, hearty soup makes a satisfying meal on its own.
Tips For Making High Protein Chicken Soup
Using chicken breast instead of dark meat keeps the protein high while lowering the fat content. Adding beans, lentils, or quinoa is an easy way to boost protein without adding meat. Shredding chicken instead of leaving it in large chunks helps it spread evenly throughout the soup. Making a big batch and freezing portions makes meal prep easy for busy weeks. These simple soups prove that eating healthy and high protein meals can still taste warm and comforting.
