Go Back
A perfectly golden-brown, crispy whole roasted chicken is presented on a platter, looking like an Unbelievable Chicken masterpiece.

Unbelievable Creamy Lemon Herb Chicken Soup

This Unbelievable Chicken soup is a hearty, comforting bowl of tender chicken and vegetables in a rich, creamy broth, elevated by the aromatic depth of roasted garlic and brightened with fresh lemon and herbs. It's a truly Unbelievable Chicken experience.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Garlic
  • 1 head garlic
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • Pinch salt
  • Pinch black pepper
For the Soup
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil divided
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 2 medium carrots peeled and diced
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups chicken broth low sodium
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or more, to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot (6-8 quart)
  • Baking Sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Whisk
  • Ladle

Method
 

Roast the Garlic
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice off the very top of the garlic head, exposing the cloves. Drizzle with 1 tsp olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil and roast for 30-35 minutes, or until cloves are very soft and golden brown. Let cool slightly, then squeeze the softened garlic from their skins into a small bowl. Mash with a fork to form a paste.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. While garlic roasts, pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season generously with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid crowding) and sear for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken does not need to be cooked through. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
Build the Soup Base
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the pot. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables soften. Add the 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to the vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.
  2. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form. Add the bay leaf and dried thyme. Bring the soup to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Stir in the roasted garlic paste.
Simmer and Finish
  1. Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and tender, and flavors have melded. Remove the bay leaf.
  2. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed. Stir in the fresh parsley and dill just before serving.
  3. Ladle the Unbelievable Chicken soup into bowls and serve hot. Garnish with extra fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can use chicken bone broth. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can reduce the amount of flour slightly. This Unbelievable Chicken soup stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.