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Curried Chicken Lentil and Rice Soup with Spinach

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Curried Chicken Lentil and Rice Soup with Spinach is a hearty, nourishing soup packed with protein-rich lentils, shredded chicken, rice, and warm curry spices. This comforting one-pot meal is loaded with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for cozy nights or healthy meal prep.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6
  • Category: Soup, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Global, Indian-Inspired
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon ground turmeric
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • ¾ cup red lentils (or brown/green lentils), rinsed
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion, garlic, ginger, and carrots until softened and fragrant, about 5–6 minutes.
  3. Stir in curry powder, turmeric, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and stir in lentils. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes or until lentils are tender.
  5. Add cooked chicken and rice. Simmer for 5 minutes until everything is heated through.
  6. Stir in baby spinach and cook until just wilted, 1–2 minutes.
  7. Finish with lemon juice. Ladle into bowls and top with fresh cilantro, if using.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, replace 1 cup of broth with canned coconut milk.
  • Use quinoa instead of rice for a grain-free twist.
  • To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and use chickpeas or more lentils.
  • Adjust seasoning or add chili flakes for more heat.
  • Soup thickens as it sits — thin with more broth when reheating if needed.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameals.com/curried-chicken-lentil-and-rice-soup-with-spinach/