High Protein Lemon Turmeric Chicken (Printable)

A golden, nourishing bowl featuring tender chicken, turmeric, fresh lemon, and baby kale for a protein-rich meal.

# What You Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
04 - 2 celery stalks, diced
05 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
06 - 3.5 oz baby kale

→ Broth & Liquids

07 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 - Zest of 1 lemon

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 1.5 tsp ground turmeric
11 - 1 tsp ground cumin
12 - 0.5 tsp ground black pepper
13 - 1 tsp sea salt, or to taste
14 - 0.25 tsp crushed red pepper flakes, optional

→ Oils

15 - 1 tbsp olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned.
04 - Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
05 - Stir in baby kale, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer for 2 to 3 additional minutes until kale is wilted.
06 - Taste and adjust salt or seasonings as desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The turmeric creates a vibrant glow that makes the bowl look as energizing as it feels.
  • Lemon zest adds a bright pop that cuts through the savory chicken broth perfectly.
02 -
  • Black pepper is actually essential here because it helps your body absorb the turmeric effectively.
  • Adding the lemon too early can make the broth taste slightly bitter instead of bright.
03 -
  • Zest the lemon before you juice it to make the process much easier and less messy.
  • Cut your vegetables into uniform sizes so they all finish cooking at exactly the same time.
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