Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup Recipe

If you’re searching for a bowl of pure comfort with a bright and zesty twist, this Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup absolutely delivers! It’s like a hug in a bowl: pillowy homemade spaetzle, a lively hint of lemon, and fragrant dill all swirl together in a golden chicken broth—making it as cheerful as it is satisfying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup are beautifully simple, but each one plays a starring role—bringing silkiness, color, or that signature bright pop of flavor. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a single bit.

• Chicken broth: This forms the soul of the soup—use the best quality you can find for rich, heartwarming flavor.
• Eggs: Essential for both the spaetzle and the creamy, silky texture in the broth’s lemon-egg emulsion.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brings a bright, sunshiny note—bottled just isn’t the same!
• Olive oil: Adds a whisper of richness and helps soften veggies to sweet perfection.
• Onion, garlic, celery, and carrots: This vibrant combo forms the aromatic backbone, creating color, flavor, and heartiness.
• Fresh dill: Brightens and freshens every bowl; don’t skip it for that final, herbaceous flourish.
• Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper: The keys to amplifying every other flavor in the pot.
• All-purpose flour: The foundation for light, tender homemade spaetzle.
• Nutmeg: A pinch in the spaetzle batter adds warmth and subtle intrigue—grate it fresh if you can!
• Milk: Makes the spaetzle dough tender and just the right consistency for dropping into simmering broth.

Variations

One of the joys of Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup is just how flexible it is—don’t hesitate to make it your own! Here are some easy tweaks and twists to fit what’s in your fridge, or to suit your cravings and dietary needs.

• Add shredded chicken: Stir in some cooked, shredded chicken breast or thigh for extra protein and heartiness.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute quality vegetable broth and skip the chicken—you’ll still get wonderful flavor from the lemon, spaetzle, and veggies.
• Herb swap: Instead of dill, try parsley, chives, or tarragon for a different fresh finish.
• Spinach boost: Wilt in a few handfuls of baby spinach just before serving for extra greens and color.

How to Make Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup

Step 1: Make the Spaetzle Batter

Start by whisking together your flour, salt, and nutmeg in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk until creamy, then slowly mix the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. The batter should be thick yet pourable—almost like a soft dough. Set it aside while you prep the rest of your soup.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Heat the olive oil in a separate pot over medium heat and add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic. Sauté until the veggies are fragrant and just beginning to soften—about 5 to 7 minutes. This base infuses the soup with sweetness and depth, making every spoonful more nourishing.

Step 3: Prepare the Broth and Combine

Meanwhile, bring your chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large pot. Lower the heat to maintain a slow simmer, then tip in your sautéed veggies. This is where your kitchen starts to smell magical—go ahead, take a deep breath!

Step 4: Whisk the Lemon-Egg Mixture

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and freshly squeezed lemon juice until thoroughly combined and frothy. The lemon not only brightens the soup but helps create that creamy, silky finish—think of it as sunshine in your mixing bowl.

Step 5: Temper the Eggs

To ensure your soup is luxuriously smooth (not scrambled!), it’s key to temper the eggs. Slowly ladle a cup of hot broth into your egg-lemon mix, whisking constantly. This gently warms the eggs so they blend perfectly into the soup without curdling.

Step 6: Add the Spaetzle to the Soup

Now, drop generous spoonfuls or use a spaetzle maker to quickly press your batter directly into the gently simmering broth. Watch as the little dumplings rise to the surface after just a couple of minutes—this is when you know they’re done. Don’t stir too much; just let them cook through and get puffy.

Step 7: Finish with Lemon-Egg Mixture and Garnish

Gradually pour your tempered lemon-egg mixture back into the soup, stirring gently and ensuring the broth stays below a boil. This final step transforms the liquid into a silky, golden elixir. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper, then ladle into bowls and shower with fresh dill to serve.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup

Garnishes

This soup truly comes alive with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill on top—its feathery leaves both look pretty and taste delicious. A twist of freshly ground black pepper or a thin slice of lemon makes each bowl feel even more special. If you want to get fancy, a dollop of crème fraîche adds a rich, tangy finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup with a crusty baguette for dunking, or serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette. Fluffy popovers or soft, herby rolls also make a comforting companion for soaking up every drop!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, ladle the soup into petite cups for a fun, sippable appetizer. Or serve the spaetzle and soup separately, letting guests build their own bowls. Finish each with a flourish of dill and thin lemon slices for a restaurant-worthy effect—you’ll wow anyone who sits at your table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your cooled Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 days, and the flavors grow even deeper by the next day!

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, be aware that the spaetzle may soften when thawed. For best results, freeze the broth and veggies separately, then cook up a fresh batch of spaetzle when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot. Avoid boiling, especially because of the egg in the broth, to maintain a creamy, smooth texture. If the soup thickens after chilling, just add an extra splash of chicken broth as it warms.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken & Spaetzle Soup has a way of brightening even the grayest day, wrapping you in cozy, citrus-scented comfort. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, your belly will be happy, and you might just find yourself making this soup on repeat!

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