Cooking Techniques
PanPotPlates
One-Pot Brothy Lemon Dill Chicken Soup
By PanPotPlates Test KitchenReviewed by PanPotPlates Editorial TeamPublished Apr 21, 2026 · Updated May 12, 2026
American-Inspired
35 mins
onepotquickeasyfamily-friendlyhealthykid-friendlylightlowcarbcomfortfoodweeknight
This bright and flavorful brothy lemon dill chicken soup is perfect for quick, nutritious weeknight dinners. Tender chicken, fresh herbs, and vibrant lemon zest combine in one pot to create a comforting, family-friendly meal that's low-carb, easy to prepare, and kid-approved.
Prep
10 min
Cook
25 min
Total
35 min
Servings
6
Difficulty
easy
Cuisine
American-Inspired
Ingredients
Servings
6
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 large carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for mild heat
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish
Instructions
-
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
-
Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add sliced carrots and celery; cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly soften.
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
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Add chicken pieces, salt, pepper, and dill to the pot.
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Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
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Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice; taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
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If using, add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill sprigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Reader questions and answers for this recipe will appear here.
To personalize this One-Pot Brothy Lemon Dill Chicken Soup to your dietary needs or pantry availability, consider these ingredient substitutions:
- Chicken: Swap boneless, skinless chicken breasts for chicken thighs for richer flavor, or use firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegan or plant-based alternative.
- Chicken Broth: Replace with vegetable broth to make the soup fully vegetarian or vegan while keeping it flavorful.
- Dill: Use dried dill if fresh is unavailable; fresh tarragon or parsley can add a different herbal twist.
- Lemon: Lime juice works well as a citrus substitute for a different bright note.
- Vegetables: Add or substitute carrots and celery with seasonal vegetables such as zucchini or green beans to keep the soup fresh and light.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil or a mild vegetable oil as a neutral alternative for a lighter flavor.
These substitutions maintain the recipe’s quick, easy, family-friendly attributes and support a variety of dietary preferences including gluten-free, low-carb, and wholesome eating without compromising flavor or comfort.
Pan Or Pot Required
For this bright and nourishing One-Pot Brothy Lemon Dill Chicken Soup, a large, deep pot or Dutch oven is essential. As this recipe belongs to the One-Pot Soups category and uses tags like onepot, quick, easy, and family-friendly, selecting the proper cookware ensures all ingredients cook evenly and flavors meld beautifully, while minimizing cleanup.
Recommended Cookware:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven: Opt for a durable pot with a 5 to 6-quart capacity to comfortably hold the broth, chicken, and vegetables, allowing for easy stirring and simmering without spills.
- Lid: A tight-fitting lid helps control simmering, locks in moisture and flavor, and ensures the chicken and vegetables cook evenly.
This one-pot method is perfect for easy weeknight dinners and meal prep, delivering a healthy, light, and comforting meal suitable for families and anyone seeking low-carb, kid-friendly comfort food with minimal cleanup. Avoid using shallow pans or sauté pans as they lack sufficient depth for this brothy soup. Alternative methods include a slow cooker or Instant Pot, which can be adapted to suit your kitchen preferences and schedule, though stovetop preparation remains the simplest and quickest approach.
Cookware Size Guidance
For this hearty and brothy lemon dill chicken soup serving 6 people, a 5 to 6-quart (approximately 4.7 to 5.7 liters) heavy-bottomed stockpot or Dutch oven is ideal. This size provides ample space for the ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding, helping maintain a gentle simmer without boiling over.
Be sure your pot comes with a lid to preserve moisture and heat, which is essential for tender chicken and perfectly cooked vegetables.
If cooking smaller portions, a 4-quart pot can be used, but avoid smaller sizes as they may result in uneven cooking and reduced broth volume. Selecting cookware with even heat distribution minimizes the risk of scorching and facilitates the harmonious blend of flavors.
Following these cookware recommendations ensures a flavorful and easy-to-make one-pot soup that fits seamlessly into your favorite weeknight meal plans.
Cookware Swap Guidance
This recipe is crafted as a one-pot soup, offering a quick, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner using a large, heavy-bottomed pot such as a Dutch oven or deep stockpot. For alternative cookware options consistent with the PanPotPlates approach, consider these swaps:
- Dutch Oven or Heavy Stockpot: Best for even cooking and optimal broth retention. If unavailable, a deep saucepan or a large heavy skillet with a lid works as a substitute.
- Deep Skillet with Lid: A heavy skillet or sauté pan with a tight lid can replace a stockpot, though you’ll need to monitor broth evaporation closely during simmering.
- Slow Cooker: For a set-it-and-forget-it variation, sauté aromatics first in a skillet, then transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. This suits family-friendly and mealprep needs but may slightly mellow the bright lemon flavor.
- Instant Pot or Electric Pressure Cooker: Use the sauté function for onions and garlic, then pressure cook for about 8 minutes. This alternative saves time while preserving tenderness and one-pot convenience.
Avoid shallow pans or those without lids, which can cause excessive evaporation, diluting the broth’s flavor. Opt for cookware that supports gentle simmering and one-pot simplicity to get the best results for this light, lowcarb, and kid-friendly soup.
Leftovers Quality
This flavorful One-Pot Brothy Lemon Dill Chicken Soup stores exceptionally well, making it an excellent option for meal prep and enjoying as comforting leftovers. To retain its bright flavors and tender texture, refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Stored properly, the soup will remain fresh for 3-4 days.
For extended storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, leaving space for expansion, and keep frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
When reheating, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to preserve the delicate lemon and dill notes. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals with stirring to avoid overheating and separation. Avoid boiling leftovers, as excessive heat can diminish the bright citrus flavor and tender chicken texture.
This leftover-friendly, healthy, and family-focused soup aligns perfectly with other One-Pot Soups and Comfort Food favorites, providing a convenient and nourishing option for busy weeknights.
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