Frosty Morning High Protein

The winter my heating went out for three days, this soup became my lifeline. I'd come home shivering, throw everything in one pot, and let the simmering broth warm both my kitchen and my spirit. Something about the combination of tender chicken, creamy beans, and that bright hit of lemon at the end feels like being hugged from the inside out.

My sister called me mid recipe once, absolutely frantic about what to feed her family after everyone got hit with a seasonal bug. I talked her through this soup over the phone, and later she told me it was the first thing her kids actually wanted to eat in days. Now she makes it every time someone mentions feeling under the weather.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: Dicing them into bite sized pieces helps them cook faster and distribute evenly throughout every spoonful
• Cannellini beans: These creamy white beans practically melt into the broth creating body without needing heavy cream
• Frozen edamame: A secret protein boost that adds lovely texture and stays bright green even after simmering
• Fresh spinach: Add it at the very end so it stays vibrant and nutrient rich instead of turning sad and gray
• Lemon juice: This final touch brightens everything and cuts through the richness in the most surprising way

Instructions

Build your flavor foundation:

Heat olive oil in your large pot over medium heat, then add onion, carrot, and celery, letting them soften and become fragrant for about 4 or 5 minutes

Wake up the aromatics:

Stir in the minced garlic and cook just until you can smell it filling your kitchen, about 1 minute so it does not burn

Sear the chicken:

Add your diced chicken to the pot and let it brown on all sides for 4 to 5 minutes, creating those little brown bits that mean depth of flavor

Simmer it all together:

Pour in the chicken broth and add cannellini beans, edamame, thyme, salt, and pepper, then bring everything to a bubble

Let it develop:

Reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 20 minutes, giving the chicken time to cook completely and the vegetables time to become tender

Finish with brightness:

Stir in fresh spinach and lemon juice, letting the spinach wilt for just 2 minutes before serving

Save

Last winter I made a double batch and portioned it into containers for my elderly neighbor who had just come home from surgery. She called me two days later asking for the recipe because her grandchildren had already requested it for their next visit.

Making It Your Own

Swap diced tofu or extra cannellini beans for the chicken to create a completely vegetarian version that still delivers impressive protein. The broth and seasonings do so much work here that you honestly will not miss the meat.

Storage & Meal Prep Magic

This soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld and develop. I keep containers in the freezer for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort but takeout does not feel right either.

Serving Suggestions

A thick slice of whole grain bread toasted until golden makes the perfect vessel for soaking up every last drop. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or fresh parsley if you want to make it feel like something from a restaurant kitchen.

• Grate some lemon zest over each bowl for an extra aromatic hit
• Keep red pepper flakes on the table for anyone who likes warmth
• Let everyone add their own finishing salt at the table

Save

There is something deeply comforting about a recipe that nourishes your body while somehow also feeling like a warm embrace on a cold day.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute chicken with a plant-based option?

Yes, tofu or extra beans can replace chicken for a vegetarian-friendly version without compromising protein content.

→ What is the best way to prepare the vegetables?

Sauté carrot, celery, and onion until softened before adding garlic and protein to enhance their flavors.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Cool the soup completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

→ Can I add more greens to this soup?

Fresh spinach is added at the end to wilt gently, but other leafy greens like kale can also be substituted.

→ Is this soup suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, as long as the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free, this soup fits gluten-free needs.