This Lemon Chicken Soup and Garlicky Anchovy Bread is an Easy Make-Ahead Holiday Meal 

The days feel a bit longer around the holidays, and during those cozy afternoons spent relaxing with family and friends, it helps to have a few meals prepped and ready to feed a group. 

If you’re craving a break from the heavy holiday dishes and endless array of leftovers, there’s nothing more satisfying (or easier to make ahead of time) than a big pot of soup and crusty bread for dipping. This recipe pairs fragrant lemon chicken soup with a sliced baguette that gets its big, savory flavor from homemade anchovy butter. It’s a perfect meal for your whole crew, especially if you freeze it in large batches for easy thawing and serving.

Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients: 

3 lemons 

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 fennel bulb (or 2 stalks of celery), chopped

2 carrots, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced 

4 tablespoons olive oil 

Salt and pepper, to taste 

2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning 

½ teaspoon dried rosemary 

1 teaspoon dried thyme 

2 chicken breasts

1 32-ounce carton chicken broth 

(Optional: 1 cup cooked noodles and/or chopped parsley, dill, and cilantro for garnish)

Instructions: 

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the olive oil, followed by the chopped vegetables and spices. Saute for 3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent. 

Add the chicken breast and saute for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it starts to brown. 

Pour in the chicken broth along with 1 to 1 ½ cups of water. Lower the heat, cover, and let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. 

With tongs, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and cut into chunks.

Place the chicken back into the soup. Add the juice from 3 lemons. Cover the soup, and let it simmer until ready to serve. 

If freezing, pour into air tight freezer bags and store upright in the freezer.

Garlic Anchovy Baguette Recipe

Ingredients: 

1 small baguette, fresh or frozen

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 anchovies, minced

Instructions: 

Preheat the oven to 375° F. 

Add garlic and anchovy pieces to a bowl and mix with the melted butter.  

Evenly slice the baguette, then spread the melted garlic anchovy butter over the slices. Place the slices onto a lined baking sheet. 

Bake for 6 to 8 minutes or until golden brown.