Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a bright and comforting bowl of goodness made with tender chicken, vibrant lemon, and a medley of vegetables and herbs. Inspired by classic Mediterranean flavors like garlic, olive oil, oregano, and fresh lemon juice, this soup is perfect for cooler days or when you need a healthy, refreshing boost. It’s simple, nutritious, and full of flavor—ready in under an hour!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh & Zesty – Lemon adds a refreshing twist to traditional chicken soup.
Healthy & Nourishing – Packed with lean protein and veggies.
Comforting & Light – Ideal for any season, especially spring and fall.
Easy to Make – One pot, minimal prep, and lots of flavor.
Great for Meal Prep – Stays delicious for days and freezes well.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups (1.5 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 bay leaf
• ½ cup (90 g) orzo or small pasta (optional)
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 4 tbsp)
• 1 egg yolk (for added richness, optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

• Baby spinach or kale
• A pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick
• A bit of grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top

Tools You’ll Need

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board and knife
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add minced garlic, oregano, and thyme. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
4. Place whole chicken breast or thighs into the pot.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and add bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
7. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 3: Shred Chicken & Add Pasta
8. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks.
9. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
10. If using orzo or small pasta, stir it in now and cook for another 8–10 minutes until tender.

Step 4: Add Lemon & Egg Yolk (Optional)
11. In a small bowl, whisk lemon juice with egg yolk (if using).
12. Slowly ladle in a bit of hot soup into the lemon mixture to temper, then stir it back into the pot.
13. This adds a creamy texture without cream.
14. Simmer for 2 more minutes. Do not boil after adding egg yolk.

Step 5: Taste, Garnish & Serve
15. Adjust salt, pepper, and lemon juice to taste.
16. Remove bay leaf.
17. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and optional feta or spinach.

Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken Soup
Use Fresh Lemon Juice – The bright citrus flavor is key.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Add it near the end to avoid mushy texture.
Egg Yolk is Optional – For a creamy avgolemono-style touch.
Double the Batch – Great for freezing and meal prep.
Add Greens – Toss in spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.

Serving Suggestions
With Warm Pita Bread – Perfect for dipping.
With a Greek Salad – A refreshing pairing.
As a Light Dinner – Comforting yet energizing.
With Toasted Croutons – Add crunch on top.
As a Side to Grilled Meat – Complements grilled chicken or fish.

How to Store & Reheat

Store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:
Stovetop – Reheat gently over medium heat until warmed through.
Microwave – Use 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Freeze:
Cool completely, then freeze in containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—just add shredded chicken after the veggies have cooked.

2. Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—use veggie broth and chickpeas or white beans instead of chicken.

3. What if I don’t have orzo?
Use rice, couscous, or skip it for a lighter, low-carb version.

4. Can I use lemon zest too?
Yes! A bit of zest brightens the soup beautifully—just don’t overdo it.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is proof that simple ingredients can create powerful flavor. With every spoonful, you get the perfect balance of warmth, brightness, and nourishment—perfect for any day of the week.

Make a batch, sip slowly, and let the lemony goodness refresh your soul.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean – Healthy Comfort Food

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, 6 servings):
Calories: 230 | Protein: 22g | Carbohydrates: 12g | Fat: 10g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Sodium: 500mg

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