Description
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a light and tangy soup made with tender chicken, vegetables, and a burst of lemon, infused with Mediterranean herbs for a refreshing and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup orzo or rice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the garlic, oregano, and thyme, and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts (or thighs) to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- If using orzo or rice, add it to the soup and cook according to the package directions until tender.
- Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then add the chopped spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta, if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- This soup can be made with bone-in chicken, but cook it for 35–40 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked before shredding.
- If you prefer a heartier soup, swap orzo for lentils or add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
- If making ahead, the soup will taste even better the next day as the flavors develop.
- For a dairy-free option, simply skip the feta cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
