Name: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 carrots, peeled and chopped; 1 stalk celery, chopped; 6 cups chicken broth; 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken; 1 cup cooked orzo pasta; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Juice of 2 lemons; Zest of 1 lemon; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

A creamy and comforting bowl of sunshine, this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, fresh lemon, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors—perfect for a nourishing meal. It’s a bowl of goodness that will warm you up inside and out, whether you're looking for a cozy dinner or a refreshing twist on classic chicken soup.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 stalk celery, chopped

6 cups chicken broth

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 cup cooked orzo pasta

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup heavy cream

Juice of 2 lemons

Zest of 1 lemon

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.

Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the shredded chicken, orzo, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta, if desired. Serve hot.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add Spinach or Kale: For extra greens, I like adding fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. It adds more color and nutrition to the soup.

Gluten-Free Version: If I want a gluten-free option, I simply substitute the orzo with a gluten-free pasta or rice. This keeps the soup hearty and satisfying.

Spicy Kick: For a bit of spice, I can toss in some red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño during the cooking process. It adds a little heat that balances the freshness of the lemon.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps well and the flavors continue to develop as it sits.

Reheating: When reheating, I heat it on the stove over medium heat until warmed through. If the soup is too thick, I’ll add a bit of chicken broth to bring it back to my desired consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup actually gets even better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two. The flavors meld together beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option.

Can I freeze this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup?

While you can freeze the soup, I recommend leaving out the heavy cream and adding it in after reheating. The cream may not freeze well and could affect the texture of the soup.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time while still providing that tender chicken flavor.

Can I make this soup without orzo?

Yes, I can easily omit the orzo and either increase the amount of vegetables or substitute with rice or a gluten-free pasta if desired. It’ll still be delicious!

How can I make this soup even more lemony?

If I love a strong lemon flavor, I can add more lemon juice or zest. I may also use lemon zest as a garnish to boost the citrusy aroma.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and hearty. With its fresh ingredients and Mediterranean-inspired flavors, it’s not only nourishing but also bursting with vibrant taste. Whether you’re craving something light and refreshing or need a comforting meal to brighten your day, this soup ticks all the boxes. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.

Recipe:

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and comforting bowl of sunshine, this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, fresh lemon, and vibrant Mediterranean flavors—perfect for a nourishing meal.

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, cooking for 3-4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
Add the carrots and celery to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the shredded chicken, orzo, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and crumbled feta, if desired. Serve hot.