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.
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)
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.
Notes
For extra greens, add fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
To make a gluten-free version, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or rice.
Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding chicken broth to adjust consistency if needed.
This soup can be made ahead of time and actually gets better after sitting in the fridge for a day or two.
Freeze the soup without the heavy cream, adding it after reheating to maintain texture.
Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut to save time.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add more lemon juice or zest, or use lemon zest as a garnish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
