Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

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This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a light, refreshing, and comforting dish that’s perfect for any season. Featuring shredded chicken, tender orzo or rice, and a burst of fresh lemon, this soup is flavorful, nourishing, and easy to make in just 30 minutes. Garnished with fresh dill, it brings a bright and herby finish that will leave you craving another bowl!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup orzo or rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth & Chicken

  1. Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add Shredded Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and let it warm through.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo or Rice

  1. Add Orzo or Rice: Stir in orzo or rice and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for orzo, 15-20 minutes for rice).
  2. Stir Occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon

  1. Add Lemon Zest & Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well to brighten up the flavors.
  2. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  1. Ladle into Bowls: Serve hot in individual bowls.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped dill for a refreshing finish.
  3. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired soup, perfect for a cozy meal!

Cooking Notes

  • Make it Creamier: For a richer texture, whisk one egg yolk into the lemon juice before adding it to the soup.
  • Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and use chickpeas instead of chicken.
  • Use Brown Rice: Swap white rice for brown rice for extra fiber (increase cook time by 10 minutes).

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Warm Pita or Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth!
  • Add Extra Protein: Stir in chickpeas or white beans for a heartier soup.
  • Top with Feta Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta for a creamy, tangy twist.

Tips

  1. Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheat Gently: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
  3. Freeze for Later: Freeze for up to 3 months (without the orzo or rice, as they can become mushy). Add fresh when reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 290
  • Protein: 26g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Sodium: 680mg

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a bright, nourishing, and easy-to-make dish that’s comforting yet refreshing. Whether you’re looking for a light weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or a cozy bowl of warmth, this soup is a must-try!

Make it today and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite! 🍋✨

Print
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup orzo or rice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Sauté the Onion: Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 5 minutes).
  3. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Broth & Chicken

  1. Pour in Chicken Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
  2. Add Shredded Chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and let it warm through.

Step 3: Cook the Orzo or Rice

  1. Add Orzo or Rice: Stir in orzo or rice and cook according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes for orzo, 15-20 minutes for rice).
  2. Stir Occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Finish with Lemon

  1. Add Lemon Zest & Juice: Stir in the lemon zest and juice, mixing well to brighten up the flavors.
  2. Season to Taste: Add salt and pepper, adjusting to your preference.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

  1. Ladle into Bowls: Serve hot in individual bowls.
  2. Garnish: Sprinkle with freshly chopped dill for a refreshing finish.
  3. Enjoy this Mediterranean-inspired soup, perfect for a cozy meal!
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 290
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 27g
  • Protein: 26g

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