Delightful Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Recipe By:
Cristy Scott

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the sunshine of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Imagine a warm, comforting bowl filled with tender chicken, bright lemon notes, and hearty vegetables that dance together in perfect harmony.

This soup isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a bowl for those chilly evenings when you want to feel cozy and nourished. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or having a self-care night, this dish will impress your guests and soothe your soul.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • The bright flavors of lemon and herbs create an irresistible flavor profile that awakens the taste buds.
  • Its vibrant colors make it an eye-catching centerpiece on your dining table.
  • Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a starter or main course!

Ingredients for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; select fresh ones for the best flavor.

  • Fresh Garlic: Use firm cloves for maximum flavor; minced garlic adds depth to the broth.

  • Carrots: Chop these into bite-sized pieces; they add sweetness and color to the soup.

  • Celery Stalks: Dice finely; celery adds crunch and enhances the aromatic base of the soup.

  • Onion: A medium onion, diced; this is essential for building flavor in your broth.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice is key; it brightens the soup and provides that signature tang.

  • Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over saltiness and richer flavor.

  • Dried Oregano: This herb brings Mediterranean flair; use generously for a fragrant finish.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

How to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by dicing your onion, carrots, celery, and mincing the garlic. Having everything prepped will make cooking smoother than butter on toast.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Toss in the onions first until they’re translucent—around five minutes will do. Add garlic next and sauté until fragrant; don’t let it burn!

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add the boneless chicken breasts into the pot. Pour in enough chicken broth to fully cover them. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and dried oregano before bringing everything to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Vegetables

Once the chicken is cooked through (about twenty minutes), remove it from the pot. Add carrots and celery into the simmering broth. Let them cook until tender—around ten minutes should suffice.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

While veggies soften up like marshmallows in hot cocoa, shred the chicken using two forks (or your ninja-like shredding skills). Return shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 6: Finish with Lemon

Finally, stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice for that zing! Give it a taste test—add more salt or pepper if needed—and voilà! Your Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is ready.

Transfer to bowls and garnish with fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping bliss!

You Must Know

  • This amazing Mediterranean lemon chicken soup offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
  • You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
  • The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
  • Perfect for cozy nights but versatile enough for meal prep throughout the week.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken in a pot until golden brown, then remove it and sauté your onions and garlic. After that, add in your broth and veggies, returning the chicken to simmer until cooked through.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out vegetables based on your preference—kale, spinach, or even chickpeas work wonders! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to loosen it up.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh lemon juice for a brighter taste; bottled juice can be too tart.
  • Ensure your chicken is fully cooked by checking its internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • When adding vegetables, cut them evenly for uniform cooking.

Sometimes I think my friends come over just for this Mediterranean lemon chicken soup. They rave about it so much that I’ve started charging them a small fee—just kidding! It’s all about sharing love through food!

FAQs

What ingredients do I need for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup?

To make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup, you’ll need chicken breast, fresh lemon juice, garlic, onion, carrots, celery, and spinach. Additionally, use chicken broth or stock for a rich base. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavors. This combination of ingredients creates a vibrant and healthy soup that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine.

How long does it take to prepare Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup?

The total preparation time for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is about 30 minutes. Cooking time usually takes around 20 minutes. You can have a delicious bowl of warm soup ready in less than an hour. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a comforting weekend meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

Can I make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over medium heat until hot. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making it taste even better the next day. Just be sure to add some fresh spinach before serving for added texture and nutrition.

Is Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup suitable for freezing?

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup freezes quite well. Store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove. Be cautious when reheating; add a splash of broth if needed to restore its original consistency.

Conclusion for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a flavorful and nourishing dish that combines tender chicken with vibrant vegetables and zesty lemon juice. This soup is not only quick to prepare but also versatile; you can customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe will surely delight your taste buds and warm your soul with every comforting spoonful. Enjoy this tasty dish as part of your healthy eating routine!

Print

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a bright and flavorful dish that captures the essence of the Mediterranean in every spoonful. This comforting soup features tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and zesty lemon juice, creating a delightful harmony that warms both body and soul. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy evenings at home, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike.

  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale
  • 34 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups chopped carrots (about 2 medium)
  • 2 cups diced celery (about 2 stalks)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about ¼ cup)
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: Dice onion, chop carrots and celery, and mince garlic.
  2. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken breasts to the pot and pour in chicken broth to cover them. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano; bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook chicken through (approximately 20 minutes). Remove chicken from broth; add carrots and celery to the pot and simmer until tender (about 10 minutes).
  5. Shred cooked chicken with two forks and return it to the pot. Stir in lemon juice, adjust seasoning if needed, and serve hot.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 640mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize the soup by adding other vegetables such as spinach or kale. For added flavor, consider incorporating fresh herbs like dill or parsley.

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