Description
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a vibrant and zesty dish that combines tender chicken, vegetables, and a bright lemon flavor, creating a comforting yet refreshing soup.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup orzo pasta
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes.
- Add the shredded chicken and orzo pasta to the soup, and simmer for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through.
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra nutrients, add leafy greens like spinach or kale.
If you like heat, toss in red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk for a creamy variation.
Ensure the orzo used is gluten-free if following a gluten-free diet.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
