Cozy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Mediterranean zest dances through this lemon chicken soup, promising a culinary adventure that whispers of sunny coastal kitchens.

Bright citrus notes weave magical flavor threads across tender poached chicken pieces.

Delicate herbs float like gentle memories in each spoonful of this comforting broth.

Lightweight and nourishing, the soup carries traditional Greek influences with elegant simplicity.

Fragrant dill and fresh parsley create a green symphony that awakens your senses.

Quick-to-prepare ingredients blend into a healing bowl that feels like a warm embrace.

Lemon Chicken Soup With Mediterranean Freshness

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Whip up this Mediterranean lemon chicken soup in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a nutritious, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with tender chicken, soft orzo, and vibrant vegetables, this soup offers a balanced, kid-approved dish that sneaks in healthy ingredients while delivering delicious comfort.
• Mediterranean Magic: Featuring authentic avgolemono technique and bright lemon notes, this recipe transports your taste buds to sunny Greek coastlines with its zesty, creamy profile that elevates classic chicken soup.
• Adaptable Cooking Style: Easily customizable with different proteins like turkey or chickpeas, optional rice substitution, and flexible vegetable choices, this recipe welcomes personalization without compromising its delightful essence.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup What You’ll Use

• Chicken Broth: Core liquid base for the soup, provides rich and savory foundation.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté vegetables and adds smooth Mediterranean flavor.

• Chicken, Shredded: Primary protein source, adds heartiness and texture to the soup.
• Orzo, Rice: Starch component that makes the soup more filling and substantial.

• Onions, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Classic soup base that builds deep flavor profile, provides nutritional depth.
• Oregano, Turmeric, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance overall taste and bring warmth to the dish.

• Eggs, Lemon Juice: Create traditional avgolemono technique, adding creamy texture and bright citrus notes.

• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Dill: Provides fresh herbal finish and visual appeal, adds light brightness to the soup.

Lemon Chicken Soup in Mediterranean Style

Step 1: Prepare Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Chopped onions
• Minced garlic
• Diced carrots
• Chopped celery

Cook the vegetables for 3-4 minutes until they become soft and fragrant.

Sprinkle in oregano, turmeric, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a rolling boil.

Add orzo or rice and reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Allow the grains to cook for 10-12 minutes until they reach a tender consistency.

Fold in shredded chicken and let it warm through completely.

Step 3: Create Creamy Lemon Mixture

In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and fresh lemon juice until completely smooth.

Carefully temper the egg mixture by slowly adding one cup of hot broth while continuously whisking.

This prevents the eggs from curdling.

Slowly incorporate the tempered mixture back into the soup, stirring consistently to create a silky, creamy texture.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Simmer the soup for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring it thickens slightly but does not reach a full boil.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top for a burst of color and fresh flavor.

Serve piping hot and enjoy the comforting Mediterranean-inspired soup.

Soup Tips with Mediterranean Lemon Comfort

• Carefully temper eggs by slowly adding hot broth while whisking continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture without scrambling.
• Toast oregano and turmeric briefly in olive oil before adding other ingredients to enhance their aromatic qualities and release more complex flavors.
• Swap chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version, ensuring the soup remains protein-rich and satisfying.
• Replace orzo with quinoa, brown rice, or pearl barley to suit different dietary preferences and add unique textures to the soup.
• Prepare soup base in advance and add the lemon-egg mixture just before serving to maintain the perfect creamy consistency and freshness.

Reheat Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal completely to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Note that the texture might slightly change when thawed.
• Warm soup gently on stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Avoid boiling to prevent egg mixture from separating.
• Consume refrigerated soup within 2-3 days for best taste and quality. Discard if any unusual smell or appearance develops.

Lemon Chicken Soup Pairings

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko from Greece or a bright Sauvignon Blanc that complements the soup's lemony notes and cuts through its creamy texture.
• Mediterranean Mezze Platter: Serve alongside small plates like dolmades, tzatziki, olives, and warm pita bread to enhance the Mediterranean flavor profile and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Herbed Greek Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and a simple olive oil dressing to balance the soup's richness and add fresh, vibrant elements to the meal.
• Rustic Sourdough Bread: Offer crusty, tangy sourdough slices to soak up the creamy soup, providing a satisfying crunch and additional layer of flavor that perfectly matches the Mediterranean theme.

Cherry Pie Bars with Festive Twists

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace orzo with quinoa or gluten-free rice pasta. Use certified gluten-free broth and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with white beans or tofu cubes. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute orzo with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Reduce total carbohydrate content while keeping the soup's creamy texture and tangy lemon essence.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Confirm all ingredients are dairy-free. Skip traditional egg-based thickening and use coconut cream or arrowroot starch to create similar creamy consistency.

FAQs

• What is the origin of this soup?

This Mediterranean-inspired soup is rooted in Greek cuisine, specifically drawing from the traditional avgolemono technique of using eggs and lemon to create a creamy, tangy base for soups and sauces.

• Why use turmeric in this recipe?

Turmeric adds a warm, earthy flavor and provides anti-inflammatory health benefits, complementing the bright lemon and creating a complex taste profile in the soup.

• How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?

Carefully temper the eggs by slowly adding hot broth while whisking continuously, which gradually raises the egg temperature and prevents scrambling when added back to the soup.

• Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Prepare the soup without adding the egg mixture, and when ready to serve, reheat and add the lemon-egg mixture just before serving to maintain the smooth, creamy texture.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean lemon chicken soup brings zesty comfort to your table with its bright, hearty flavors. Creamy broth, tender chicken, and tangy lemon create a soul-warming dish that transports you to sunny Greek coastal kitchens.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
• 2 large eggs

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 carrots (diced)
• 2 celery stalks (diced)

Liquids, Grains, and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) orzo or rice
• 2 lemons (freshly squeezed juice)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric (optional, for color & depth)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley or dill (chopped, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by warming olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over moderate heat. Introduce finely chopped onions, minced garlic, diced carrots, and sliced celery, allowing them to soften and release their fragrant essence. Enhance the mixture with a sprinkle of oregano, turmeric, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Flood the vegetable medley with rich chicken broth, elevating the temperature until the liquid reaches a vigorous boil. Incorporate orzo or rice, then reduce the thermal intensity to a gentle simmer. Allow the starch to become tender and plump, typically requiring 10-12 minutes of patient cooking.
3. Introduce shredded chicken into the simmering liquid, permitting the protein to warm thoroughly and absorb the surrounding flavors. While the chicken nestles into the broth, create a silky liaison by whisking eggs with bright, zesty lemon juice in a separate container.
4. Carefully temper the egg mixture by gradually introducing hot broth, whisking continuously to prevent unwelcome curdling. Slowly integrate this creamy emulsion back into the soup, stirring methodically to achieve a luxurious, velvety consistency.
5. Allow the soup to hover just below boiling point for two additional minutes, which will gently thicken the broth. Finish the culinary creation by generously scattering fresh parsley or delicate dill across the surface, creating a vibrant visual and flavor finale.

Notes

• Temper eggs carefully by slowly adding hot broth to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth texture.
• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that maintains the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free orzo or quinoa to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Enhance soup’s richness by adding a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg