Description
Light, bright, and full of vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food with a sunny twist. Tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and hearty rice come together in a tangy lemon broth that’s both soothing and energizing. Whether you’re under the weather or just in need of a nourishing bowl, this zesty soup hits all the right notes.
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Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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2 carrots, diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp ground turmeric (optional for color & depth)
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1.2 liters (5 cups) chicken broth
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1 bay leaf
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2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded (or 2 cups leftover rotisserie chicken)
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100 g (½ cup) white rice (or orzo pasta)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Lemon-Egg Mixture (Avgolemono-style, optional):
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2 eggs
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Juice of 2 lemons
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2 tbsp hot broth (tempering the eggs)
Garnish & Serving:
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Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
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Lemon slices or zest
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Cracked black pepper
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Crusty bread or pita on the side
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
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Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
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Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic, oregano, and turmeric. Stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Soup
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Pour in the chicken broth and add the bay leaf.
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Bring to a gentle boil.
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Add rice and cook uncovered for 10–12 minutes until tender.
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Add shredded chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Add the Lemon-Egg Mixture (Optional)
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In a bowl, whisk eggs with lemon juice until smooth.
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Slowly pour in 2–3 tbsp of hot broth while whisking to temper.
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Gradually stir this egg-lemon mixture back into the pot (off the heat).
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Stir gently to thicken without scrambling the eggs.
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Do not boil once eggs are added—just warm through.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
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Remove bay leaf.
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Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with parsley, dill, lemon zest, or extra cracked pepper.
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Serve with crusty bread or warm pita on the side.
Notes
Use Homemade Broth – It boosts the flavor beautifully.
Shred Chicken Finely – For even distribution and tender texture.
Temper Eggs Slowly – Prevents curdling and ensures a silky soup.
Don’t Overcook Rice – It should be tender but not mushy.
Brighten with Zest – Lemon zest enhances aroma and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Cuisine: Mediterranean