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Mediterranean Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Chicken Soup is a vibrant and nourishing dish that combines tender chicken, fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and a bright lemony broth. Perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a comforting, wholesome meal filled with Mediterranean flavors, this easy-to-make soup balances texture, color, and deliciousness in every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 1 cup fresh tomatoes, chopped or 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes

Herbs & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juice and zest
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Liquids & Pasta

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup orzo or small pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: Gently sauté chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery in olive oil over medium heat until soft and aromatic, creating the flavorful foundation for the soup.
  2. Cook the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pot and brown slightly to lock in the juices, then proceed to simmer in the broth until tender and cooked through.
  3. Add tomatoes and herbs: Stir in fresh or canned diced tomatoes along with freshly chopped parsley, oregano, and thyme to bring authentic Mediterranean flavors into the soup.
  4. Simmer the soup: Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer until all flavors meld perfectly and the chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Add pasta and finish: Stir in orzo or your preferred small pasta and cook until tender. Finish the soup with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of lemon zest to add a bright, refreshing punch.

Notes

  • Use homemade chicken broth whenever possible to enrich the soup’s flavor.
  • Add pasta towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking and maintaining a pleasant texture.
  • Fresh herbs added at the end maximize flavor and keep the soup vibrant.
  • Adjust seasoning gradually, tasting frequently to balance salt, pepper, and lemon juice perfectly.
  • Cut chicken pieces uniformly to ensure even cooking and satisfying texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean soup, chicken soup, healthy soup, comforting meal, easy chicken soup, lemon chicken soup, gluten-free soup