Name: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded; ½ cup orzo pasta; Juice of 2 lemons; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1 tsp dried oregano; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Description

A bright and nourishing Mediterranean-inspired soup featuring tender chicken, fresh lemon, vegetables, and herbs in a light, flavorful broth. This vibrant soup combines the zestiness of lemon with wholesome ingredients like orzo, fresh parsley, and a hearty chicken base, perfect for a healthy and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Base Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Soup Ingredients

6 cups chicken broth
1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded
½ cup orzo pasta
Juice of 2 lemons
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Heat olive oil: Warm 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables.
Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
Add garlic and oregano: Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano, cooking for 1 minute to release the flavors without burning the garlic.
Pour in chicken broth: Add 6 cups of chicken broth to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil, creating the flavorful base of the soup.
Cook orzo: Add ½ cup orzo pasta to the boiling broth. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until the orzo is tender.
Add shredded chicken: Stir in 1 pound of cooked, shredded chicken breast. Simmer the soup for an additional 5 minutes to allow the chicken to heat through and meld with the flavors.
Finish with lemon and parsley: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the juice of 2 lemons and 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped parsley to brighten and freshen the soup.
Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy.

Notes

Rice can be substituted for orzo if preferred or if avoiding pasta.
Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of simmering for extra nutrition and color.

Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean