Description
A light yet hearty Mediterranean-inspired soup featuring tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a tangy lemon broth. It’s a refreshing and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup orzo or small pasta (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add the sliced carrots, chopped celery, and diced zucchini. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the shredded chicken and orzo (if using) to the pot. Continue simmering for 8-10 minutes until the pasta is cooked and the chicken is heated through.
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley and feta cheese (optional). Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For extra greens, add spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking.
- Use vegetable broth and chickpeas for a vegetarian version of this soup.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the soup.
- To make this gluten-free, substitute the orzo with gluten-free pasta or omit it entirely.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
