Description
Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and zesty bowl featuring tender chicken thighs, fresh herbs, bright lemon juice and zest, and a luscious plant-based cream base. This easy-to-make, wholesome soup delivers vibrant Mediterranean flavors with a silky texture, perfect for any season or family meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Citrus
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Broth and liquids
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup plant-based cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Aromatics and herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Starch
- 3/4 cup orzo pasta (or substitute with jasmine or brown rice for gluten-free)
Other
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until golden and nearly cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pot, gently sauté finely chopped garlic until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Create the Flavorful Broth: Add chicken broth, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt to the pot, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the natural gelling agent to enhance the broth’s silky texture.
- Cook Pasta and Combine Ingredients: Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the orzo pasta. Let the soup simmer until the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, about 8 to 10 minutes. This allows flavors to meld while achieving the perfect soup consistency.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Plant-Based Cream: Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in fresh lemon juice and plant-based cream to enrich the soup with creamy brightness. Add freshly chopped dill and parsley for a burst of herbaceous freshness. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest for authentic citrus flavor.
- Cook the soup gently on low heat to preserve chicken tenderness and deepen flavors.
- Add plant-based cream off the heat to maintain a silky texture and prevent curdling.
- Add fresh herbs just before serving to keep their vibrant color and flavor intact.
- Add orzo pasta toward the last few minutes to avoid overcooking and mushiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Cooking on stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Greek lemon chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, plant-based cream soup, Mediterranean soup, healthy chicken soup, lemon herb soup
