Description
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a light yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, fresh herbs, zesty lemon, and wholesome vegetables in a nourishing broth. This easy-to-make soup offers a refreshing twist on traditional chicken soup, perfect for any season and customizable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 1 lb chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or low sodium)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Seasonings & Others
- Sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent (optional, for slight thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare and Sauté the Base: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes, creating an aromatic foundation for the soup.
- Add Garlic and Chicken: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until aromatic. Add bite-sized chicken pieces and cook until they begin to turn white, sealing in their juices and flavor.
- Pour in Broth and Seasonings: Add chicken broth, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), sea salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Introduce Lemon Juice and Fresh Herbs: Lower the heat and stir in fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and dill. Simmer briefly to combine flavors while keeping the herbs fresh.
- Thicken Slightly (Optional): If desired, blend a small amount of cooked vegetables with natural gelling agent and stir back into the pot for a slightly thicker texture without compromising the broth’s lightness.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve piping hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and herbs fresh.
- Cut vegetables evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Reserve some fresh parsley or dill as garnish for added color and aroma.
- Use natural gelling agent sparingly for preferred broth consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Mediterranean soup, lemon chicken soup, light chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, fresh herb soup, gluten free soup
