Zesty Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe for Comforting Homemade Bliss

Simmering comfort arrives with this zesty lemon chicken soup that promises warmth and healing in every spoonful.

Mediterranean kitchens inspired this classic recipe generations ago.

Bright citrus notes dance through tender chicken pieces, creating a melody of flavors.

Fragrant herbs weave their magic, turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Delicate broth carries whispers of comfort and nostalgia from childhood memories.

We crave this soup when wellness feels distant or spirits need lifting.

Grab a ladle and let deliciousness restore your energy.

Pro Tips for Zesty Lemon Chicken Soup

• Use two forks to pull apart chicken breasts while they're still warm for easy, even shredding without tough chunks.
• Crush dried thyme and oregano between your fingers before adding to release more intense aromatics and enhance the soup's depth.
• Add rice or orzo near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a pleasant al dente consistency.
• Add fresh lemon juice and zest off the heat to preserve the vibrant citrus flavor and prevent bitterness.
• Prepare extra soup and freeze in portions for quick, delicious meals later, removing bay leaf before storing.

Variations to Try with Lemon Chicken Soup

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace orzo with quinoa or gluten-free rice noodles, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Swap thyme and oregano with za'atar spice blend, adding a Middle Eastern flavor profile and introducing a unique herbal complexity.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice or orzo with cauliflower rice, reducing carbohydrate content and creating a lighter, vegetable-based alternative for keto diet followers.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a plant-based protein-rich soup that maintains the bright, zesty lemon essence.

Serving Ideas for Lemon Chicken Soup

• Cozy Comfort Meal Companion: Serve this soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up the delicious broth.
• Zesty Mediterranean Side Plate: Pair with a light Greek salad topped with feta cheese and kalamata olives to complement the lemon chicken flavors.
• Protein-Packed Wellness Bowl: Add a small side of quinoa or roasted chickpeas to boost the nutritional value and provide extra texture and substance to the meal.
• Refreshing Herbal Finish: Accompany the soup with a cold glass of mint-infused water or light white wine to enhance the citrusy and herbal notes of the dish.

Storing Lemon Chicken Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Avoid freezing rice or orzo as they can become mushy.
• Thaw frozen soup in refrigerator overnight. Pour into pot, heat over medium-low temperature, stirring occasionally. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.

FAQs

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s packed with lean protein from chicken, vegetables with essential nutrients, and immune-boosting ingredients like garlic and herbs. The broth-based recipe offers a light, nutritious meal.

• Can I use different herbs if I don't have thyme or oregano?

Absolutely! You can substitute with rosemary, basil, or Italian seasoning blend. The key is maintaining a similar aromatic profile that complements the chicken and lemon.

• How can I make this soup more filling?

Add more protein like cooked quinoa or white beans, or increase the rice/orzo quantity. You can also serve it with a side of crusty bread to make it a more substantial meal.

Lemon Chicken Soup: Light and Refreshing

• Boost Immune Power: Packed with nutrient-rich vegetables and lean chicken, this soup delivers a powerful blend of vitamins and minerals to support your body's defense system.
• Quick Comfort Meal: Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder comes together effortlessly, providing a warm and satisfying meal in under an hour.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like rice or orzo, adjust herbs, or add extra vegetables to make this recipe uniquely yours while maintaining its delicious core flavor profile.
• Crowd-Pleasing Simplicity: Family-friendly and adaptable, this lemon chicken soup appeals to both kids and adults with its bright, comforting taste and hearty ingredients.

Ingredients for Lemon Chicken Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich meat that forms the hearty base of the soup.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that creates the soup's delicious foundation.
• Rice or Orzo: Starchy component that adds substance and texture to the soup.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus ingredient that provides a tangy and refreshing flavor.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetables that build a rich flavor profile for the soup.
• Garlic: Adds depth and robust flavor to the overall dish.

• Thyme, Oregano, Bay Leaf: Herbaceous seasonings that enhance the soup's complex taste.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the other flavors.
• Fresh Parsley, Fresh Dill: Garnish herbs that add a fresh and vibrant finish to the soup.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle, smooth flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Provides intense citrus aroma and bright flavor to the soup.

How to Prepare Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Onion
• Carrots
• Celery
• Garlic

Sauté these ingredients until they become soft and release their delightful fragrance.

Step 2: Introduce Chicken and Herbs

• Chicken breasts
• Chicken broth
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Bay leaf
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook until the chicken is completely tender and cooked through, around 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Shred and Prepare Chicken

Remove the chicken from the pot.

Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into delicate, bite-sized shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 4: Add Comforting Grains

Pour in rice or orzo to the pot.

Cook until the grains become soft and perfectly tender, approximately 10 minutes.

Step 5: Brighten with Citrus

Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest.

Taste the soup and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and dill on top.

Serve with additional lemon wedges for an extra zingy flavor explosion.

Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Greek lemon chicken soup known as avgolemono offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, rice, and tangy citrus in a silky broth. Mediterranean flavors shine through this classic dish that will warm hearts and satisfy hunger with its simple yet elegant preparation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)

Soup Base:

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 medium onion
• 2 medium carrots
• 2 celery stalks
• 4 garlic cloves

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Grains and Citrus:

• 1/2 cup uncooked rice or orzo pasta
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (chopped)
• Fresh dill (chopped, optional)
• Lemon wedges

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Instructions

1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
2. Place whole chicken breasts into the pot along with chicken broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
3. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and carefully shred using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the simmering soup.
4. Pour rice or orzo into the pot and continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Remove pot from heat and brighten the soup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest, creating a tangy flavor profile.
6. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a balanced and delicious result.
7. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and dill over the top for added color and herbal complexity, then serve with additional lemon wedges for guests to enhance their individual portions.

Notes

• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep and enhanced flavor depth.
• Use gluten-free orzo or cauliflower rice to make the soup suitable for low-carb and gluten-sensitive diets.
• Enhance protein content by adding white beans or quinoa for a more nutritious and filling soup option.
• Customize the soup’s brightness by adjusting lemon juice quantity – start with less and gradually add to match personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 190 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg