Mediterranean Chicken Soup Recipe
A flavorful and comforting Mediterranean Chicken Soup featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, herbs, and a bright lemon finish. Perfect for a hearty meal, this soup incorporates wholesome ingredients like chickpeas or orzo, fresh spinach or kale, and aromatic spices for a balanced and nutritious dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or ½ cup orzo
- Pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa (optional for spicy twist)
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (added near end)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke (optional for smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onions, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic and finely chop the fresh herbs. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté the Base: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and aromatic. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear lightly on all sides until they turn opaque but are not fully cooked through. This technique helps lock in moisture and enhances flavor.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine the ingredients, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil before reducing heat to a simmer.
- Simmer and Season: Let the soup simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through completely. Season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and oregano. If adding orzo or chickpeas, incorporate them during the last 10 minutes of simmering to prevent overcooking.
- Finish with Lemon and Fresh Parsley: Just before serving, stir in the fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped parsley over the soup. This adds a bright, fresh flavor and a pop of color. Optionally, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or harissa for heat, and smoked paprika or liquid smoke for an extra smoky dimension.
Notes
- You can substitute orzo with cooked chickpeas for a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by controlling the amount of red pepper flakes or harissa.
- For a smoky flavor, smoked paprika or liquid smoke can be added according to preference.
- Fresh greens like spinach or kale should be added at the end to retain their color and nutrients.
- Chicken thighs add more moisture and flavor but chicken breasts also work well.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken soup, chicken soup recipe, healthy chicken soup, lemon chicken soup, easy chicken soup, soup with vegetables, one pot soup
