Description
Warm up with Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup, a zesty, fresh, and nourishing recipe featuring tender chicken thighs, vibrant lemon, aromatic herbs, and wholesome vegetables. This comforting soup brings together bright citrus flavors, herbal freshness, and satisfying chicken in a light and hearty broth perfect for any season.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
Produce
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Liquids and Sauces
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (natural)
Other
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Finely chop the garlic, carrots, celery, parsley, and dill. Juice and zest the lemons and set them aside separately to preserve their freshness for later use.
- Sauté the vegetables and chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the chicken thighs and brown them until opaque and golden on the outside, but not fully cooked through.
- Add broth and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 20 minutes to allow the chicken to become tender and flavors to meld.
- Remove chicken and shred: Remove the chicken thighs from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup ensuring tender pieces are distributed throughout.
- Add lemon and herbs: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, followed by the chopped parsley and dill. Add the natural gelling agent sparingly to provide subtle body without overpowering the soup.
- Season and serve: Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh herbs for a bright, inviting finish.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the brightest flavor impact.
- Cook chicken gently to keep it moist and tender.
- Always add lemon juice at the end to preserve its vibrant taste.
- Fresh parsley and dill are essential for enhancing the soup’s flavor.
- Homemade or high-quality chicken broth deepens the soup’s richness.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low to medium heat to maintain texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mediterranean, Lemon Chicken Soup, Healthy Soup, Gluten Free, Comfort Food, Fresh Herbs
