Description
A fresh and tangy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup packed with tender chicken, vibrant herbs, and zesty lemon. This easy-to-make soup features wholesome ingredients and bright flavors, creating a nourishing and comforting meal perfect for any season. Its balance of texture and taste makes it an ideal light yet satisfying dish for busy days.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Broth
- 2 boneless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
Grains
- 1/2 cup long-grain rice
Seasonings and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
- Juice of 2 fresh lemons
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic, diced carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté gently for about 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened and the garlic releases its inviting aroma, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the boneless chicken breasts to the pot and season lightly with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and 2 tablespoons of vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cover the pot, and cook for approximately 20 minutes until the chicken is tender and infused with the broth’s flavors. Remove the chicken and shred it once cooled enough to handle.
- Add the Rice and Herbs: Stir 1/2 cup of long-grain rice into the simmering broth and vegetables. Let it cook for about 15 minutes until the rice is tender. While waiting, chop the fresh parsley and dill. Add the herbs to the soup just before serving to retain their bright color and fresh taste.
- Finish with Lemon: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Squeeze in the juice of 2 fresh lemons and adjust the seasoning with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the tartness and savoriness. Stir well and serve warm for a lively and refreshing Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Shred chicken finely to blend evenly throughout the soup.
- Simmer gently to keep chicken tender and prevent overcooking the rice.
- Season gradually and taste often to achieve a perfect balance.
- Add fresh herbs last to keep their vibrant flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Mediterranean lemon chicken soup, lemon chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, easy chicken soup, herb chicken soup, gluten free chicken soup
