Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup
This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl bursting with bright lemon flavor and tender chicken. Combining wholesome ingredients like shredded chicken, rice, and fresh dill in a silky lemon-egg broth, it offers a vibrant, nourishing meal perfect for any day you crave warmth with a refreshing twist.
- Author: Isla
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering and Tempering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced (~150 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup (100 g) uncooked rice (or substitute orzo pasta for a traditional variation)
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breast recommended)
Egg-Lemon Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- Juice of 2 lemons (about ½ cup or 120 ml)
Seasoning & Garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Cook the Rice (or Orzo): Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the rice is tender.
- Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture: While the rice cooks, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy. Gradually add the lemon juice, whisking constantly to combine thoroughly.
- Temper the Egg-Lemon Mixture: To prevent curdling, slowly ladle 1-2 cups of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while whisking continuously. Once tempered, slowly pour this mixture back into the soup pot while stirring steadily.
- Add Chicken and Season: Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. Do not boil the soup after adding the egg mixture to maintain its creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh chopped dill, and serve alongside lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.
Notes
- Tempering the egg-lemon mixture is crucial to avoid curdled eggs and ensure a smooth, creamy soup.
- Substituting orzo for rice provides a more traditional Mediterranean texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach your own chicken breasts for a fresher taste.
- Do not boil the soup after adding the egg mixture to maintain the silky consistency.
- Fresh dill adds a fragrant and authentic Mediterranean flavor as a garnish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups or 360 ml)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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