Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is a delightful and tangy dish that brings comfort and warmth to any meal. This Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Made with fresh ingredients, it’s a healthy choice that can be enjoyed with rice, pasta, or even zucchini noodles. The bright lemon flavor combined with tender chicken makes it a standout soup that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal prep time and can be made in under an hour.
• Flavorful and Healthy: Packed with vegetables and lean chicken, this soup is both nutritious and delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with your favorite sides like rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles for a hearty meal.
• Comforting Bowl of Goodness: Perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a cozy pick-me-up.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Easily make ahead for lunches throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is simple with the right tools. Having the necessary equipment ensures everything runs smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker
• Large pot (for stovetop method)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot or Slow Cooker: These tools allow for hands-off cooking, making it easier to prepare meals without constant attention.
• Large pot: Essential for cooking a large batch of soup evenly on the stove.
• Cutting board & Sharp knife: These are crucial for efficiently chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves

For the Protein

• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Broth

• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth

For the Pasta

• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

For Flavoring

• ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

How to Make Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the carrots, chop the onion and celery, and mince the garlic.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

In your Instant Pot or large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, chopped onion, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Add Spices and Chicken

Stir in the black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, salt, and bay leaves. Add the chicken breasts to the pot along with the low sodium chicken broth.

Step 4: Cook

If using an Instant Pot, seal it and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. If using a slow cooker, set it on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. For stovetop cooking, bring to a boil then reduce heat to simmer for about 30 minutes.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Once cooked, remove chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return shredded chicken back into the soup.

Step 6: Add Orzo and Lemon Juice

Stir in the dry orzo pasta and let it cook according to package instructions (usually around 8–10 minutes). Finally, mix in fresh squeezed lemon juice before serving.

This Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is ready to warm your heart! Enjoy every spoonful of this comforting dish.

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Serving Lemon Chicken Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. The bright flavors of lemon and chicken pair wonderfully with various accompaniments, making it a versatile dish for any occasion.

With Rice

• White or Brown Rice: Serve the soup over a bed of fluffy rice to absorb the delicious broth and enhance the meal’s heartiness.

With Pasta

• Orzo or Shell Pasta: Add cooked orzo or small shell pasta directly into the soup for a comforting, filling option that complements the flavors beautifully.

With Zucchini Noodles

• Zoodles: For a low-carb alternative, spiralize zucchini to create zoodles. They add a fresh crunch while soaking up the citrusy broth.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley or Cilantro: Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs on top before serving for an aromatic finish and added flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the flavorful broth perfectly.

How to Perfect Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

To achieve the best version of this Lemon Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the taste and nutritional value of your soup.
• Adjust Lemon Juice: Start with less lemon juice and gradually add more to suit your taste preferences; it helps balance acidity.
• Cook Chicken Separately: For added flavor, consider sautéing chicken in olive oil before adding it to the soup.
• Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps develop deeper flavors without overcooking the ingredients.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheating gently maintains its flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Complementing your Lemon Chicken Soup with side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread spread with garlic butter offers a crunchy texture that pairs well with warm soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans lightly steamed brings color and nutrients alongside your hearty bowl.
4. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes makes for a nutritious side that complements lemon flavors.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, and herbs provide a filling yet healthy accompaniment.
6. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs add a satisfying crunch, perfect for dipping in broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Lemon Chicken Soup, there are common mistakes that can affect the taste and quality of your dish. Here are some to watch out for:

• Using low-quality broth: A poor-quality broth can lead to a bland soup. Always choose a low-sodium chicken broth or make your own for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Cook just until it’s no longer pink in the center, then remove it from the pot to maintain its juiciness.
• Not balancing lemon juice: Too much lemon juice can overpower the soup. Start with a smaller amount and adjust to your taste for a balanced flavor.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly. Don’t skip them; opt for fresh parsley or thyme if available.
• Neglecting preparation time: Rushing through prep can lead to unevenly chopped ingredients. Take your time to dice everything evenly for consistent cooking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• • Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.

Freezing Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

• • Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
• • Containers: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Lemon Chicken Soup:

How can I make my Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe healthier?

You can reduce sodium by using homemade broth and adding more vegetables like spinach or kale.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this recipe?

Yes! Turkey works well as a substitute and adds a different flavor profile while maintaining moisture.

What should I serve with Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe?

This soup pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal.

Can I customize my Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables like spinach, peas, or even quinoa for added nutrition and texture.

Final Thoughts

The Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various veggies or grains based on your preference. This healthy dish is perfect for dinner any night of the week—give it a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: Serves approximately six people 1x

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Description

Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is a refreshing and nourishing dish that effortlessly combines tangy flavors with hearty ingredients, making it perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep. This delightful soup features tender chicken simmered in a fragrant broth, enhanced with vibrant vegetables and zesty lemon juice. Its versatility allows you to enjoy it with rice, pasta, or even zucchini noodles, catering to various dietary preferences. With its straightforward preparation and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is your go-to choice for a comforting bowl of goodness that the whole family will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups diced carrots
• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• ½ cup finely chopped celery
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (about 3 cloves)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Gather and prepare all ingredients by dicing vegetables and mincing garlic.
2. Heat olive oil in an Instant Pot or large pot over medium heat. Sauté carrots, onion, celery, and garlic until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in spices and add chicken breasts along with the chicken broth.
4. If using an Instant Pot, seal and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes; for slow cooker use low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours; stovetop method requires bringing to a boil then simmering for about 30 minutes.
5. Remove cooked chicken, shred it using two forks, and return to the pot.
6. Stir in dry orzo pasta and cook according to package instructions (8–10 minutes). Mix in fresh lemon juice before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop/Instant Pot/Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 85mg