© Original Recipe By Whisk & Wander ©
Authentic Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Cozy & Bright 🍋🍗🌿
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for a comforting bowl of Greek lemon chicken soup, you’ve come to the right place. This Greek soup recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant lemon, and aromatic herbs into a cozy and bright dish that elevates your everyday meal. Whether you’re familiar with classics like creamy pasta or exploring new flavors, this lemon chicken soup is a perfect choice for sunnier days or when you want a warm, nourishing experience. Read on for step-by-step instructions, recommended kitchen tools, and serving ideas to make this dish a staple in your recipe collection.
2. Ingredients Needed for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo or rice (optional)
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Preparation of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken in boiling water or broth until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. This process ensures tender, flavorful chicken that enriches your Greek chicken soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in dried oregano or thyme to infuse the broth with classic Greek flavors.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Chicken
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken and optional orzo or rice if using. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon
Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, adjusting to taste. This step gives the lemon chicken soup its signature bright and cozy flavor. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor, and add extra zest for a more citrusy punch.
- Shred cooked chicken finely for a more soup-like texture or dice it for chunkier bites.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, consider stirring in a splash of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil at the end.
- To make this dish more filling, add cooked rice, oramp, or vegetables like spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking.
5. How to Store and Reheat Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup thickens upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
6. Serving Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Soup
This Greek soup recipe shines with fresh, crusty bread or warm pita alongside. Garnish each bowl with chopped parsley or dill for added freshness. For a more hearty meal, serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
If you’re hosting a dinner, consider pairing this Greek lemon chicken soup with some of your favorite appetizers or dips, like hummus or tzatziki, for a full Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
7. Common Questions About Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Can I substitute the chicken with a plant-based alternative?
Absolutely! You can use cooked chickpeas or plant-based chicken substitutes to make this dish vegan-friendly while still enjoying the bright, flavorful profile.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire process from start to finish takes approximately 40-45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for make-ahead meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
What are some variations I can try?
Add fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra greens, or incorporate cooked orzo for a heartier Greek soup recipe. For more Mediterranean flavors, sprinkle with crumbled feta before serving.
8. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for quickly roasting or reheating leftovers with ease, ensuring your Greek chicken soup stays warm and delicious.
- creamy pasta or exploring new flavors, this lemon chicken soup is a perfect choice for sunnier days or when you want a warm, nourishing experience. Read on for step-by-step instructions, recommended kitchen tools, and serving ideas to make this dish a staple in your recipe collection.
2. Ingredients Needed for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo or rice (optional)
- Juice of 2 large lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
3. Step-by-Step Preparation of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cooking the chicken in boiling water or broth until fully cooked. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. This process ensures tender, flavorful chicken that enriches your Greek chicken soup.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add sliced carrots and celery to the pot, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. Stir in dried oregano or thyme to infuse the broth with classic Greek flavors.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Chicken
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the shredded chicken and optional orzo or rice if using. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon
Stir in fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, adjusting to taste. This step gives the lemon chicken soup its signature bright and cozy flavor. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor, and add extra zest for a more citrusy punch.
- Shred cooked chicken finely for a more soup-like texture or dice it for chunkier bites.
- If you prefer a creamier soup, consider stirring in a splash of Greek yogurt or a drizzle of olive oil at the end.
- To make this dish more filling, add cooked rice, oramp, or vegetables like spinach or kale in the final minutes of cooking.
5. How to Store and Reheat Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup thickens upon reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
6. Serving Suggestions for Lemon Chicken Soup
This Greek soup recipe shines with fresh, crusty bread or warm pita alongside. Garnish each bowl with chopped parsley or dill for added freshness. For a more hearty meal, serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
If you’re hosting a dinner, consider pairing this Greek lemon chicken soup with some of your favorite appetizers or dips, like hummus or tzatziki, for a full Mediterranean-inspired dining experience.
7. Common Questions About Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Can I substitute the chicken with a plant-based alternative?
Absolutely! You can use cooked chickpeas or plant-based chicken substitutes to make this dish vegan-friendly while still enjoying the bright, flavorful profile.
How long does it take to prepare this soup?
The entire process from start to finish takes approximately 40-45 minutes, including prep and cooking time.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for make-ahead meal prep. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve. The flavors often improve after sitting overnight.
What are some variations I can try?
Add fresh spinach or kale towards the end of cooking for extra greens, or incorporate cooked orzo for a heartier Greek soup recipe. For more Mediterranean flavors, sprinkle with crumbled feta before serving.
8. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer: Perfect for quickly roasting or reheating leftovers with ease, ensuring your Greek chicken soup stays warm and delicious.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set: This versatile cookware set helps you easily prepare every step of this soup recipe, from sautéing to simmering, with nonstick convenience.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo: Use it for roasting your chicken or grilling vegetables to add extra flavor to your meal.
9. Conclusion
This authentic Greek lemon chicken soup is a delightful way to bring bright, fresh flavors into your home cooking. Its combination of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and nourishing vegetables makes it a perfect comfort food for any season. With simple steps and versatile ingredients, you can easily customize this Greek soup recipe to suit your taste. Whether served as a starter or a main course, your family and guests will love the cozy yet vibrant profile of this dish. Try making it today and experience the magic of traditional Greek cuisine right in your own kitchen!
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Authentic Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Cozy & Bright
A hearty, comforting Greek lemon chicken soup made with shredded chicken, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon broth.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup orzo or rice
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 large eggs
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add shredded chicken and orzo, reduce heat, and simmer until orzo is cooked.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Slowly temper the egg mixture into the hot soup, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Season with salt and pepper, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best flavor.
- For a creamier texture, add a splash of Greek yogurt just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg