Description
Comforting Mediterranean-style Lemon Chicken Soup radiates fresh flavors that dance with zesty herbs and tender vegetables. Warmth and brightness combine in this nourishing dish that welcomes spring’s gentle embrace while satisfying hunger with elegant simplicity.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 6 cups (1.4 liters) chicken broth (low-sodium)
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and heat olive oil over medium temperature for 2-3 minutes until shimmering.
- Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes, then incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds.
- Introduce diced carrots, celery, and potatoes into the pot, stirring consistently and allowing vegetables to soften for 5-6 minutes.
- Incorporate shredded chicken and pour chicken broth into the pot, raising heat to achieve a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer.
- After 10 minutes of simmering, blend green peas, lemon zest, lemon juice, and grated ginger into the mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper, maintaining a low simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach tender consistency.
- Verify seasoning and flavor profile, making necessary adjustments to taste.
- Remove from heat and fold in fresh chopped parsley for vibrant herbal notes.
- Ladle soup into serving bowls, garnishing with optional lemon slices and extra parsley for visual appeal and enhanced flavor complexity.
Notes
- Boost chicken tenderness by letting the chicken simmer slowly, which helps break down proteins and retain moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Swap proteins easily by replacing chicken with tofu, white fish, or shredded rotisserie chicken for quick meal variations.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or kale to increase fiber and vitamin content without changing the soup’s core flavor profile.
- Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and adjusting salt gradually, allowing individual diners to season according to their preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 215
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg