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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

5.1 from 18 reviews

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of sunshine featuring tender shredded chicken, rice, and a tangy lemon-egg broth, garnished with fresh dill and served with lemon wedges. This classic, savory soup is easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal that brings the bright flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced (about 150 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) uncooked rice (or substitute with orzo pasta)
  • 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breast)
  • 2 large eggs
  • Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/2 cup or 120 ml)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish and Serving

  • Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
  • Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Heat the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Add garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Cook the rice in broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add rice and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the rice is tender.
  3. Whisk eggs and lemon juice: While the rice cooks, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy. Slowly add lemon juice while whisking constantly to combine thoroughly.
  4. Temper the egg mixture: Ladle 1 to 2 cups of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture slowly, whisking continuously to raise the temperature without scrambling. Once tempered, gradually pour the mixture back into the pot, stirring as you go to blend evenly.
  5. Add chicken and heat through: Stir in shredded chicken and let it heat through for about 5 minutes. Avoid boiling the soup after adding the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
  6. Season and serve: Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls, garnish with chopped fresh dill, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

  • Take your time while tempering the eggs to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth broth.
  • Add fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking to boost nutrition and add color.
  • Use orzo pasta instead of rice for a more traditional Greek version of the soup.
  • For extra lemon flavor, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the soup just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean lemon chicken soup, lemon chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, comforting soup recipe, lemon and egg soup, easy chicken soup, Greek lemon soup