Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is a comforting dish that brightens any meal occasion. This Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner, a quick lunch, or a nourishing option on chilly days, this soup delivers deliciousness that warms the heart. Pair it with rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner ready in no time.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of fresh lemon juice and herbs creates a vibrant taste that elevates the dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, pasta, or even on its own as a hearty soup.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with lean chicken and fresh vegetables, this recipe is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Easy Cooking Methods: Make it in an Instant Pot, crock pot, or on the stove for ultimate convenience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Lemon Chicken Soup, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process and enhance your experience in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Instant Pot or crock pot
• Large pot (if cooking on the stove)
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Instant Pot: Cooks the soup quickly while preserving flavors; perfect for busy weeknights.
• Large Pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly on the stove, ensuring all ingredients meld beautifully.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for efficiently chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Soup 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 and Noodles

• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta

For Flavoring

• ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

How to Make Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Vegetables

In your Instant Pot or large pot:
1. Heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add diced carrots, chopped onion, and celery. Sauté until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Seasonings and Chicken

1. Sprinkle in black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, salt, and bay leaves.
2. Place the boneless chicken breasts into the pot.

Step 3: Pour in Broth

1. Carefully add low sodium chicken broth to cover all ingredients.
2. If using an Instant Pot, seal the lid and set to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes; otherwise, simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Cook Orzo Pasta

If using a stovetop method:
1. After simmering the soup for some time, add dry orzo pasta directly into the pot.
2. Cook according to package instructions until tender.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice

Once chicken is cooked through:
1. Remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
2. Return shredded chicken back to the soup.
3. Stir in fresh squeezed lemon juice before serving.

Enjoy your warm bowl of Lemon Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Lemon Chicken Soup is a warm and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in several delightful ways. Whether you’re looking for something hearty to complement the soup or want to keep it light, there are many serving options.

With Rice

• You can serve the soup over a bed of fluffy rice, which absorbs the delicious broth and adds a satisfying texture.

With Pasta

• Adding cooked pasta, such as egg noodles or whole wheat pasta, gives the soup a more filling quality and enhances its heartiness.

With Zucchini Noodles

• For a low-carb option, try zucchini noodles. They add freshness and are perfect for soaking up the rich flavors of the soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Pairing with crusty bread allows you to enjoy dipping into the lemony broth, enhancing the overall eating experience.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Top each bowl with fresh parsley or dill for added flavor and a pop of color.

As a Healthy Lunch Option

• Lemon Chicken Soup can be packed into containers for an easy lunch. Just reheat and enjoy!

How to Perfect Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

To make your Lemon Chicken Soup even more delightful, consider these tips. They will help elevate your dish and ensure it turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed to balance flavors.
• Include More Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.
• Control Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, let it simmer longer or add more orzo pasta.
• Store Properly: Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes reheating easy!
• Garnish Wisely: A squeeze of additional lemon juice just before serving brightens up the flavors beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Lemon Chicken Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options that complement this delicious recipe perfectly.

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for dipping into soup, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the warm broth.

2. Side Salad
   A light mixed greens salad with a simple vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup while adding freshness.

3. Roasted Vegetables
   Roasting seasonal vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and makes for an easy side that pairs wonderfully with lemon flavors.

4. Quinoa Salad
   A chilled quinoa salad loaded with veggies is nutritious and provides a nice contrast to hot soup.

5. Steamed Broccoli
   Simple steamed broccoli offers both health benefits and vibrant color on your plate, making it visually appealing.

6. Cheesy Polenta
   Creamy polenta topped with cheese creates a comforting side dish that complements the flavors of your lemon chicken soup perfectly.

7. Baked Sweet Potatoes
   The sweetness of baked sweet potatoes contrasts well with the lemony broth while adding extra fiber and nutrients.

8. Herbed Couscous
   Fluffy couscous sprinkled with fresh herbs makes for an easy side that soaks up flavors beautifully from the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some mistakes to watch out for when making this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe:

• Bold ingredients selection: Using low-quality or expired ingredients can affect the soup’s flavor. Always check the freshness of your vegetables and chicken before starting.

• Bold cooking time miscalculation: Overcooking or undercooking the chicken can lead to undesirable textures. Ensure you cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink and tender.

• Bold failing to season properly: Neglecting to adjust seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste as you go and don’t hesitate to add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed.

• Bold ignoring broth quality: Using a low-quality broth might not deliver the rich flavor you desire. Opt for a good-quality low sodium chicken broth for the best results.

• Bold skipping the lemon juice: Omitting fresh lemon juice will rob your soup of its signature tang. Always add it right before serving for the best flavor impact.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Lemon Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20 minutes or until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between them until heated through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this delicious Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe:

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with any pasta shape you prefer! Just keep an eye on cooking times.

Is this Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe healthy?

Absolutely! This recipe is packed with lean protein and veggies, making it a wholesome meal option.

How do I enhance the flavor of my soup?

Consider adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme at the end of cooking for extra flavor!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or grains, making it a perfect fit for any taste preference. Give it a try today and enjoy a cozy bowl of warmth!

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

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Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

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• Author: Aileen
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Lemon Chicken Soup is a heartwarming dish that brightens any mealtime. This easy and nutritious recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a refreshing splash of lemon juice, creating a comforting bowl perfect for chilly days. Whether you’re enjoying it for dinner or as a satisfying lunch, this soup is versatile enough to be paired with rice, pasta, or zucchini noodles. With minimal prep time and the option to cook in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. Let this Lemon Chicken Soup warm your soul and invigorate your taste buds.

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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
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried parsley
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup dry orzo pasta
• ½ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced carrots, onion, and celery; sauté until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
2. Season with black pepper, dried parsley, thyme, salt, and bay leaves. Add chicken breasts to the pot.
3. Pour in the chicken broth to cover all ingredients. Simmer on low heat for about 30 minutes or use an Instant Pot on high pressure for 15 minutes.
4. If using the stovetop method, add dry orzo pasta directly into the pot after simmering and cook according to package instructions until tender.
5. Once chicken is cooked through, shred it with two forks and return it to the soup. Stir in fresh lemon juice before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg