There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of Greek lemon chicken soup that just wraps you up in comfort and zest. This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want to cozy up on a chilly evening. I remember the first time I made this soup; the aroma of garlic and chicken wafting through my kitchen brought back so many memories of family dinners. It’s amazing how a simple bowl can transport you back to those moments, don’t you think? The bright lemon flavor cuts through the richness, and the tender chicken paired with orzo pasta makes each spoonful a comforting delight. Trust me, once you try this Greek lemon chicken soup, you’ll want to keep it in your regular rotation!
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this comforting and zesty delight:
- 1 lb chicken breast (boneless and skinless)
- 6 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought for convenience)
- 1 cup orzo pasta (cooked until al dente)
- 2 carrots, diced (adds a lovely sweetness)
- 1 onion, chopped (for that aromatic base)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced (the more, the merrier!)
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (adjust to your taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (or fresh if you have it on hand)
- Salt to taste (a pinch can go a long way)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (for that pop of color)
How to Prepare Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Now, let’s get cooking this comforting and zesty delight! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm bowl of happiness in no time.
- Start by grabbing a large pot and pouring in the chicken broth. Add in the diced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Bring this beautiful mixture to a boil over medium heat. The aroma is going to be heavenly!
- Once boiling, gently add the chicken breasts. Let them cook for about 20 minutes until they’re fully cooked through and tender.
- Carefully remove the chicken from the pot, and let it cool for a minute before shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Set the shredded chicken aside for later.
- Now, it’s time to add the orzo pasta to the pot. Cook it according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. You’ll want it to be perfectly al dente!
- After the orzo is cooked, stir in the shredded chicken along with the fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let this simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This is where all the flavors really meld together!
- Finally, remove the pot from heat and garnish your soup with fresh parsley before serving. This simple touch makes it all the more inviting!
And there you have it! Your Greek lemon chicken soup is ready to warm your heart and soul.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and oh-so-satisfying!
- The zesty lemon flavor brightens your taste buds and lifts your spirits.
- Super easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Packed with healthy ingredients like chicken and fresh veggies, it’s guilt-free indulgence.
- One pot means less mess and easy cleanup—who doesn’t love that?
- It’s versatile; perfect as a light meal or paired with crusty bread for a filling feast!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips to ensure your Greek lemon chicken soup turns out perfectly every time!
- Adjust the Lemon Juice: If you love a zesty kick, don’t hesitate to add a bit more lemon juice, but taste as you go!
- Cook the Orzo Separately: For a thicker soup, cook the orzo separately and add it just before serving to prevent it from getting mushy.
- Garnish Generously: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only looks beautiful but adds a fresh flavor burst!
- Pair it Right: Serve with a slice of warm crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Stir in Spinach: For extra nutrients, toss in a handful of fresh spinach just before serving—it wilts beautifully!
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this comforting Greek lemon chicken soup is estimated to contain around 320 calories, with 7g of fat and 25g of protein. You’ll also get about 40g of carbohydrates, making it a wholesome choice for a light meal. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions about my beloved Greek lemon chicken soup, along with my answers to help you out!
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! You can use turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
What if I don’t have orzo pasta?
No worries at all! You can swap it out for rice, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time!
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop!
Can I freeze Greek lemon chicken soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for up to 3 months.
What can I serve with this soup?
I love pairing it with a simple green salad or crusty bread for dipping. It makes for a delightful and satisfying meal!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your comforting Greek lemon chicken soup fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If you find it’s thickened up a bit, don’t hesitate to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delicious as when you first made it!
Call to Action
I’d love to hear what you think of this comforting Greek lemon chicken soup! After you’ve tried the recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it turned out for you. If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to rate the recipe. Happy cooking!
For more delicious soup recipes, check out Classic Chicken Noodle Soup or Creamy Tomato Basil Soup. You can also learn about the health benefits of chicken soup here.
Imprimer
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: 5 Steps to Comforting Joy
- Temps Total: 45 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Faible En Gras
Description
Greek lemon chicken soup is a comforting and zesty delight, perfect for any occasion.
Ingrédients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, diced carrots, chopped onion, and minced garlic.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken breasts and cook until fully cooked, about 20 minutes.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.
- Add orzo pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in shredded chicken, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust lemon juice based on your taste preference.
- Serve hot for best flavor.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 30 minutes
- Catégorie: Soup
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sucre: 2g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 7g
- Graisses Saturées: 2g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 40g
- La fibre: 2g
- La protéine: 25g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: Greek lemon chicken soup, comforting soup, chicken soup, lemon soup
