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Mediterranean Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Chicken Soup

Mediterranean Chicken Soup is a hearty and healing comfort food brimming with fresh vegetables, fragrant Mediterranean herbs, and tender chicken. This easy-to-make soup nourishes the body and soothes the soul with its nutrient-rich, vibrant flavors—perfect for a wholesome meal any day of the year.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 carrots, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes

Liquids

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/3 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp fresh oregano, chopped (or 1/3 tsp dried)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Additions

  • 1 cup chickpeas (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
  • 1 cup orzo pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Dice the tomatoes and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Gather fresh herbs and measure out the broth to have everything ready before cooking.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook them until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes, forming a flavorful base for the soup.
  3. Cook the Vegetables and Chicken: Add the chopped carrots, celery, and chicken pieces to the pot. Lightly brown the chicken and allow the vegetables to soften slightly, blending the flavors.
  4. Add Liquids and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle in the thyme and oregano. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
  5. Final Touches: Season the soup with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If using, stir in chickpeas or orzo and cook until tender. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

  • Use fresh herbs whenever possible to maximize flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Homemade chicken broth imparts the best richness; use quality store-bought if needed.
  • Add salt and lemon juice gradually at the end to balance the flavors perfectly.
  • Let the soup rest before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, healing soup, comforting soup, gluten free soup, easy chicken soup