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.
- Author: Kaeli
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, healing soup, comforting soup, gluten free soup, easy chicken soup