There’s something magical about a soup that’s both cozy and vibrant, don’t you think? This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is exactly that—a warm, comforting bowl that still feels light and fresh. It’s my go-to on days when I want something soothing but not heavy.
Creamy without using cream, brightened with lemon, and filled with tender chicken, it’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cooking or just need a quick weeknight dinner, this soup is a must-try!
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Soup
- Zesty and Bright: Fresh lemon juice gives the broth a sunshiney flavor that wakes up your taste buds.
- Creamy Without the Cream: Thanks to a traditional egg-lemon technique, the soup is rich and velvety—without a drop of dairy.
- Quick and Easy: Made in under 30 minutes using pantry staples.
- Customizable: Add orzo, greens, or fresh herbs to make it your own.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this Mediterranean classic to life:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced (~150 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth
- ½ cup (100 g) uncooked rice (or use orzo for a more traditional feel)
- 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached both work well)
- 2 large eggs
- Juice of 2 lemons (~½ cup or 120 ml)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, chopped, for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Large soup pot
- Whisk
- Ladle
- Medium mixing bowl
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
(Shop my favorite cutting board here)
👩🍳 How to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup
1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1–2 more minutes until fragrant.
2. Cook the Rice or Orzo
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Stir in the rice (or orzo), reduce heat, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until tender.
3. Whisk the Egg-Lemon Mixture
While the rice cooks, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy. Slowly add in the lemon juice while whisking constantly.
4. Temper the Eggs
To avoid curdling, gradually whisk 1–2 ladles of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture. Then slowly pour the tempered mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously.
5. Add the Chicken & Warm Through
Stir in the shredded chicken and heat through for about 5 minutes. Do not boil—this can cause the egg mixture to separate.
6. Garnish and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls, top with fresh dill, and serve with lemon wedges.
💡 Tips for the Best Lemon Chicken Soup
- Take Your Time Tempering: The key to that luxurious texture is a slow and steady tempering process.
- Add Greens: Spinach, kale, or chard make great add-ins for color and nutrition.
- Control the Citrus: Start with juice from one lemon and taste before adding more if you’re unsure about tanginess.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Crusty bread or warm pita
- A classic Greek salad with feta and olives
- Roasted zucchini, eggplant, or other Mediterranean veggies
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve that silky texture.
- Not Freezer-Friendly: The egg-lemon base doesn’t freeze well—it can separate when reheated.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other grains like quinoa or farro?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I freeze it?
Unfortunately, no. The egg-lemon emulsion doesn’t hold up well when frozen.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes—if you use rice or certified gluten-free pasta.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup is like a bright, tangy hug in a bowl. It’s comforting, elegant, and comes together fast—perfect for both weeknights and weekends.
If you make it, I’d love to see! Snap a photo and tag me on Pinterest or Instagram. 💛
Nutrition Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~220
- Protein: ~18g
- Carbs: ~20g
- Fat: ~8g
More Mediterranean Recipes You’ll Love:
- [Easy Greek Salad]
- [Spinach and Feta Pie]
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you.