soups stews greek

Lemon Chicken Soup with Herbs

Name: Lemon Chicken Soup with Herbs
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: greek
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on (or 1 lb boneless)); 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil; 1 medium Yellow onion (diced); 2 medium Carrots (diced); 2 stalks Celery (diced); 4 cloves Garlic (minced); 8 cups Chicken broth; 4 tbsp Lemon juice (about 2 lemons); 2 tsp Lemon zest; 0.5 cup Fresh dill (chopped); 0.5 cup Fresh parsley (chopped); 0.75 cup Orzo pasta (optional); 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black pepper

Light, bright chicken soup with generous lemon and fresh herbs. Comforting without being heavy—Greek avgolemono meets fresh.

gluten free dairy free

More Recipes

Prep 15 min

Cook 35 min

Total 50 min

Servings 6

Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden, about 4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Add onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook 6-8 minutes until softened.
Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add broth, salt, and pepper. Return chicken to pot. Bring to a simmer.
Cook 20 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and shred meat, discarding skin and bones.
If using orzo, add to broth and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
Return shredded chicken to pot. Add lemon juice and zest.

Tip: Add lemon off-heat or at low simmer to preserve brightness.
Stir in dill and parsley. Taste and adjust salt and lemon.
Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Storage & Meal Prep

Keeps for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The lemon flavor mellows over time—add a fresh squeeze when reheating. Freezes well for up to 2 months without the lemon-egg finish.

Variations

Avgolemono-Style: Whisk 2 eggs with lemon juice and temper with hot broth for a classic Greek egg-lemon finish.
Lemon Chicken Soup with Rice: Add 1/2 cup rice instead of orzo for a heartier, gluten-free-friendly version.
Lemon Chicken Soup with Dill: Replace parsley with fresh dill for a more distinctly Greek flavor profile.

FAQ

What makes Mediterranean chicken soup different?

Mediterranean chicken soup relies on lemon, olive oil, and fresh herbs rather than heavy cream or root vegetables. The result is brighter, lighter, and more aromatic.

Can you freeze lemon chicken soup?

Yes, but freeze without the lemon juice and add it fresh when reheating. Lemon can become bitter when frozen. The chicken and broth base freezes well for up to 2 months.

What herbs go in Mediterranean chicken soup?

Parsley and dill are the most traditional. Fresh oregano and thyme also work well. Add herbs at the end of cooking to preserve their brightness.

The Story Behind This Dish

This soup splits the difference between traditional Greek avgolemono (which uses eggs to thicken) and a simple brothy chicken soup.

The result is something bright and herbaceous that feels light but remains satisfying. The lemon is the star—don’t be shy with it.