Mediterranean Marry Me Chicken Soup
Mediterranean Marry Me Chicken Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that lives up to its romantic name. Tender chicken simmers with aromatic vegetables, fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of Mediterranean flair, creating a broth that is both nourishing and vibrant. Creamy, yet light, this soup is designed to impress with its balance of flavors: tangy sun-dried tomatoes, earthy garlic, and bright lemon come together with tender chicken and fresh herbs to create a dish that’s wholesome and satisfying. Perfect for a cozy weeknight, dinner party starter, or meal prep, this soup embodies the Mediterranean philosophy of simple, fresh ingredients with maximum flavor.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Serves: 4 to 6
Ingredients
For the Soup
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 medium carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup cooked orzo or small pasta, optional
Juice of 1 lemon
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Optional Garnish
Grated Parmesan cheese
Extra fresh herbs
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, celery, and bell pepper. Sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables are softened and aromatic.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
If using orzo or small pasta, stir it into the soup and cook for an additional 6 to 8 minutes until tender.
Stir in lemon juice, fresh parsley, and basil. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Let the soup sit for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnished with grated Parmesan and extra fresh herbs.
For extra richness, drizzle a teaspoon of olive oil over each serving.
Enjoy with crusty bread or a fresh Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.
Tips
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness.
Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil provide more flavor than dry ones.
Sauté vegetables until slightly caramelized for deeper flavor.
Shred chicken while still warm for easier handling.
Add pasta at the end to avoid overcooking.
Lemon juice brightens the soup—adjust to taste.
Fresh herbs added at the end preserve their aroma and color.
Use low-sodium broth to control seasoning.
Taste the soup before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for extra richness.
Variations
Add zucchini or spinach for extra vegetables.
Use a combination of chicken and shrimp for surf-and-turf flair.
Swap orzo for quinoa or brown rice for a gluten-free option.
Add roasted red peppers for smoky sweetness.
Stir in a tablespoon of pesto for a fresh herb punch.
Use smoked chicken for a deeper flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for mild heat.
Top with crumbled feta for a tangy Mediterranean twist.
Make it creamy by stirring in ½ cup Greek yogurt at the end.
Serve in bread bowls for a fun presentation.
Q&A
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to three months.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.
Is this soup gluten free?
Omit or replace the pasta with a gluten-free option.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of sun-dried?
Yes, but sun-dried tomatoes provide more concentrated flavor.
How do I keep the herbs bright?
Add fresh herbs just before serving.
Can I make it spicy?
Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper while sautéing.
Is this soup healthy?
Yes, it’s packed with lean protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.
Can I use chicken broth concentrate or bouillon?
Yes, adjust salt accordingly.
Can I serve this cold?
It’s best served hot, but chilled versions work like a Mediterranean-style gazpacho variation.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 310
Protein: 34g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 5g
Conclusion
Mediterranean Marry Me Chicken Soup is a versatile, nourishing, and flavorful option for any meal. Tender chicken, roasted vegetables, aromatic herbs, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes create a comforting bowl that’s light yet satisfying. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a recipe that works for weeknight dinners, entertaining, or meal prep. Each spoonful is a reminder of the Mediterranean balance of freshness, flavor, and nourishment, making it a soup that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.