Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup 

Bright, comforting, and full of Mediterranean flavor, this lemon chicken soup is silky, nourishing, and perfect for cooler days. The combination of tender chicken, orzo (or rice), herbs, and a creamy lemon-egg mixture gives the broth a luxurious texture without adding cream.

Ingredients

For the Soup

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp ground turmeric (optional — for color & depth)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup orzo or rice
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

For the Lemon-Egg Mixture

  • 2 large eggs
  • Juice of 2 lemons, freshly squeezed

For Serving

  • Fresh dill, chopped
  • Lemon wedges

Directions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics
    Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and celery, cooking for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and turmeric, and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Simmer the Soup
    Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the orzo (or rice) and cook according to package time, usually 8–12 minutes, until tender. Stir in the shredded chicken and reduce the heat to low. Season with salt and black pepper.
  3. Prepare the Lemon-Egg Mixture
    In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Slowly whisk in the fresh lemon juice. To temper the mixture, ladle in 1–2 cups of the hot soup broth very slowly, whisking constantly so the eggs don’t scramble.
  4. Thicken the Soup
    Pour the tempered lemon-egg mixture back into the pot. Keep the heat low and stir gently for 2–3 minutes until the soup becomes silky and slightly thickened. Do not let it boil.
  5. Finish & Serve
    Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh dill. Serve with extra lemon wedges for brightness.

Tips

  • For extra creaminess, whisk the eggs very well before tempering.
  • If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water.
  • Leftovers reheat best over low heat.

This Mediterranean lemon chicken soup is refreshing yet comforting—perfect for weeknights or when you need a cozy, nourishing bowl. Enjoy!

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