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Lemon Chicken Soup

Lemon Chicken Soup for a Cozy Weeknight Delight

A comforting Lemon Chicken Soup bursting with fresh flavors, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Soups
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil or melted butter if desired.
  • 2 cups Diced Carrots Fresh or frozen can be used.
  • 1 cup Finely Chopped Onion Enhances the soup's aroma and flavor.
  • ½ cup Finely Chopped Celery Adds crunch and depth of flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Minced Garlic About 3 cloves, fresh garlic recommended.
  • ½ teaspoon Black Pepper For seasoning; can be adjusted for taste.
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Parsley Substitute with fresh parsley or other dried herbs.
  • ¼ teaspoon Dried Thyme Substitutable with rosemary or basil.
  • ¼ teaspoon Salt Essential for enhancing overall flavor; adjust to taste.
  • 2 pieces Bay Leaves Infuses flavor into the broth; remove before serving.
For the Chicken
  • 1.5 pounds Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Thighs can be used for a richer flavor.
  • 6 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth Any broth can work, including vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
For the Pasta
  • 1 cup Dry Orzo Pasta Substitutable with gluten-free pasta or other grains like quinoa or rice.
For the Finishing Touch
  • ½ cup Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice Crucial for the lemony taste; adjust to desired acidity.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Stovetop
  • Crockpot
  • Instant Pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 cups of diced carrots, 1 cup of finely chopped onion, ½ cup of finely chopped celery, and 1 tablespoon of minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and fragrant.
  2. Stir in ½ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of dried parsley, ¼ teaspoon of dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and add 2 bay leaves. Add 1.5 pounds of chicken breasts and 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring to a boil for about 10 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken, place it on a plate, and shred it after cooling slightly.
  4. Add 1 cup of dry orzo pasta to the soup. Cook for 5-7 minutes until tender but not overly soft.
  5. Add shredded chicken back into the pot, add ½ cup of lemon juice, and stir to combine.
  6. For crockpot, sauté the vegetables, transfer them, add all other ingredients, and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. Add cooked pasta and lemon juice before serving.
  7. For instant pot, sauté vegetables, add all ingredients, seal the lid, and cook for 12 minutes. Quick release, shred chicken, and stir in lemon juice and pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 24gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 1.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 550mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

Use fresh ingredients for best flavor. Adjust lemon juice according to taste and store leftovers properly for freshness.

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