Mediterranean Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and fragrant herbs. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy meal that feels both wholesome and bright.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas or ½ cup orzo
• Pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa (for spicy twist)
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (added near end)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke (for smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop onions, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince garlic, and finely chop fresh herbs. Cut chicken into pieces for even cooking and flavor distribution.
2. Step 2: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery and cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and sauté for an additional minute without letting it burn.
3. Step 3: Add chicken pieces to the pot and sear lightly on all sides until opaque but not fully cooked, to lock in moisture and flavor.
4. Step 4: Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well and bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
5. Step 5: Let the soup simmer for 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors and cook the chicken through. Season with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and oregano. Add chickpeas or orzo during the last 10 minutes depending on your choice, to avoid mushiness.
6. Step 6: Near the end, stir in fresh spinach or kale and a pinch of red pepper flakes or harissa for a spicy note if desired. Add smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a smoky flavor.
7. Step 7: Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley to add brightness and fresh color.

Tips & Variations

• For a heartier soup, swap orzo for cooked rice or small pasta shapes.
• Add a splash of white wine after sautéing vegetables for extra depth.
• Use bone-in chicken pieces for richer flavor, adjusting cooking time accordingly.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months; reheat gently on the stove to preserve texture.

Storage

Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling leftovers to keep the chicken tender and vegetables intact. This soup also freezes well for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this soup?

Yes, but thaw the chicken completely before cooking to ensure even cooking and to avoid overcooking the exterior while the interior remains cold.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Increase the amount of chickpeas or add other beans and vegetables to maintain protein and heartiness.

Mediterranean Chicken Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 112 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Soup is a hearty and flavorful meal featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, fragrant herbs, and a hint of lemon. Perfectly balanced with a touch of smokiness and spice, this comforting soup is designed to warm you up while keeping the flavors vibrant and fresh.

• Author: Ruby
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Vegetables

• 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into pieces
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach or kale (added near end)

Liquids and Pantry Items

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup cooked chickpeas or ½ cup orzo

Herbs, Seasonings, and Oils

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh oregano, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried oregano)
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of harissa (for spicy twist)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke (for smoky flavor)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the onion, carrots, and celery into small, even pieces. Mince the garlic and finely chop the fresh herbs. Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
2. Sauté the Base: In a large pot over medium heat, warm the extra virgin olive oil. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery, cooking them until they become softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, taking care not to burn the garlic.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pot and sear until they turn opaque on all sides but are not fully cooked through. This technique helps seal in moisture and intensify flavor.
4. Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir well to combine the ingredients, then bring the soup to a gentle boil.
5. Simmer and Season: Reduce the heat to a simmer and allow the soup to cook for 15 to 20 minutes to meld flavors and fully cook the chicken. Season the soup with salt, pepper, fresh thyme, and oregano. If adding orzo or chickpeas, incorporate them during the final 10 minutes of simmering to avoid overcooking or mushiness.
6. Finish with Lemon and Fresh Parsley: Just before serving, stir in fresh lemon juice and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the soup. This final touch brightens the flavor and adds a fresh, vibrant aroma.
7. Add Greens: Add fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking just until wilted, enhancing nutrition and texture.

Notes

• Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful soup or chicken breasts for a leaner option.
• Adjust red pepper flakes or harissa according to your preferred spice level.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, use chickpeas instead of orzo.
• For a smoky depth, smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke adds excellent flavor.
• Fresh herbs improve taste but dried herbs can be substituted if necessary.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, chicken vegetable soup, easy stovetop soup, hearty chicken soup, lemon chicken soup, herbed chicken soup