Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces (or bone-in for richer broth)
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, or extra broth)
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1/2 cup orzo pasta (or small pasta, rice, quinoa)
Juice of 2 large lemons (about 1/4 – 1/3 cup)
Zest of 1 large lemon
1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, salt, and pepper. Sear chicken until golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pot. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 3: Deglaze the pot with white wine (if using), scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Return the seared chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth, add the bay leaf and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Discard the bay leaf. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer. Add the orzo pasta and cook according to package directions (typically 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
Step 5: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 6: Stir in the fresh chopped dill and parsley. Ladle the hot Mediterranean lemon chicken soup into bowls and serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh herbs or a lemon slice if desired.
Notes
For an extra layer of flavor, roast your chicken bones before making broth. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can create an avgolemono (egg-lemon sauce) by whisking 1-2 egg yolks with a ladleful of hot broth, then slowly incorporating it back into the pot off the heat before adding the lemon juice. Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Healthy Dinner
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken soup, lemon chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, Greek lemon chicken soup, orzo soup, chicken and lemon, light dinner

