Mediterranean Chicken Soup
Mediterranean Chicken Soup is a hearty and healthy dish combining tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs in a comforting broth. This nourishing soup is perfect for any day you crave a wholesome, satisfying meal that warms the body and soul.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- Chicken thighs or breasts, skinless (about 1.5 pounds)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
Liquids & Base
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Prepare your ingredients: Finely chop onions, garlic, celery, and carrots. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces or keep whole thighs for shredding later. Gather fresh herbs and measure broth and tomatoes.
- Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions, garlic, celery, and carrots, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, creating a flavorful base.
- Brown the chicken: Add chicken pieces to the pot and brown lightly on all sides to seal in juices and add caramelized flavor.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, and add fresh parsley, oregano, and thyme. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Simmer to blend flavors: Reduce heat and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add finishing touches: Stir in fresh lemon juice and optional greens like spinach or kale. Adjust seasoning to taste and remove herb stems for a smooth texture before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs to elevate the soup’s flavor beyond dried alternatives.
- Take time to brown the chicken well to add depth to the broth.
- Simmer the soup gently to blend flavors without toughening the chicken.
- Add lemon juice at the end to preserve its bright, fresh aroma.
- Homemade or quality store-bought chicken broth enhances richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, comfort soup, gluten free soup, easy chicken soup, hearty soup