Mediterranean Diet Lemon Chicken Soup
Warm, comforting, and bursting with bright flavors, Mediterranean Diet Lemon Chicken Soup is the perfect balance of hearty and healthy. Featuring tender bites of chicken breast simmered with vibrant vegetables like carrots, celery, and baby spinach, this soup is elevated with the zesty essence of fresh lemon juice and zest. A fragrant medley of dried oregano, thyme, and garlic infuses every spoonful with Mediterranean-inspired goodness. Cooked in heart-healthy olive oil and finished with fresh parsley for a burst of color, this light yet satisfying dish is ideal for anyone craving a nourishing meal. Ready in just under an hour and serving six, this protein-packed, veggie-rich soup is a must-try for those embracing the Mediterranean diet or simply seeking a wholesome bowl of comfort. Perfect for meal prep or a fresh family dinner, it’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 1 large onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 medium celery stalks
- 3 large garlic cloves
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 cup fresh parsley
- 2 cups baby spinach
Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Dice the onion, slice the carrots and celery, and mince the garlic.
Add the onion to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until translucent.
Add the carrots, celery, and garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and add to the pot, cooking until browned on all sides.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a low boil.
Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Lower the heat to a simmer and let cook for 25-30 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and flavors are melded.
Add the fresh baby spinach to the soup and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Finely chop the fresh parsley and add it to the soup just before serving for a pop of freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1266 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 45.5 g | 58% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.5 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 390 mg | 130% | |
| Sodium | 8504 mg | 370% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 59.1 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.1 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 23.1 g | ||
| Protein | 161.2 g | 322% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 477 mg | 37% | |
| Iron | 12.3 mg | 68% | |
| Potassium | 4186 mg | 89% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
