Savory Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A Refreshing Take on Avgolemono

Mastering mediterranean lemon chicken soup

Mediterranean lemon chicken soup, also known as greek lemon chicken soup or avgolemono, is a refreshing and comforting dish that combines zesty lemon notes with tender chicken and hearty pearl couscous. This soup masterfully balances bright, acidic flavors from fresh lemon zest and juice with the richness of a well-seasoned chicken broth, accented by garlic and delicate feta cheese crumbles. The addition of pearl couscous provides a pleasing, chewy texture that makes the soup both filling and satisfying without being heavy.

Ideal for a simple yet sophisticated homemade meal, this recipe brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your table with accessible ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. Whether you are seeking nourishing comfort on a chilly day or a bright, light soup for any season, this dish delivers a healthy, flavorful option that’s easy to prepare. Plus, the use of fresh herbs like chives adds an inviting aroma and color that makes every bowl more appealing.

Benefits and Advantages of mediterranean lemon chicken soup

This mediterranean lemon chicken soup recipe stands out for several reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly simple to make, requiring minimal preparation and using pantry staples like chicken broth, garlic, and couscous. Its cooking time is brief, allowing busy home cooks to serve a fresh, wholesome meal efficiently. Secondly, the soup boasts nutritional benefits such as lean protein from the chicken, hydration and vitamins from the broth, and antioxidants from fresh lemon zest and garlic.

The inclusion of pearl couscous offers a gluten-containing carbohydrate option, though substitutions can be made for those with dietary restrictions, making this recipe versatile. Feta cheese adds a tangy, creamy texture and brings calcium and protein without overwhelming the dish. Importantly, the soup is low in fat and rich in flavor, making it a heart-healthy choice that aligns well with balanced eating plans. Additionally, as a traditional avgolemono recipe variant, it introduces users to Mediterranean culinary heritage with a modern twist.

The soup’s adaptability is another benefit: you can swap ingredients to fit preferences or availability, use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience, or turn it vegetarian by replacing the broth and chicken, all without sacrificing the refreshing lemony flair.

Essential Ingredients for mediterranean lemon chicken soup

• 10 cups chicken broth or chicken bouillon (add extra salt if using low-sodium) – base that provides savory depth and hydration
• 3 tablespoons olive oil – adds richness and depth during initial sautéing
• 8 cloves garlic, freshly minced – infuses aromatic and flavorful compounds
• 1 onion, peeled, quartered, and sliced into thin strips – offers sweetness and body to the soup
• 1 lemon, zested (plus lemon slices for serving) – brightens flavor with citrus oils and acidity
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – lean protein source that softens and absorbs broth flavors
• 1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous) or substitute with long-grain rice for creamier texture – hearty carbohydrate component
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper – provides subtle heat without overpowering
• 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese – adds saltiness, creaminess, and calcium
• ⅓ cup chopped chives (for garnish) – fresh herbaceous finishing note
• Salt and black pepper to taste – essential seasonings balancing the recipe

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your mediterranean lemon chicken soup

This mediterranean lemon chicken soup is flexible and can be adapted to various dietary needs and ingredient availability.

Gluten-Free Substitutions

Replace pearl couscous with gluten-free alternatives such as long-grain rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta to maintain the satisfying starch component without gluten. These swaps may also slightly alter the soup’s texture, with rice creating a creamier consistency.

Vegetarian and Vegan Adaptations

To prepare a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth, and omit the chicken. For added protein, consider cooking chickpeas or white beans into the soup. Vegan adaptations require omitting feta cheese or replacing it with plant-based cheese alternatives, keeping the creamy texture intact.

Low-Sodium or Low-Fat Options

Use low-sodium broth and reduce or omit added salt to control sodium levels. Olive oil can be minimized or replaced with a cooking spray to lower fat content while sautéing vegetables.

Additional Flavor Enhancements or Adjustments

• Add diced carrots and celery for more traditional chicken noodle soup flavors with a Mediterranean twist.
• Enhance with fresh chopped parsley or dill as an alternative herb garnish.
• Use shredded rotisserie chicken in place of raw chicken breasts to save preparation time.

These substitutions allow you to adjust the recipe to meet dietary restrictions or kitchen convenience, all while preserving the soup’s characteristic bright and comforting flavor profile.

How to Prepare the Perfect mediterranean lemon chicken soup: Step-by-Step Guide

This Mediterranean lemon chicken soup is a comforting and refreshing dish that blends rich chicken broth with bright lemon zest and tender chicken, enriched by pearl couscous and topped with creamy feta. Follow these steps for a flavorful, hearty soup:

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Add sliced onion (quartered and thinly sliced) and freshly minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, but not browned.
2. Add chicken broth, raw chicken breasts, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper to the pot. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
3. Reduce to medium heat, cover, and simmer for 5 minutes to begin cooking the chicken and infuse the broth with lemon and pepper flavors.
4. Stir in pearl couscous, salt (about 1 teaspoon), and black pepper to taste. Continue simmering uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, until couscous is tender and the chicken is cooked through.
5. Remove chicken breasts using tongs and shred with two forks. Return shredded chicken to the pot and mix well.
6. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and chopped chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary to balance tanginess and spice. Serve warm, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.

Making homemade lemon chicken soup using this method guarantees tender chicken, perfectly cooked couscous, and a bright, savory broth that comforts and refreshes.

Mastering mediterranean lemon chicken soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

To refine your Mediterranean lemon chicken soup and make it your own, try these helpful tips and variations:

Use Long-Grain Rice Instead of Couscous

For a creamier texture, substitute pearl couscous with long-grain rice, adjusting cooking time as rice takes longer to soften.

Add Fresh Herbs

Incorporate chopped dill, parsley, or oregano at the end of cooking for fresh herbaceous notes that deepen the Mediterranean flavors.

Include Vegetables

Add diced carrots and celery during the initial sauté step to introduce traditional chicken soup elements and extra nutrition.

Accelerate with Rotisserie Chicken

For quicker preparation, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of fresh. Add it after couscous has cooked, allowing flavors to meld with minimal cooking time.

Make Vegetarian or Gluten-Free

Omit chicken and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian version. Use quinoa or gluten-free pasta instead of couscous to accommodate gluten-free diets.

Garnishes and Serving Ideas

Serve with extra crumbled feta and chopped chives or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. Lemon wedges on the side add brightness when squeezed over the soup.

How to Store mediterranean lemon chicken soup: Best Practices

Proper storage helps maintain flavor, texture, and safety of the soup for later enjoyment.

Refrigeration

• Cool soup to room temperature within two hours after cooking.
• Store in airtight containers and refrigerate for 3 to 4 days.
• When reheating, warm gently to prevent overcooking the chicken and curdling the feta.

Freezing

• Freeze soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Note that couscous or rice may absorb liquid during freezing, so adjust by adding broth or water upon reheating if needed.

Nutritional Value of mediterranean lemon chicken soup

This soup is a moderate-calorie option providing balanced protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates. The lemon and feta contribute vitamin C and calcium, while chicken and couscous supply satisfying protein and energy. For more on the health benefits of chicken broth or the nutritional value of couscous, visit trusted sources.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About mediterranean lemon chicken soup

Savory Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A Refreshing Take on Avgolemono

---

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Protein-rich

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

🍋 Savor the delightful blend of citrus and Mediterranean spices in this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, a refreshing take on Avgolemono.
🍲 Light yet satisfying, it’s the perfect comfort food with a healthy twist, ready in just 30 minutes!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

10 cups chicken broth or chicken bouillon (add extra salt if low-sodium)
3 tablespoons olive oil
8 cloves garlic, freshly minced
1 onion, peeled, quartered, and sliced into thin strips
1 lemon, zested (serve with lemon slices)
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup pearl couscous (Israeli couscous)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 ounces crumbled feta cheese
1/3 cup chopped chives (for garnish)
Salt and black pepper to taste

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sauté sliced onion and minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened.
2. Add chicken broth, raw chicken breasts, lemon zest, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce heat to medium and simmer covered for 5 minutes.
4. Stir in pearl couscous, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer for another 5 minutes, then turn off the heat.
5. Remove chicken breasts using tongs and shred with a fork. Return shredded chicken to the pot.
6. Stir in crumbled feta cheese and chopped chives. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed and serve warm.

Notes

⏲️ Couscous can be replaced with orzo pasta or acini di pepe pasta, adjusting cooking times as needed.
🌿 Enhance flavors with fresh herbs such as chopped dill or parsley for added freshness.
🥕 Add diced carrots and celery for a traditional chicken noodle soup vibe with Greek flair.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 cups
• Calories: 214
• Sugar: 2 grams
• Sodium: 1195 mg
• Fat: 8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2 grams
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 grams
• Trans Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 23 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 11 grams
• Cholesterol: 24 mg