Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken (Printable View)
Vibrant chicken soup with Mediterranean herbs, zesty lemon, and hearty vegetables—ready in under an hour for a comforting meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ Proteins
01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 ounces), cut into bite-sized pieces
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 2 medium carrots, sliced
04 - 2 celery stalks, sliced
05 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 5 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
→ Broth & Liquids
07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
→ Herbs & Seasonings
10 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
12 - 1 teaspoon dried basil
13 - 1 bay leaf
14 - 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
15 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
16 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
# How to Prepare:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables are softened and fragrant.
02 - Stir minced garlic into the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning and releasing its aromatic oils.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, approximately 3–4 minutes.
04 - Pour in chicken broth. Add dried oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, stirring to combine flavors.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in chopped spinach, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes until spinach is just wilted but still vibrant.
07 - Remove from heat. Discard bay leaf. Stir in fresh chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with additional parsley and lemon wedge if desired.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- The lemon and herbs create this incredibly bright flavor that makes you feel healthy just smelling it
- It comes together in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all day
02 -
- The lemon juice should be added at the very end because prolonged cooking can make it taste bitter and lose its bright punch
- Letting the soup rest for 5 minutes off the heat allows all those beautiful Mediterranean flavors to meld together beautifully
03 -
- Zest your lemon before juicing it because it is much easier to handle the whole fruit
- Make a double batch and freeze half for those days when you need instant comfort food