Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken (Print Version)
Vibrant chicken soup with Mediterranean herbs, zesty lemon, and wholesome vegetables for a comforting meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ 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 and Liquids
07 - 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
08 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
09 - Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
→ Herbs and 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 plus extra for garnish
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften and become fragrant.
02 - Stir minced garlic into the pot and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent browning or burning.
03 - Add chicken pieces to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned on all sides, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
04 - Pour in chicken broth. Add oregano, thyme, basil, bay leaf, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Bring mixture to a gentle boil.
05 - Reduce heat to low, cover pot, and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked through and vegetables are tender.
06 - Stir in chopped spinach, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until spinach just begins to wilt.
07 - Remove pot from heat. Discard bay leaf. Stir in fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed.
08 - Ladle hot soup into serving bowls. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The way the lemon hits the hot broth creates this incredible perfume that fills your entire kitchen
- It's one of those rare soups that feels light and cleansing while still being deeply satisfying
02 -
- Adding lemon juice at the end preserves its bright flavor since heat can dull citrus over time
- The spinach wilts in seconds so don't walk away from the pot during that final step
03 -
- Zest your lemon before juicing it, or you'll struggle to get the zest off a squeezed fruit
- Grind your pepper fresh, it makes a surprising difference in the final flavor