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In the world of comforting meals, few dishes can rival the warmth and brightness of a well-made soup. The Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup emerges as a beacon of flavor, combining the hearty elements of chicken and vegetables with the refreshing zest of lemon. This creamy delight not only nourishes the body but also uplifts the spirit, making it an ideal meal for any occasion.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup: A Creamy, Comforting Bowl of Sunshine

Warm up with a bowl of Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup, a creamy and comforting dish that's perfect for any day! Packed with tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and zesty lemon, this soup is both delicious and easy to make. Just sauté veggies, cook the chicken, toss in orzo, and finish with a splash of cream and fresh herbs. It's a delightful blend of flavors that will brighten your meal! Enjoy this heartwarming recipe that serves 6 and is ready in just 45 minutes.

Ingredients
  

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

6 cups chicken broth

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium carrots, diced

2 stalks celery, diced

1 cup orzo pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)

Zest of 1 lemon

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions
 

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion is translucent.

    Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Cover and allow to cook for about 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.

      Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

        Add Orzo: Stir in the orzo pasta and continue to simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente.

          Create Creaminess: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for an additional 5 minutes while stirring gently.

            Taste & Adjust: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning, if necessary. If it's too tart, you can add a little more cream or a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

              Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. For an added touch, drizzle a little olive oil on top before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 6 servings