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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

A delicious Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup a Creamy Comforting Bowl of Sunshine recipe that will impress your family and friends
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Soup Base
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion finely diced
  • 4 celery stalks finely chopped
  • 3 carrots peeled and diced
  • 8 cups chicken broth preferably homemade
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon Chicken
  • 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 3 egg yolks
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
Garnish
  • Lemon slices for serving
  • Additional fresh herbs
  • Crumbled feta cheese optional
  • Crusty bread for serving

Method
 

Prepare Soup Base
  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat
  2. Add onions, celery, and carrots and sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened
  3. Pour in chicken broth and add bay leaves and thyme
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes
  5. Add orzo and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente
  6. Meanwhile, season chicken thighs with salt and pepper
  7. Poach chicken in the simmering broth for 15-20 minutes until cooked through
  8. Remove chicken and shred with two forks, then return to pot
Temper Egg-Lemon Mixture
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk egg yolks until smooth
  2. Gradually whisk in lemon juice and zest
  3. Slowly add 1 cup of hot broth from the soup, whisking constantly
  4. This tempers the eggs and prevents curdling
  5. Whisk in heavy cream until fully incorporated
Finish Soup
  1. Remove soup from heat and discard bay leaves
  2. Slowly stir the egg-lemon mixture into the soup
  3. Return to very low heat and warm gently without boiling
  4. Stir in fresh dill and parsley
  5. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste
Serve
  1. Ladle soup into warm bowls
  2. Garnish with lemon slices, additional herbs, and crumbled feta if desired
  3. Serve immediately with crusty bread for dipping
  4. Enjoy this taste of Mediterranean sunshine!

Notes

Enjoy your delicious creation!