Greek Lemon Chicken Spinach Soup
Bright and zesty, this soup is a cozy hug in a bowl, with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and a squeeze of lemon.
Total: 45 minPrep: 15 minCook: 30 minServes 4Difficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Steps
- 1 Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- 2 Stir in garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- 3 Add orzo to the pot and stir for 1 minute to coat with oil.
- 4 Pour in chicken broth and water, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- 5 Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes.
- 6 Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted.
- 7 In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and beaten eggs.
- 8 Slowly pour the lemon-egg mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to thicken.
- 9 Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- 10 Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill.
Equipment
- Large pot
Variations
- Add some diced potatoes for extra heartiness.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with chickpeas.
Substitutions
- If you don't have orzo, substitute with small pasta like ditalini.
- Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
Pairings
- Pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Nutrition
Calories:
350 kcal
Fat:
12g fat
Carbs:
30g carbohydrates
Protein:
28g protein
Fiber:
3g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
700mg sodium
Tips
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth.
- If you prefer a tangier soup, adjust the lemon juice to your taste.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm pita bread and a side of feta cheese.
- A simple green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon would complement this soup beautifully.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will give you a richer, more flavorful soup.
What if I don't have fresh dill?
You can use dried dill, but use about a third of the amount called for fresh.