Description
Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a smooth plant-based creamy base. Brightened with fresh lemon juice and zest, this vibrant soup offers a zesty yet creamy texture perfect for cozy lunches or elegant dinners. Easy to prepare with simple ingredients, it is nourishing, protein-packed, and customizable to your taste preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 cups tender chicken breast or thighs, diced
Produce
- 2 fresh lemons (zested and juiced)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, finely chopped
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Liquids & Sauces
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup plant-based creamy (e.g. cashew cream or coconut milk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (natural)
Others
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Zest and juice the lemons. Finely chop the parsley and dill. Gathering all ingredients beforehand will ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat olive oil (natural) in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking gently until softened and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step enhances the natural sweetness and flavor of the veggies, forming a flavorful base.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the pot and cook until just opaque, stirring frequently. This seals in the juices and ensures tender and flavorful meat, allowing the chicken to meld with the aromatics.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes to allow the chicken to finish cooking and the flavors to blend fully, resulting in a rich broth.
- Create the Creamy Lemon Base: Lower the heat and stir in the plant-based creamy and natural gelling agent mixture until smooth and slightly thickened. Slowly whisk in the lemon juice and zest, combining the bright citrus notes with the creamy texture for the signature taste.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs and Season: Stir in the freshly chopped dill and parsley. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup rest off the heat for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to marry, then serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use fresh lemons for the best flavor from juice and zest.
- Do not overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Whisk the plant-based creamy slowly into the soup to avoid curdling and maintain a silky texture.
- Add lemon juice gradually, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect tanginess.
- Stir in fresh herbs off the heat to preserve their bright flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Greek soup, lemon chicken soup, creamy soup, plant-based cream, Mediterranean recipe, gluten free soup, comfort food
