Sunshine Lemon Chicken Soup
Table of Contents
Recipe Introduction: Sunshine Lemon Chicken Soup
Ever crave something comforting but also bright and zesty? That's how I felt last week! So I decided to whip up a batch of lemon chicken soup .
Honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl. It is inspired by Greek flavors and can be a great alternative to chicken noodle soup .
A Taste of Sunshine
This sunshine lemon chicken soup recipe is my take on the classic Greek avgolemono . Think creamy, tangy, and packed with tender chicken and rice.
It’s a relatively easy soup recipe that is suitable for beginner cooks, this recipe takes less than an hour to make from start to finish (roughly 55 minutes), it's ready in under an hour.
It makes about six servings, perfect for a small family or leftovers.
Why You'll Love This Soup
This family friendly soup isn't just delicious. It is also good for you. The lemon and broth are great for soothing a sore throat, making it a great soup for when sick and it’s packed with protein.
It's also the perfect comfort food for a winter soup or a chilly evening. I think this version is so special because of the balance between creamy and tangy.
It is a great option to make a tasty easy dinner !
Now, let's gather our ingredients. You'll need some chicken, rice, and, of course, plenty of lemons.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this Sunshine Lemon Chicken Soup . Trust me, it's easier than fitting into skinny jeans after Christmas dinner! This isn't just any chicken soup ; it's a proper hug in a bowl, the kind of comfort food that makes everything better.
And this easy soup recipe is a great alternative to chicken noodle soup .
Ingredients & Equipment
First, gather your bits and bobs. Quality matters, especially with the chicken broth. A good chicken broth is where the flavour comes from!
Main Ingredients
These are the stars of our tangy chicken soup show, so pay attention!
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) . Use a decent one; it makes a difference.
- Yellow Onion: 1 medium , chopped. About 1 cup / 150g .
- Carrots: 2 medium , peeled and diced. Roughly 1 cup / 130g . Fresh carrots will add nice flavor to the broth
- Celery: 2 stalks , diced. Aim for 1 cup / 120g .
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Don't be shy, now!
- Chicken Broth: 8 cups (US: 1.9 liters / Metric: 2 liters) . Low sodium is best, unless you like it salty like the Dead Sea.
- Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . Gives it that lovely earthy touch.
- Dried Oregano: 1/2 teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional). For a cheeky little kick.
- Cooked Long Grain Rice: 1 cup (US: 200g / Metric: 180g) . Day-old is good.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (US: 300g / Metric: 280g) , shredded or diced. Rotisserie? Go for it! This is a great use for a leftover chicken recipe .
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, obvs.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for a fancy garnish.
- Eggs: 3 large . Free range if you're feeling posh.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (US: 60 ml / Metric: 59 ml) . From about 2 medium lemons .
- Lemon Zest: From 1 lemon . Adds a fragrant punch.
I've been there when the kids are ill, it is important that the soup for cold is ready fast. I want you to know that this quick soup is great for busy weekdays.
Seasoning Notes
These are the flavor enhancers that lift this soup recipe from ordinary to "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!"
- Thyme and Oregano: This combo is like a warm hug for your taste buds. It's classic for a reason!
- Lemon Zest: Don't skip it! It amplifies the lemon flavor. You can add more if you really like lemon soup .
- Quick Sub: No fresh lemons? Bottled juice will do in a pinch, but fresh is always better.
You know what? I was once trying this lemon rice soup , but i forgot to temper the eggs. It was not the best comfort food at all.
Now I always have it in mind so you do not repeat my mistake!
Equipment Needed
Nothing too fancy here, just the essentials for this one pot soup :
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Big enough to hold all that deliciousness.
- Whisk: For getting that avgolemono (lemon egg emulsion) just right.
- Ladle: For serving up your masterpiece.
- Lemon Zester: Essential for that zesty zing.
Don't stress if you don't have all the gear. A regular pot will do, and you can use a fork instead of a whisk.
No zester? A fine grater works too. This family friendly soup is designed to be stress free! A healthy soup for your family.
This greek lemon chicken soup will be your new best friend. Especially as soup for flu .
Right then, let's get cracking on this sunshine lemon chicken soup , shall we? Think " chicken noodle soup but make it fancy ," you know? Something even Mary Berry would approve of!
Honestly, I'm aiming for a soup recipe that's comforting, flavorful, and just the ticket for a chilly evening or when you're feeling a bit under the weather.
It's the perfect comfort food !
Sunshine Lemon Chicken Soup: A hug in a bowl
This vibrant and comforting lemon chicken soup is my take on the classic Greek lemon chicken soup (Avgolemono). We're talking tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and a creamy soup , tangy broth.
It's sunshine in a bowl, perfect as soup for cold or flu. It's a healthy soup , a family friendly soup , and a quick soup for a weeknight.
Prep Steps for Peak Soup erbness
Essential Mise en Place : Chop 1 medium yellow onion, dice 2 medium carrots and 2 celery stalks. Mince 4 cloves of garlic.
Zest 1 lemon and juice it to get about 1/4 cup. Shred 2 cups of cooked chicken. Got all that? Good!
Time Saving Tip: Use a rotisserie chicken. Seriously. It's a lifesaver and a great rotisserie chicken recipe for leftovers! Leftover chicken recipe ? Sorted.
Safety First: Watch your fingers when chopping! And always be mindful of hot surfaces.
The step-by-step to Lemon Chicken Soup Glory
- Sauté: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté onion, carrots, and celery 'til soft. About 5- 7 minutes . Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Broth Time: Pour in 8 cups chicken broth, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Simmer.
- Simmer Down: Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes . Flavour town, population: this soup.
- Avgolemono Magic: Whisk 3 large eggs, 1/4 cup lemon juice, and lemon zest. Whisk like you mean it!
- Temper Tantrum (the good kind): Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of hot soup broth into the egg mixture. Whisk! Don't curdle it, or you'll be sad.
- Incorporate: Pour the egg mixture back into the pot. Cook on low, stirring, until slightly thickened. 2- 3 minutes . Do not boil!
- Chicken & Rice Party: Stir in 1 cup cooked rice and shredded chicken. Heat it through.
- Season & Serve: Salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with parsley. Enjoy! You now have a restorative soup.
Pro Tips for a Stellar Soup
- Avoid the Curdle: Don't boil the avgolemono . Gentle heat is key. Trust me on this one. That avoids the lemon egg soup looking like scrambled eggs!
- Broth is Boss: Use good broth. The broth is the foundation.
- Adjust the Tang: Lemon soup can vary. Taste it and adjust to your liking. If you want tangy chicken soup ? Add more lemon.
This easy soup recipe is a winner, a real one pot soup . It's a great soup for when sick . So go on, get cooking and whip up a batch of lemon chicken soup ! It's good for the soul and the tummy! And if you are after a chicken and rice soup ? Just add more rice.
Recipe Notes: Sunshine in a Bowl
Alright, let's talk about the nitty gritty! Making this lemon chicken soup is pretty straightforward. But as my nan used to say, the devil's in the details.
We are aiming for the perfect greek lemon chicken soup . This comfort food is all about getting it just right !
Serving Suggestions: Make It Pretty!
Presentation matters, doesn't it? A simple bowl of this chicken soup can look like a masterpiece. Ladle the easy soup recipe into a nice bowl.
Garnish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley. A swirl of cream would also be delicious for this creamy soup .
Serve this healthy soup with a slice of crusty bread. Perfect for soaking up all that lovely broth! For a side, how about a simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette ? It really complements the soup with lemon nicely.
It could become your next favourite family friendly soup .
Storage Tips: Making It Last
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This homemade soup tastes even better the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container.
It can live in the fridge for up to 3 days. Easy peasy.
Freezing is an option. But the texture of the rice might change a bit. Freeze in individual portions for easy lunches.
Reheat gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of water if needed. You can even make it ahead for the winter soup .
Variations: Mix It Up!
Fancy a twist? This easy soup recipe is super adaptable. For a creamy lemon chicken soup , stir in a splash of cream at the end.
Omit the chicken for a veggie version. Add extra veggies like spinach or kale.
If you need it gluten-free, make sure your broth is GF. Use brown rice. Feel free to make this into a chicken and rice soup , but try to resist from making a chicken noodle soup , because that is a completely different recipe.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Spoonful
This soup recipe isn't just tasty, it's good for you too. It's packed with protein and vitamins. Great for a soup for cold or as a soup for when sick .
All the warmth of a good tangy chicken soup , with the health benefits of a healthy soup !
Each serving is roughly 280 calories. Loads of goodness to give you an energy boost . It's a truly restorative soup .
Especially if you have a rotisserie chicken recipe and want to use your leftover chicken recipe .
So, there you have it. A simple easy dinner that's sure to please. Don't be afraid to experiment. Add your own touch.
Now get in the kitchen and make some magic! This quick soup is just the ticket for a weeknight dinner , I promise!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my lemon chicken soup curdle? Is it ruined?
Oh dear, curdling! It happens to the best of us. Curdling usually occurs because the egg mixture (Avgolemono) wasn't properly tempered or the soup was boiled after adding it. Don't despair! While you can't completely reverse it, you can often improve the texture by whisking vigorously.
Next time, be sure to slowly drizzle the hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly and avoid boiling after adding it.
Can I make this lemon chicken soup ahead of time?
You certainly can, but with a slight caveat. It's best to make the soup base (everything except the lemon egg mixture) ahead of time. Store that separately in the fridge. Then, when you're ready to serve, gently reheat the soup base and then prepare and add the fresh Avgolemono.
This prevents the egg from becoming rubbery or separating during reheating, ensuring a lovely, smooth texture.
How long does lemon chicken soup last in the fridge? Can I freeze it?
Lemon chicken soup will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. However, freezing is not recommended because the egg in the Avgolemono sauce does not freeze well and the texture will change. It's really best served fresh, or by making the soup base in advance and adding the fresh egg lemon mixture just before serving!
I'm on a low-sodium diet. Can I still enjoy this lemon chicken soup?
Absolutely! Just be mindful of the chicken broth you use. Opt for a low-sodium or no-salt added chicken broth. You can also control the amount of salt you add at the end. The fresh lemon juice will really help brighten the flavors, so you may not need as much salt as you think!
Can I add other vegetables to this lemon chicken soup?
Of course! Think of this recipe as a starting point for your own culinary adventure. Spinach or kale would wilt in beautifully towards the end of cooking. Diced zucchini or yellow squash would also be lovely additions. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this lemon chicken soup I can make?
You bet! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add some chickpeas or white beans for added protein and substance. You could also incorporate more vegetables like spinach, kale, mushrooms or zucchini.
Sunshine Lemon Chicken Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 280 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |