Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this soup brings both comfort and vibrance to the table. The lemon adds a clean, fresh zing that wakes up the senses, while the eggs give it a silky, creamy texture—without using dairy. It’s a naturally gluten-free, high-protein, and nourishing meal that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether I’m prepping meals for the week or looking for a cozy dinner after a long day, this soup always delivers.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked white rice
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
3 large eggs
1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the diced onion for 3–4 minutes until it softens.

2. I add the garlic, carrots, and celery, cooking them for another 4–5 minutes while stirring occasionally.

3. I pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil, then add the rice. I reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the rice is tender.

4. Once the rice is ready, I stir in the shredded chicken and keep the soup on low heat to stay warm.

5. In a separate bowl, I whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until smooth.

6. To temper the eggs, I slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot soup broth into the egg-lemon mixture while whisking constantly.

7. I gradually pour this tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring gently to create a creamy, velvety soup. I make sure the soup stays hot but never boils.

8. I season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh dill if I want a touch of herbal brightness.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: 280 kcal

Variations

• I sometimes add baby spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.

• If I want a richer broth, I use bone broth instead of standard chicken broth.

• For a twist, I’ve replaced rice with orzo or quinoa with great results.

• When I’m making it for kids, I reduce the lemon slightly for a milder flavor and add more rice to make it heartier.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and making sure it doesn’t boil to preserve the creamy texture. In the microwave, I use 50% power and stir every 30 seconds until warmed through. I don’t recommend freezing this soup because the egg mixture can separate and change texture after thawing.

FAQs

What’s the best way to keep the eggs from curdling?

I always temper the eggs by slowly whisking in hot broth before adding them to the soup. Keeping the pot over low heat and never boiling it is key to keeping the soup smooth and creamy.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I use rotisserie chicken often for convenience. It saves time and adds great flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but I keep the egg-lemon mixture separate and add it during reheating to maintain the right texture.

Is this soup Whole30 or dairy-free?

It’s naturally dairy-free, and with compliant broth and chicken, it can be adapted to fit Whole30 guidelines.

Can I substitute brown rice?

Yes, but I cook it separately and add it at the end, since brown rice takes much longer to cook and can affect the soup’s timing and texture.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean lemon chicken soup is a nourishing bowl of comfort I return to again and again. It’s fresh, filling, and beautifully balanced—perfect for chilly evenings, easy weeknight meals, or whenever I need something wholesome and warming. The creamy texture and citrusy lift make this a standout in my soup rotation, and I always feel good after eating it.