A refreshing and vibrant soup with tender chicken, a variety of vegetables, and a tangy lemon kick. This healthy, light, and flavorful dish is perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 celery stalk (diced)
- 1 zucchini (diced)
- 1 medium potato (peeled and diced)
- 1 liter (4 cups) chicken broth
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Cook the chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and add them to the pot.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.
2. Sauté the vegetables:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion, garlic, carrots, celery, zucchini, and potato.
- Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the broth and simmer:
- Pour in the chicken broth, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
4. Add the chicken and lemon:
- Stir in the shredded chicken, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
5. Season and serve:
- Taste the soup and season with salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Tips:
- For extra tanginess: You can add a little more lemon juice or a splash of white wine while simmering the vegetables.
- For more texture: Leave some of the vegetables in larger chunks or blend a portion of the soup for a creamier consistency.
- Make it spicier: Add red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili for a kick of heat.
This Tangy Lemon Chicken Soup with Veggies is a burst of fresh and light flavors, making it a perfect option for a nutritious meal!
