Delicious and Easy Mediterranean Chicken Soup:  The Ultimate Comfort Food for Cold Weather!

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of soup to comfort the soul.  Mediterranean cuisine, with its vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients, offers a delightful option for a cozy meal—particularly in the form of Mediterranean Chicken Soup.  This delicious and easy recipe is not only perfect for warming you up on chilly days, but it’s also a nutritious and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, healthy fats, and bold flavors.  The Mediterranean diet is rich in vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats, making it a great choice for anyone looking to eat healthily while still enjoying delicious food.

Chicken soup is often considered the ultimate comfort food, and when you combine it with Mediterranean ingredients like olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs, you elevate this classic dish into something truly special.  Plus, this recipe is easy to make and can be customized to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating a mouthwatering Mediterranean Chicken Soup requires a mix of fresh ingredients that are often staples in Mediterranean cooking:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work well.
• Vegetables: Carrots, celery, and onions are essential for the base, while tomatoes (fresh or canned) add richness.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavors.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley, oregano, and thyme are commonly used in Mediterranean dishes.
• Broth: Chicken broth adds depth of flavor.
• Olives: Kalamata or green olives for a briny kick.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brightens the soup.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, and optionally, a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
• Pasta or Rice: Optional, but you can add orzo, couscous, or rice to make the soup more filling.  Soup is a versatile and comforting dish that is perfect for any occasion. In this blog, we will be sharing an easy Mediterranean chicken soup recipe that is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients such as carrots, celery, and boneless skinless chicken breasts.  This recipe is perfect for those who are looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that can be prepared in no time.
  

  Ingredients:

  To make this easy Mediterranean chicken soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 3 stalks of celery, chopped
• 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 6 cups of chicken broth
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano (or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon of dried basil (or fresh)
• 1 teaspoon thyme (or fresh)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
• ¼ cup chopped dill
• ¼ cup of lemon juice
• ¾ cup Mediterranean olives (optional)
• ½ heaping cup of ditilini pasta (see additional add ins below in “Tips and Customization”↓)

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
2. Push the vegetables to the side of the pot and add the chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and your choice of herbs. Brown the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, stirring until cooked golden in color. This step adds depth of flavor to the soup.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes (with their juices). Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. If you’re using pasta or rice, this is the time to add it.  Cook according to package instructions until tender.  I used Ditalini pasta and cooked for 8 minutes once the soup came to a boil.
4. Stir in the olives and fresh herbs, and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavors. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil, if desired. Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

• You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer.
• Add beans, such as chickpeas or cannellini beans, to the soup for extra protein and fiber.
• Adding pasta, such as small shells or ditalini, to the soup to make it a heartier meal.
• You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a spicy kick.
• Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes.  Simply chop the tomatoes and add them to the pot with the chicken broth.
• You can use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought chicken broth for a richer flavor.

Serve soup with a small salad and some crusty bread…yum!

I hope you make this cozy soup in the near future.  If you do, please tag me on Instagram @goodeatsbymimi.  I would love to hear from you and see your photos!