Name: Comforting Bowl of Sunshine Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil; 1 medium onion, diced (~150 g); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups (1.5 liters) chicken broth; ½ cup (100 g) uncooked rice (or swap for orzo pasta for a more traditional touch); 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached chicken breast works beautifully); 2 large eggs; Juice of 2 lemons (about ½ cup or 120 ml); Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish); Lemon wedges (for serving)

Jump to Recipe

If your soul is craving a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Soup—a truly Comforting Bowl of Sunshine. Imagine spoonfuls of silky, lemony broth, tender chicken, and a hint of fresh dill, each bite bright and cozy at once. This soup is inspired by classics like Greek avgolemono, but with a few twists to make it your new favorite anytime comfort recipe. Whether you’re chasing away a chill, feeling under the weather, or simply want a dinner that feels like a little celebration, this soup will light up any day.

Comforting Bowl of Sunshine Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s almost miraculous how a handful of everyday ingredients can turn into something so special. Each plays its part in creating that velvety, tangy, fragrant flavor you’ll crave from your very first taste.

Olive oil: Sets a foundation of Mediterranean richness and helps those flavors shine.
Onion: Your trusty flavor builder—sautéing releases the natural sweetness and aroma.
Garlic: Boosts the savory depth; just a little goes a long way.
Chicken broth: The backbone of your soup—use high-quality broth for the best flavor.
Rice or orzo pasta: Rice makes it hearty; orzo adds a traditional Greek touch. Either will soak up those delicious flavors.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes things quick, or you can poach fresh for extra tenderness.
Eggs: The secret to the soup’s signature creamy texture.
Lemon juice: The true star, giving this dish its unmistakable sunny zip.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings—be generous, then adjust to your taste.
Fresh dill: A sprinkle of fresh dill on top adds a pop of color and herby freshness.
Lemon wedges: For that final, bright squeeze when serving.

How to Make Comforting Bowl of Sunshine

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Heat your olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and gently stir for about 5 minutes, allowing it to soften and get just a hint of golden color. Next, toss in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for just a minute or so—this is when your kitchen starts smelling amazing! Keep watch so it doesn’t brown; you want it fragrant but not bitter.

Step 2: Cook the Rice (or Orzo)

Pour in the chicken broth and raise the heat until it comes to a healthy boil. Add the rice (or orzo, if you’re taking the classic route), then reduce to a simmer. Let it bubble away uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, until your starch of choice is perfectly tender and ready to soak up all that savory flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture

While the rice is softening, grab a medium bowl and whisk your eggs until frothy. This is your chance to make your own sunshine—slowly drizzle in the fresh lemon juice while whisking constantly. The result is a creamy, zippy base that’ll soon transform your soup!

Step 4: Temper the Egg-Lemon Mixture

This step is where the magic happens for that dreamy Comforting Bowl of Sunshine. Carefully ladle about 1 to 2 cups of the hot soup broth into your egg-lemon mixture, whisking the entire time (steady hands, friend!). This prevents the eggs from scrambling and turns them into a silky, thickener for your broth. Now, gently pour this tempered mixture back into the soup pot, stirring as you go. The soup should stay gently steamy—don’t let it boil, or the eggs might separate!

Step 5: Add Chicken and Season

Stir in your shredded, cooked chicken and let everything mingle over low heat for about 5 minutes. This is just enough time for the flavors to come together in spectacular comfort. Now taste! Season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle that luscious soup into bowls immediately. Top each with a generous sprinkle of fresh dill and, of course, a juicy lemon wedge on the side. With every spoonful, you’ll understand why I call this a true Comforting Bowl of Sunshine.

How to Serve Comforting Bowl of Sunshine

Garnishes

A bright shower of fresh dill is my go-to, but don’t stop there! Chopped parsley or a swirl of olive oil can take things to the next level. And don’t forget the lemon wedges—everyone loves customizing that last burst of citrus in their own bowl. Cracked black pepper or even a dusting of smoked paprika look beautiful, too.

Side Dishes

If you want to stretch this Comforting Bowl of Sunshine into a full-on Mediterranean feast, serve it with warm pita bread or a chunk of crusty sourdough for dunking, or a fresh salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta on the side. Roasted vegetables or a handful of olives would pair perfectly and add a little extra flair to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special gathering, ladle the soup into small cups for a sunshine-hued appetizer. Or, serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls for a show-stopping lunch. Add a few baby spinach leaves to the bottom of each bowl before pouring in the soup—they’ll wilt instantly and add gorgeous color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The soup stays delicious, and the flavors meld even more after a night together. Just be gentle with reheating, so the creamy goodness stays intact.

Freezing

This Comforting Bowl of Sunshine does best fresh, but if you need to freeze it, cool completely and portion into freezer containers (leave a little space for expansion). Defrost gently in the fridge overnight, then warm it up gradually on the stove. The eggs may separate a little, but a quick whisk will bring back much of that creamy texture.

Reheating

Warm leftovers slowly in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling, as you want to preserve the soup’s silky finish. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened up too much. Sometimes, I add an extra squeeze of lemon to brighten things after reheating.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken or turkey?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken or turkey works beautifully in this soup. Just be sure to shred it finely so it melds into every spoonful of that Comforting Bowl of Sunshine.

What’s the best rice or pasta for this soup?

I love classic white rice for its creamy effect, but orzo pasta brings a traditional touch. You can experiment with brown rice, but you’ll need to cook it longer until tender.

Is this soup gluten free?

If you use rice instead of orzo, your Comforting Bowl of Sunshine is completely gluten free. Just double-check your chicken broth to be sure it doesn’t contain any hidden wheat.

Can I make it vegetarian?

You sure can! Substitute the chicken broth with good vegetable broth and use chickpeas or cannellini beans instead of chicken. You’ll still have that lemony, creamy, soul-soothing result.

Why do I need to temper the eggs?

Tempering ensures the eggs slowly warm without scrambling, giving your soup that signature creamy texture rather than bits of cooked egg. It’s the secret behind every perfect Comforting Bowl of Sunshine.

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel inspired to bring the warmth of the Mediterranean into your own kitchen. Whip up this Comforting Bowl of Sunshine whenever you need a little lift or want to share a heartwarming meal with family and friends. Trust me, it’ll become a recipe you turn to again and again—every spoonful is like sunshine in a bowl!

Comforting Bowl of Sunshine Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: anna
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Transport yourself to the sunny Mediterranean with this creamy and comforting Lemon Chicken Soup. Bursting with fresh flavors of lemon and dill, this soup is the perfect blend of warmth and zest.

Instructions

Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant.
Cook the Rice (or Orzo): Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the rice and reduce to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture: Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until frothy. Slowly add the lemon juice, whisking constantly to combine.
Temper the Egg-Lemon Mixture: Gradually ladle 1-2 cups of hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking continuously. Once tempered, pour the mixture back into the pot, stirring as you go.
Add Chicken and Season: Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to boil the soup after adding the egg mixture—it can cause the creamy texture to separate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, top with fresh dill, and serve with lemon wedges on the side.