Lemony Chicken-Feta Meatball Soup with Spinach is a bright, comforting meal packed with tender chicken meatballs, fresh spinach, and a flavorful lemony broth. Feta adds a savory Mediterranean touch, while fresh lemon gives the soup a light and refreshing finish.
It is a wonderful choice for a cozy weeknight dinner when you want something hearty without feeling too heavy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken-Feta Meatballs
1 lb (450 g) ground chicken
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
1 egg
½ cup breadcrumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
For the Soup
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 carrots, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups fresh spinach
Juice of 1 lemon
Zest of ½ lemon
½ teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or dill, for garnish
Additional crumbled feta, optional
How to Make Lemony Chicken-Feta Meatball Soup
1. Prepare the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, feta, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic, oregano, black pepper, salt, and parsley.
Mix gently until the ingredients are evenly combined.
Shape the mixture into small meatballs and place them on a clean plate.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and carrots. Cook for about 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
3. Add the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and add the oregano.
Bring the broth to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Meatballs
Carefully add the chicken-feta meatballs to the simmering broth.
Cook gently for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until the meatballs are thoroughly cooked.
Avoid stirring too aggressively while the meatballs cook so they maintain their shape.
5. Add the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach to the pot during the final few minutes of cooking.
Stir gently until the spinach wilts into the soup.
6. Add the Lemon
Remove the pot from the heat or reduce it to very low heat.
Add the lemon juice and lemon zest.
Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed.
7. Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and a little extra crumbled feta if desired.
Serve immediately with warm crusty bread.
Helpful Tips
Don’t Overwork the Meatball Mixture
Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can make chicken meatballs dense.
Keep the Broth at a Gentle Simmer
A gentle simmer helps the meatballs cook evenly while keeping them tender.
Add Lemon at the End
Adding fresh lemon juice toward the end of cooking helps preserve its bright flavor.
Adjust the Salt Carefully
Feta and chicken broth can both contain salt, so taste the finished soup before adding more.
Easy Variations
For a heartier soup, add cooked rice, orzo, or small pasta.
You can also add zucchini, celery, or additional leafy greens. Fresh dill is particularly delicious with the lemon and feta combination.
What to Serve with the Soup
This soup is satisfying on its own, but crusty bread, pita, or a simple side salad makes a lovely accompaniment.
A little extra lemon squeezed over each bowl can add even more freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?
Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted for ground chicken.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes. The meatballs can be shaped ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook them.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw and drain frozen spinach before adding it to the soup. The texture will be slightly different from fresh spinach.
How do I know the meatballs are cooked?
The meatballs should be fully cooked in the center. For the most reliable result, use a food thermometer to check the thickest meatball.
Final Thoughts
Lemony Chicken-Feta Meatball Soup with Spinach brings together tender chicken meatballs, creamy feta, fresh greens, and a bright lemon-infused broth.
It’s comforting enough for a chilly evening while the lemon and spinach keep the overall flavor fresh and vibrant. Serve it with warm bread for a simple homemade meal the whole family can enjoy.
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