Name: Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Recipe with Beets, Cabbage, and Sour Cream Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12.3 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces; 3/4 cup pearl couscous; 3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken stock (preferably low-sodium); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 bay leaf; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Zest and juice of 1 large lemon; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; Lemon wedges for serving

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A warm and comforting Greek Chicken Pearl Couscous Soup featuring tender chicken, nutritious vegetables, and hearty pearl couscous, seasoned with lemon, oregano, and fresh dill. This gluten-free, flavorful soup is perfect for cozy family meals or any occasion that calls for a nourishing bowl of goodness.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image features nine white dishes arranged on a white marbled surface. At the center is a white plate with two raw pieces of chicken. Surrounding it are white bowls containing chopped yellow onions, small orange and red diced vegetables, green chopped zucchini, and some dark red beans or olives. There is a small white dish with oil, a small container with a mix of black and white pepper, a glass measuring cup filled with a light yellow liquid, and a small scoop with uncooked grains or seeds. The overall look is clean and organized, with bright colors from the fresh ingredients. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The following ingredients are used in this Greek Chicken Pearl Couscous Soup:

Protein & Main Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12.3 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces

¾ cup pearl couscous
3.5 oz feta cheese, crumbled

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Seasonings

6 cups chicken stock (preferably low-sodium)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Garnish

Lemon wedges for serving

How to Make Greek Chicken Pearl Couscous Soup

Prepare Ingredients: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Finely dice the onion, peel and slice the carrots, slice the celery stalks, and mince the garlic cloves.
Sauté Vegetables and Chicken: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Then add the chicken pieces and cook until they are lightly browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes.
Add Seasonings and Liquid: Stir in the dried oregano and bay leaf. Pour in the 6 cups of chicken stock, and add the zest and juice of one large lemon. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.

Cook Couscous and Simmer: Once boiling, add the pearl couscous to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes until the couscous is tender and the chicken is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Stir in the chopped fresh dill and crumbled feta cheese, allowing them to warm through and meld into the soup for 2-3 minutes.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness. Enjoy this comforting, gluten-free soup warm.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Pearl Couscous Soup

The image shows a white bowl filled with a warm soup. The soup has small round pasta pearls floating in a clear broth with green herbs. There are pieces of orange carrot slices and chunks of white potatoes mixed with shredded brown meat. A silver spoon is placed inside the bowl. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The finishing touches for this Greek chicken couscous soup are simple and bright: a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill, crumbled feta stirred in at the end, and lemon wedges served on the side. The lemon brings brightness, while the feta and dill add savory and herbal notes that complement the soup.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to add extra brightness to each bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bowls or mini ceramic pots for a cozy, rustic presentation. You can also offer a topping bar with extra crumbled feta, chopped scallions, and lemon wedges to invite guests to personalize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid adding crumbled feta before storing; add it fresh when reheating for the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

This soup can be frozen. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Remember to freeze without crumbled feta; add it fresh after reheating.

Reheating

When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop to allow flavors to meld without breaking down the texture too much. Once hot, stir in fresh crumbled feta and a sprinkle of dill to revive that just-made quality.

FAQs

Can I make this soup vegetarian or vegan?

Yes. Replace the chicken and chicken stock with plant-based protein and vegetable broth, and omit or replace the feta with a dairy-free alternative.

Why does the soup have a slightly sweet taste?

The carrots and onions naturally lend a mild sweetness that balances the brightness from the lemon juice and zest.

How can I make the soup more filling?

Add more pearl couscous, toss in cooked beans, or serve with potatoes or crusty bread for extra heartiness.

Is this soup served hot or cold?

It’s traditionally served hot and is especially comforting in cooler months, though you can enjoy it warm or at room temperature if preferred.

Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?

Yes — you can chop vegetables and cook the couscous ahead of time. The soup often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Pearl Couscous Soup is comforting, easy to make, and full of bright Mediterranean flavors. It’s a versatile weeknight meal that also works well for company. Gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a nourishing bowl that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Authentic Ukrainian Borscht Recipe with Beets, Cabbage, and Sour Cream Recipe