Lemon Chicken and Dill Couscous Soup. Comforting and Full of Goodness
A light yet nourishing lemon chicken and dill soup with pearl couscous, herbs. Zesty, comforting and packed with protein — perfect for a cosy, feel-good meal.
Cook Time: 30-40 Mins
Serves: 4
Ingredients:
1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 Medium yellow or white onion, diced
2 Stalks celery, diced
3 Cloves garlic, minced
1 Tsp lemon pepper seasoning
1 Tsp herbes de Provence (or mixed dried herbs: thyme, rosemary, oregano)
1 Tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 Tsp salt (adjust to taste — especially if stock is salty)
1 Tsp lemon zest (from an unwaxed lemon)
4 Skinless chicken thighs, bone-in if you want extra flavour (or boneless for ease)
6 Cups good quality chicken stock (low-salt if possible)
1 Cup pearl couscous
Juice of 1–2 lemons (to taste)
3 Tbsp fresh dill, roughly chopped
Optional: 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Extra lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions:
Sauté the base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add onion and celery; cook 4–5 min until softened.
Stir in garlic, lemon pepper, herbes de Provence, black pepper, and lemon zest; cook 30 sec until fragrant.
Simmer the chicken
Add chicken thighs and stock. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer ~25 min or until chicken is cooked through and tender.
Remove, shred & cook couscous
Lift chicken out; set aside to cool slightly.
Add pearl couscous to the pot and simmer ~8–10 min until al dente. You may need to keep adding boiling water as everything cooks.
Meanwhile shred the chicken (discard bones if using bone-in).
Finish with lemon & herbs
Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in lemon juice (start with 1 lemon and taste), fresh dill, and parsley if using.
Adjust salt and pepper. For more brightness, add extra lemon juice or zest.
Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with extra dill, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon.
Serve with warm bread or a simple green salad.
💡 Fallon tip: For a silkier broth, you can whisk 1 beaten egg into a ladle of hot soup, then stir it back in (avgolemono style). For even more nutrition, swap part of the couscous for cooked quinoa or add a handful of baby spinach right before serving.
Avgolemono (pronounced ahv-go-LEH-mo-no) is a classic Greek cooking technique — most famously used in the lemony chicken soup called Avgolemono soup. The magic: you whisk eggs + lemon juice together, then slowly temper them by adding hot broth little by little so the eggs don’t scramble. Then the tempered egg–lemon mixture is stirred back into the hot soup off the boil.
Why it’s good for you
Using skinless chicken thighs gives you the flavour and tenderness of dark meat without excess saturated fat. Lemon provides vitamin C and a fresh hit that helps digestion, while dill and parsley bring anti-inflammatory plant compounds and minerals. Pearl couscous adds gentle complex carbs for steady energy, and a clear, homemade-style broth means comfort without heaviness.
We showcase these tasty recipes with love - now it's your turn to cook them with love.
Disclaimer
Please be aware that individual allergies and dietary needs vary. It is your responsibility to check ingredient lists carefully and consult with a healthcare professional or allergist if you have any concerns about allergies, intolerances, or medical conditions before trying any recipes or dietary suggestions.
The content provided in our articles is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that Fallon is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the articles are the views only and may not be scientifically factual. You understand and agree by reading anything on our website that Fallon shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information published. You acknowledge and agree that Fallon, its authors, and contributors are not liable for any adverse reactions or consequences resulting from the use or misuse of the information provided. Always exercise caution and prioritise your health and safety. Images are from Pinterest, if you know the original creator please let us know, so that we can credit them.
