Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

this Recipe

Thank you so much for stopping by! It truly means the world to me that you’re here, ready to dive into something so comforting and soul-warming. Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite dishes: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Just the name brings a smile to my face—and trust me, one spoonful of this and you’ll be hooked too!

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Overview of Recipe Content

Before we jump headfirst into a pot of steamy goodness, let’s chat a bit about this magical soup.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a traditional Greek dish that’s as comforting as a hug from someone you love. It’s a luscious, silky soup made with tender chicken, rice or orzo, and a bright, tangy lemon-egg mixture that thickens the broth to absolute perfection.

I promise you—this is not just another chicken soup. It’s a total flavor experience.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

• Ready in under an hour – but tastes like you spent all day on it!
• Simple ingredients, big impact.
• Naturally gluten-free (when using rice instead of orzo).
• Super cozy and healing, especially on chilly days or when you’re feeling a little under the weather.
• A refreshing twist on traditional comfort food—anything but boring!!

Description of the Taste

Imagine a velvety broth that’s rich without being heavy, kissed with the sunny brightness of fresh lemon, and punctuated with tender bites of chicken and soft, comforting rice. The lemon-egg mixture transforms the broth into something so smooth, it’s almost creamy, yet there’s no dairy at all! The smell when this is simmering away on your stove? Absolutely divine!!

Benefits of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Boosts immunity with its lemony zing and hearty broth.
• High in protein and soothing for digestion.
• Naturally warming and hydrating.
• Can be made ahead and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

You’ll only need a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients to whip this up:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
• 1 cup cooked rice (or orzo pasta)
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3-4 lemons)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Necessary Tools for Preparation

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Ladle
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Orzo instead of rice: Traditional but feel free to use either!
• Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for chickpeas and use vegetable broth.
• Extra veggies: Diced carrots, celery, or even spinach stirred in at the end.
• Herb boost: Fresh dill or oregano make delicious additions.

I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

1. Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cook until chicken is fully cooked, about 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the lemon-egg mixture: While the chicken cooks, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice in a mixing bowl until completely combined.
3. Shred the chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
4. Temper the egg mixture: Very slowly ladle a cup of hot broth into the lemon-egg mixture, whisking constantly. This keeps the eggs from scrambling!
5. Finish the soup: Slowly stir the tempered lemon-egg mixture back into the pot of broth. Add the cooked rice and shredded chicken. Heat gently but do not boil, to maintain the creamy texture.
6. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!

The texture is dreamy, the flavor is bright, and it comes together so beautifully.

Suggestions on What to Serve with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
• Warm pita bread brushed with a little olive oil and sprinkled with oregano.
• Simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots.

Tips for Making the Best Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Use fresh lemons: Bottled lemon juice just doesn’t give the same vibrant flavor.
• Don’t skip tempering the eggs: This keeps your soup creamy, not scrambled.
• Low and slow after adding the eggs: Gentle heat is key!
• Taste and adjust: Depending on your lemons, you might want a touch more juice or salt.

I’m kicking myself for not having shot it steaming fresh out of the pot last time I made it—it’s just that beautiful.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring often to maintain the creamy texture.

Pro tip: Freeze without the rice/orzo and add freshly cooked when reheating for the best texture!

General Information about Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, dates back centuries and is often associated with festive meals and family gatherings. It’s a dish that brings warmth and brightness to the table and is loved for its simple ingredients that create complex flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Shred it and add it after preparing the broth to save even more time.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Good news—it already is!

Why do I need to temper the eggs?

Tempering prevents the eggs from scrambling when they hit the hot broth, giving you that gorgeous creamy finish.

Can I use another grain?

Absolutely. Quinoa, couscous, or even cauliflower rice work beautifully here!

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is like a little bowl of sunshine—bright, cozy, nourishing, and just what you need when you’re craving comfort food with a little extra spark. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. I just know you’ll fall in love with this dish as much as I have!

If you enjoyed this, check out some more cozy Mediterranean-inspired recipes like:

• Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
• Spanakopita Triangles
• Greek-Style Roasted Potatoes

And hey, if you make this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, I’d be over the moon if you left a review or shared your beautiful bowl on Pinterest! Don’t forget to tag me—I LOVE seeing your creations!

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g

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