Cozy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe For Chilly Evenings

Crafting a comforting bowl of avgolemono, this Greek lemon chicken soup brings warmth to your kitchen with its creamy, tangy embrace.

Whisked eggs and bright citrus create a silky texture that dances across your palate.

Mediterranean traditions shine through each spoonful of this classic recipe.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among delicate rice grains, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Fragrant herbs and zesty lemon transform simple ingredients into a soul-soothing meal.

Families have cherished this recipe for generations, passing down its delightful secrets.

You’ll fall in love with this easy-to-make soup that promises to chase away any chill and comfort your heart.

What Makes Greek Lemon Chicken Soup So Good

• Streamline Cooking Process: Prepare a delicious Greek-inspired soup with minimal kitchen steps, using a single pot for multiple ingredients and reducing cleanup time.
• Customize Flavor Profiles: Easily adjust seasoning by adding more lemon, dill, or black pepper to match personal taste preferences and create a personalized dining experience.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Develop a creamy, protein-packed soup that appeals to both adults and children, offering a nutritious meal everyone can enjoy together.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that works perfectly as a hearty lunch, light dinner, or comforting weekend meal for any occasion.

Ingredients Needed For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides a hearty base for the soup and adds substantial protein.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a rich, savory flavor profile for the soup.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that serves as the cooking medium and provides depth to the soup.
• Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that adds texture and substance to the soup.

• Eggs: Create a silky, creamy texture and help thicken the soup without using heavy cream.

• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright, citrusy elements that add tanginess and fresh flavor to the soup.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Fresh Dill: Herbaceous ingredient that provides a classic Greek flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbal note to finish the soup.

Easy Cooking For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Poach Chicken Delicately

Immerse chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth, cooking for 15-20 minutes until they’re perfectly tender. Once cooked, remove and shred into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Finely chopped onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until they become translucent and release their irresistible fragrance, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Orzo to Perfection

Add orzo pasta to the broth, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 8-10 minutes until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Step 4: Create Silky Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and creamy. Gradually temper by slowly adding hot broth while continuously whisking to prevent any unwanted curdling.

Step 5: Blend Egg Mixture

Carefully return the tempered egg mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to create a luxuriously silky and creamy consistency.

Step 6: Brighten with Citrus

Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, adding zest to intensify the citrusy punch of flavor.

Step 7: Season and Combine

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Chopped fresh dill

Step 8: Harmonize Flavors

Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing all ingredients to meld together and distribute heat evenly.

Step 9: Plate with Flair

Ladle the soup into serving bowls, then sprinkle with chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Enjoy this Greek-inspired soup immediately while it’s piping hot, relishing the rich and tangy flavors.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Perfectly Poach Chicken: Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to ensure tender, juicy chicken without toughening the meat.
• Prevent Egg Curdling: Temper eggs slowly by adding hot broth in a steady stream while whisking vigorously to create a smooth, silky texture.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast orzo briefly in the pot before adding broth to enhance its nutty, rich undertones and develop deeper complexity.
• Zest Up Your Soup: Add lemon zest along with juice for a more intense, bright citrus flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Herb Enhancement: Chop fresh dill right before adding to preserve its delicate flavor and maximize aromatic impact in the soup.

Different Takes On Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Vegetarian Avgolemono: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or firm tofu, using vegetable broth for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap orzo with quinoa or rice to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets, ensuring same creamy consistency.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika for a warming kick, enhancing the traditional flavor profile with extra complexity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute orzo with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the soup's luxurious texture while reducing carbohydrate content.

Best Pairings For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Pair Lemony Chicken Orzo Soup with Crisp White Wine: A zesty Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the soup's richness, complementing its bright citrus notes.
• Serve Alongside Greek Salad: Fresh cucumber, tomatoes, and feta create a perfect Mediterranean side that echoes the soup's Greek-inspired flavors.
• Match with Crusty Sourdough Bread: Hearty, tangy bread provides a delightful texture contrast and helps soak up the creamy, lemony broth.
• Enhance with Herbal Iced Tea: A refreshing, lightly sweetened mint or chamomile tea balances the soup's tanginess and cleanses the palate.

How To Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze up to 2-3 months for later enjoyment.
• Gently warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent egg mixture from separating, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore original consistency.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent overcooking, which can cause eggs to curdle and texture to become grainy.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup FAQ Quick Answers

• What is the origin of this soup?

This soup is a traditional Greek dish called avgolemono, featuring a creamy broth made with eggs, lemon, and chicken, representing classic Mediterranean comfort food.

• Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s nutritious with lean protein from chicken, vitamins from herbs, and a light broth that’s low in calories and high in flavor.

• Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Substitute orzo with quinoa or rice to create a gluten-free version that maintains the soup’s authentic taste and texture.

• How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?

Temper the eggs by slowly adding hot broth while continuously whisking, which gradually raises the egg temperature and prevents scrambling.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting Greek lemon chicken soup (avgolemono) brings Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen with creamy broth and tender chicken. Rich egg and lemon sauce creates silky perfection you’ll savor with each spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 large eggs
• 2 lemons

Starch/Grains:

• 1/2 cup orzo pasta

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 medium onion
• 2 tbsp fresh dill
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Garnish:

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

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Instructions

1. Poach chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked and tender, then remove and shred into bite-sized pieces.
2. In the same broth, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
3. Add orzo pasta to the broth and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Whisk eggs in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy, then gradually temper by slowly adding hot broth while continuously whisking to prevent curdling.
5. Return tempered egg mixture to the pot, stirring constantly to create a silky, creamy texture.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the soup, adding zest for an intense citrus flavor.
7. Reintroduce shredded chicken to the pot, then season with salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh dill.
8. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld flavors and ensure even heat distribution.
9. Ladle soup into serving bowls and garnish with chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
10. Serve immediately while hot, enjoying the rich, tangy Greek-inspired soup.

Notes

• Gently poach chicken to retain moisture and prevent toughening, ensuring tender meat that easily shreds.
• Temper eggs carefully by slowly adding hot broth to create a silky smooth texture without scrambling.
• Use fresh lemon juice and zest for vibrant, bright citrus flavor that defines authentic Greek avgolemono soup.
• Adjust consistency by adding more broth if soup becomes too thick, maintaining a light and creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 150mg