Description
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is a silky, citrusy, comforting soup made with tender chicken, rice or orzo, and a creamy lemon-egg mixture that transforms humble ingredients into a fresh yet hearty bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs bone-in chicken breast or thighs
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup rice or orzo
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Add chicken, water, onion, carrot, olive oil, and salt to a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 30–40 minutes, until chicken is cooked through. Remove chicken and shred once cool enough to handle.
- Strain the broth to remove solids, then return it to the pot. Bring to a simmer and add rice or orzo. Cook until tender, about 10–15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and lemon juice until frothy.
- Temper the egg mixture by slowly whisking in a ladle of hot broth. Repeat with another 1–2 ladles until the mixture is warm.
- Reduce heat and slowly stir the egg-lemon mixture into the soup. Return shredded chicken to the pot. Heat gently—do not boil—until soup is creamy and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with dill or parsley before serving.
Notes
- Garnish with lemon zest, extra herbs, or cracked pepper for brightness and visual appeal.
- Pair with crusty bread, Greek salad, warm pita, or olives for a Mediterranean meal.
- Serve in cups as an elegant appetizer, or with toppings for a fun soup bar presentation.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days; add a splash of water when reheating to adjust consistency.
- Freeze the soup before adding the egg-lemon mixture; thaw and whisk in fresh eggs and lemon when reheating.
- Reheat gently over low heat to prevent curdling.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut; skip the broth-making step and proceed with pre-cooked meat.
- For gluten-free version, use rice instead of orzo.
- Mint or chives are flavorful herb alternatives to dill and parsley.