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Why This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Works

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

What You’ll Need

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Serving and Storage Tips

Mistakes to Avoid

Tips and Tricks for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Suggestions for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

FAQ for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: Facebook; Instagram; Pinterest; Twitter; YouTube; Make sure you don’t skip the tempering the eggs step -it’s essential to avoid scrambling. You don’t want to end up with egg drop soup.; Make the soup creamier and richer by adding 1-2 tablespoons of butter with theolive oil.; Serve this Greek lemon soup with a bit of freshly crackedblack pepperand extra dill on top if you like.; 1 tablespoonolive oil; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 medium carrot, diced; 2-3 celery stalks, diced; 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2bay leaves; 2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 350 g total); 6 cups (1.5 liter)chicken stock; ¾ cup (175 g)orzo; Juice of 1 lemon; 2 egg yolks; A handfulfresh dill; Salt and freshly groundblack pepperto taste; I made hollandaise sauce this morning and have some left over, do you think I could use about 1/2 cup. It had egg yolk water lemon juice and butterReplyHello Wendy, even though I’ve never tried it, I think you can use your leftover hollandaise in the Avgolemono soup. The egg yolk and lemon juice in it should complement the soup nicely. Just be mindful of the butter content as it may slightly alter the texture.; Hello Wendy, even though I’ve never tried it, I think you can use your leftover hollandaise in the Avgolemono soup. The egg yolk and lemon juice in it should complement the soup nicely. Just be mindful of the butter content as it may slightly alter the texture.; Simply delicious! I have always wanted to make this soup myself because it’s one of my favorite menu items to order when I’m dining in a Greek restaurant. But frankly, I was intimidated for some reason. Well it is so much easier than I thought! My only edits were I used the whole egg for extra protein; Arborio rice instead of orzo to make it gluten free; and closer to 4-5 tablespoons of lemon. Thank you for this recipe. It will be in regular rotation at my house!Reply; I typically use the juice of a regular-sized lemon, which is about 2-3 tablespoons. You can adjust to your taste, though.ReplyOh wow! One of my new favorite dishes for sure! Lazy me put thighs in the air fryer with some Greek seasoning, then shredded it and added it. This is a beautiful soup.; Oh wow! One of my new favorite dishes for sure! Lazy me put thighs in the air fryer with some Greek seasoning, then shredded it and added it. This is a beautiful soup.; Yes, it should still be 3/4 cup.Reply

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a beloved Mediterranean comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy egg-lemon sauce, and aromatic herbs in one satisfying bowl. This traditional recipe brings warmth and brightness to any meal with its perfect balance of tangy lemon and rich chicken broth.

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Why You'll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation that takes only 50 minutes from start to finish
Creamy, comforting texture without heavy cream thanks to the egg-lemon technique
Bright, fresh flavors that make it perfect for any season
One-pot meal that’s both filling and nutritious with protein and vegetables
Authentic Greek flavors that transport you to the Mediterranean

Why This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Works

This recipe succeeds because it follows the traditional Greek technique of tempering eggs with hot broth. The gradual temperature adjustment prevents the eggs from scrambling while creating that signature creamy texture.

The combination of fresh vegetables, quality chicken stock, and proper timing ensures each ingredient maintains its distinct flavor. The orzo pasta adds heartiness without overwhelming the delicate lemon-egg base.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This soup offers the perfect comfort food experience with its creamy, tangy broth and tender chicken pieces. The fresh dill adds an authentic Greek touch that elevates the entire dish.

It’s versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. The bright lemon flavor makes it refreshing while still being deeply satisfying and nourishing.

What You’ll Need

Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity (Approx)	Purpose / Notes
Olive oil	1 tablespoon	Base for sautéing vegetables
Medium onion, diced	1 whole	Aromatic foundation
Medium carrot, diced	1 whole	Sweetness and nutrition
Celery stalks, diced	2-3 stalks	Classic soup base flavor
Garlic cloves, minced	2-3 cloves	Aromatic depth
Bay leaves	2 leaves	Herbal complexity
Chicken breasts	12 oz total	Main protein source
Chicken stock	6 cups	Soup base and flavor
Orzo pasta	¾ cup	Heartiness and texture
Fresh lemon juice	1 lemon	Signature tangy flavor
Egg yolks	2 yolks	Creamy thickening agent
Fresh dill	1 handful	Authentic Greek flavor
Salt and black pepper	To taste	Seasoning balance

Tools

Tool	Purpose
Large stock pot or Dutch oven	Main cooking vessel for soup preparation
Sharp knife	Chopping vegetables and herbs
Cutting board	Safe surface for food preparation
Ladle	Serving and tempering egg mixture
Whisk	Mixing egg-lemon mixture
Two forks	Shredding cooked chicken
Medium bowl	Preparing egg-lemon mixture

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step	Instructions
Step 1: Sauté Vegetables	Heat olive oil in large stock pot. Cook onion, carrot, and celery for 8-10 minutes over medium heat until softened.
Step 2: Add Aromatics	Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add bay leaves, chicken breasts, and chicken stock.
Step 3: Simmer Chicken	Bring to boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Cook Orzo	Remove chicken and bay leaves. Add orzo to pot and cook for 10 minutes.
Step 5: Shred Chicken	Using two forks, shred chicken into bite-sized pieces and return to pot.
Step 6: Prepare Egg Mixture	Whisk egg yolks and lemon juice in bowl. Gradually add 1-2 ladles of hot soup to temper.
Step 7: Finish Soup	Add tempered egg mixture to pot. Cook 5 minutes. Stir in fresh dill and season to taste.

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Chef's Helpful Tips

Always temper the egg mixture slowly to prevent scrambling and maintain smooth texture
Use homemade chicken stock for richer flavor, or enhance store-bought with extra herbs
Don’t skip the fresh dill – it’s essential for authentic Greek flavor
Cook orzo just until al dente as it will continue cooking in the hot broth
Adjust lemon juice gradually to achieve your preferred level of tanginess

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving Tips

Serve this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor. Garnish with extra fresh dill and a crack of black pepper.

Pair with crusty bread or pita for a complete meal. This soup works wonderfully as a starter or main course, depending on portion size.

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over low heat to prevent the egg from curdling. You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months, but add fresh orzo when serving.

Mistakes to Avoid

Never add the egg mixture directly to boiling soup without tempering. This will result in scrambled eggs rather than a smooth, creamy texture.

Don’t overcook the orzo pasta, as it will become mushy and absorb too much liquid. Cook until just tender.

Avoid using dried dill as a substitute for fresh – the flavor difference is significant in this traditional recipe. Fresh herbs make all the difference in authentic Greek cooking.

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You Must Know

Tempering the egg mixture is crucial – add hot broth gradually while whisking constantly
Fresh lemon juice works best – bottled juice lacks the bright, fresh flavor needed
The soup is best served immediately after preparation for optimal texture
Bone-in chicken can be substituted for extra flavor, just increase cooking time

Tips and Tricks for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

For extra richness, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter along with the olive oil. This creates a more luxurious mouthfeel without overwhelming the bright lemon flavor.

Try using whole eggs instead of just yolks for additional protein. Some cooks prefer this variation for a heartier soup.

Make the soup gluten-free by substituting orzo with rice, quinoa, or gluten-free pasta alternatives. Cooking times may vary slightly.

Suggestions for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Consider adding vegetables like zucchini or spinach for extra nutrition and color. Add them during the last few minutes of cooking to maintain their texture.

For a heartier version, use chicken thighs instead of breasts. They add more flavor and remain tender even with longer cooking times.

Experiment with herbs like fresh parsley or mint alongside the dill for different flavor profiles. Each brings its own Mediterranean flair to the dish.

This soup pairs beautifully with other Mediterranean-inspired dishes for a complete themed meal.

FAQ for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

FAQs:

Can I make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup ahead of time?

It’s best to make the soup base (through step 5) ahead of time, then add the orzo, egg-lemon mixture, and dill when ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and maintains the proper texture.

What can I substitute for orzo in this recipe?

You can use rice (traditional), small pasta shapes, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Adjust cooking times accordingly – rice needs about 20 minutes, while quinoa takes 15 minutes.

How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

The key is tempering – gradually add hot broth to the egg-lemon mixture while whisking constantly. This slowly raises the temperature of the eggs, preventing them from cooking too quickly and scrambling.

Can I freeze Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. However, freeze it before adding the orzo and egg mixture. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add fresh orzo and the egg-lemon mixture.

How much lemon juice should I use?

Start with the juice of one medium lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons). You can always add more to taste, but it’s difficult to reduce the lemon flavor once it’s too strong. Taste and adjust gradually.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup offers the perfect combination of comfort and brightness in every spoonful. This traditional recipe brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

The key to success lies in proper tempering of the egg mixture and using fresh, quality ingredients. With practice, you’ll master this beloved Greek classic that’s perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re seeking comfort food or wanting to explore traditional Greek cuisine, this soup delivers on all fronts. Serve it to family and friends for a memorable meal that celebrates the wonderful flavors of Greece.

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