This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup brings together tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a burst of fresh lemon flavor. The creamy texture and refreshing lemon notes make this dish both comforting and bright, perfect for any season.
The combination of eggs with lemon juice creates a creamy base that gives the soup a rich yet light consistency. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a beautiful, soothing dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just want a healthy, satisfying meal, this soup is sure to hit the spot.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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6 cups chicken broth
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2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
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2 celery stalks, diced
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1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
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1/2 cup orzo pasta
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3 large eggs
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1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
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Zest of 1 lemon
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
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Add chicken broth, carrots, and celery to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-12 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
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Stir in the shredded chicken and orzo pasta. Cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is tender.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Gradually add a cup of hot broth from the pot into the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
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Slowly pour the egg mixture into the soup while stirring constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken slightly. Do not bring to a boil.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Comfort of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, known as Avgolemono, is a warm, aromatic, and deeply comforting dish that combines the flavors of chicken, tangy lemon, and smooth, creamy textures in one delightful bowl. This soup is a staple in Greek households, particularly during colder months, offering not just comfort but a sense of home and tradition with every spoonful. It’s a dish that represents the Greek culture’s love for simple yet flavorful ingredients, which come together to create a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed year-round.
A Traditional Greek Dish with a Modern Twist
While the origins of Avgolemono can be traced back to ancient Greece, it remains a beloved dish today, cherished for its balance of fresh ingredients and ease of preparation. Traditionally, the soup is made with chicken, rice, or orzo, and a velvety egg-lemon mixture, which adds a unique richness. The beauty of this soup lies in its ability to adapt to different tastes and preferences while maintaining its essential character. In modern kitchens, you might find slight variations in the recipe, such as using different types of pasta or even adding vegetables like carrots or celery for extra flavor.
The star of this dish is undeniably the egg-lemon mixture, which sets the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup apart from other chicken soups. When prepared correctly, the egg-lemon sauce creates a silky, smooth texture, enveloping the ingredients in a creamy layer that is both rich and light at the same time. The lemon adds a zesty, refreshing note that cuts through the richness, creating the perfect balance of flavors. It’s no wonder that this dish is often seen as the ultimate comfort food, not just for its taste, but for its heartwarming ability to bring families together.
Health Benefits of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup isn’t just a treat for your taste buds; it also offers several health benefits. The main ingredient, chicken, is a great source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair, and providing the body with the energy it needs to function at its best. The addition of fresh lemon juice brings vitamin C, which supports a strong immune system and healthy skin, making it a perfect dish for when you’re feeling under the weather.
The egg-lemon mixture is a rich source of protein and healthy fats, and when combined with the chicken broth, it provides a nutritious, filling meal that helps to maintain energy levels throughout the day. Additionally, the use of herbs like parsley adds antioxidants, which can help to reduce inflammation and boost overall health. With its simple yet nutrient-dense ingredients, this soup not only satisfies hunger but also nourishes the body.
Versatility in Cooking and Personalization
One of the reasons Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is so popular is because it’s highly versatile. You can adapt the recipe based on your personal preferences, dietary needs, or what ingredients you have on hand. For example, if you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can replace orzo pasta with rice or quinoa. For a richer flavor, you might opt to add more chicken to the soup, or you could use a rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation.
For those following a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, the chicken can be replaced with tofu, tempeh, or even a variety of beans like chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative. The lemon and egg mixture can still be made, but using plant-based alternatives like flaxseed or chickpea flour in place of eggs can work as well. In terms of the broth, vegetable broth can easily replace chicken broth, creating a lighter version of the dish that still maintains its depth of flavor.
The Secret to the Perfect Egg-Lemon Mixture
The key to mastering this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup lies in the preparation of the egg-lemon mixture. This element, known as avgolemono, is what gives the soup its creamy consistency and its signature flavor. However, it’s important to add the egg-lemon mixture gradually and stir constantly to avoid curdling the eggs. The process is simple but requires patience to ensure the soup doesn’t become overly thick or lose its silky texture.
To make this mixture, you whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Gradually add hot broth from the soup into the egg mixture, tempering the eggs to prevent them from cooking too quickly. Then, slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the soup while stirring continuously. This step ensures the eggs don’t scramble and instead create a velvety, creamy soup base that coats the chicken, pasta, and vegetables perfectly. It’s this method that elevates the soup from a simple chicken dish to something extraordinary.
The Perfect Pairings for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes that complement its bright and tangy flavors. A classic pairing is with warm, crusty bread or a pita to dip into the soup, soaking up the creamy broth. The richness of the soup makes it perfect for serving alongside a simple salad, such as a Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese, dressed in olive oil and lemon. The acidity of the salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
If you’re looking for a heartier pairing, consider serving the soup with roasted vegetables like potatoes, carrots, or zucchini. The roasted flavors will enhance the depth of the soup while adding some texture to the meal. You can also pair it with a grain-based side dish like couscous or quinoa to make the meal even more filling and complete.
Making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Ahead of Time
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or when you need to prepare meals in advance. If you plan on making the soup in advance, it’s best to prepare the soup and refrigerate it without adding the egg-lemon mixture. The egg mixture is best added right before serving to preserve its smooth and creamy texture.
To reheat the soup, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of extra chicken broth if needed to achieve the desired consistency. When you’re ready to serve, gently stir in the egg-lemon mixture to finish the soup, following the same process as when making it fresh.
Conclusion
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is more than just a meal—it’s a warm embrace in a bowl. Whether you’re enjoying it as a comforting lunch, a light dinner, or as part of a larger feast, this soup brings people together with its rich flavors and soothing qualities. It’s a dish that’s both simple and sophisticated, with a rich history rooted in Greek culinary tradition.
By making this dish, you’re not only enjoying a delicious meal but also participating in a long-standing tradition that celebrates wholesome ingredients and the joy of sharing food with loved ones. With its versatility, health benefits, and ability to warm the soul, Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to Greek cuisine or a seasoned pro, this soup is guaranteed to impress.