Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe Classic Avgolemono

Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: – 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil for sautéing the vegetables; – 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped carrots adds sweetness and nutrition; – 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped celery provides crunch and flavor depth; – 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped green onions brings a fresh, aromatic touch; – 2 finely chopped garlic cloves enhances the soup’s aroma; – 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth forms the hearty base; – 2 bay leaves infuses subtle herbal notes; – 1 cup rice or orzo choose rice for a traditional feel or orzo for faster cooking; – Salt and pepper to taste balances and seasons the flavors; – 6 to 8 ounces shredded chicken (from about 2 cooked boneless chicken breast pieces) adds lean protein and heartiness; – 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice creates the tangy avgolemono sauce; – 2 large eggs thickens the sauce for that silky texture; – Fresh parsley (optional) for a bright garnish if you want extra flavor

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Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a classic dish that brings warmth and flavor to any meal. You’ll find it easy to make in about 35 minutes with simple ingredients like fresh vegetables and tender chicken. This soup offers a silky, tangy broth from the traditional egg-lemon sauce that makes every bite comforting and satisfying.

One reason you’ll love this recipe is its ease of preparation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it uses minimal ingredients and comes together quickly, giving you more time to enjoy time with family. Another benefit is the health boost it provides, packed with lean chicken for protein, fresh lemon juice for vitamin C, and veggies like carrots and celery for antioxidants that support overall wellness. Plus, it’s versatile, letting you tweak it for different diets while keeping that refreshing lemon-chicken flavor that sets it apart from everyday soups.

For food enthusiasts and busy parents alike, this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup adds a taste of Greece to your table without much fuss. You can serve it hot with bread or a simple Greek salad for a complete meal. Whether you’re a student looking for quick dinners or a senior seeking nourishing options, this soup feels like a hug in a bowl and will quickly become a favorite in your rotation.

Jump To

1. Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
2. Essential Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Guide
4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
5. Mastering Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations
6. How to Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: Best Practices
7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
8. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Essential Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making a delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. This section breaks down everything you need, focusing on the precise measurements from the classic recipe. Let’s look at the full list to ensure your soup turns out just right.

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil – for sautéing the vegetables
1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped carrots – adds sweetness and nutrition
1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped celery – provides crunch and flavor depth
1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped green onions – brings a fresh, aromatic touch
2 finely chopped garlic cloves – enhances the soup’s aroma
8 cups low-sodium chicken broth – forms the hearty base
2 bay leaves – infuses subtle herbal notes
1 cup rice or orzo – choose rice for a traditional feel or orzo for faster cooking
Salt and pepper to taste – balances and seasons the flavors
6 to 8 ounces shredded chicken (from about 2 cooked boneless chicken breast pieces) – adds lean protein and heartiness
1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice – creates the tangy avgolemono sauce
2 large eggs – thickens the sauce for that silky texture
Fresh parsley (optional) – for a bright garnish if you want extra flavor

This structured list covers all the essentials, making it simple to shop and prepare. For special dietary needs, you can swap items like using vegetable broth for a vegan version or gluten-free pasta instead of orzo. Keep in mind, sticking to these measurements helps achieve the perfect balance of tang and creaminess. If you’re exploring more soup ideas, check out our Crock-Pot Crack Potato Soup Recipe for another easy option.

How to Prepare the Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: Step-by-Step Guide

Creating Greek Lemon Chicken Soup at home is straightforward and fun, especially when you follow these clear steps. Start by getting all your ingredients ready, as this helps everything run smoothly. You’ll end up with a soup that’s creamy, tangy, and full of flavor in no time.

Gathering and Prepping Ingredients

Begin by chopping your vegetables and shredding the chicken to make the process easier. For instance, finely chop the carrots, celery, green onions, and garlic cloves as specified. This preparation step ensures the veggies sauté evenly and release their flavors into the broth.

Cooking the Base

Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped carrots, celery, green onions, and garlic, then sauté them until they soften and smell wonderful, which takes about 5 minutes. Next, pour in the 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add the 2 bay leaves, bringing the mixture to a boil for a rich base.

Once boiling, stir in 1 cup of rice or orzo remember, orzo cooks faster so keep an eye on it. Simmer until the rice is tender, about 15-20 minutes for rice or 7-9 minutes for orzo. Add the 6 to 8 ounces of shredded chicken and let it heat through, blending the flavors together.

Making the Avgolemono Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs and 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined. To avoid curdling, slowly temper the mixture by adding a ladle of the hot broth while whisking constantly. Once tempered, stir this sauce back into the soup off the heat for a silky finish.

Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot, perhaps with bread for dipping. For variations, you might try substituting cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, as mentioned in our tips. This method keeps the soup light and nutritious, making it a hit for busy parents or health-conscious eaters.

Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your needs without losing its charm. Whether you’re watching calories or following a special diet, small changes can make a big difference. Let’s explore some easy swaps that keep the soup tasty and inclusive.

Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegan option, which keeps the protein high.
Use turkey breast instead of chicken if you want a leaner alternative.
Swap orzo for gluten-free pasta, rice, or even spiralized zucchini to make it gluten-free or low-calorie.
Add extra veggies like spinach or kale for more nutrition and a fresh twist.
Try herbs such as oregano or mint to change up the flavors and make it your own.

These adjustments ensure everyone at the table can enjoy the soup. For example, if you’re a working professional aiming for quick meals, these tweaks save time while boosting health benefits. Remember, using freshly squeezed lemon juice always brightens the taste, no matter the variations.

Mastering Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: Advanced Tips and Variations

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can elevate your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with some pro techniques. For deeper flavor, try roasting the chicken first or simmering the broth with bones for that extra richness. These steps make the soup even more satisfying for food enthusiasts.

Flavor Boosts and Creative Twists

Add spices like cinnamon or a splash of white wine to create new layers of taste. If you’re into low-carb options, substituting cauliflower rice works wonders and keeps things light. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key for that authentic tang, so don’t skip it.

Presentation and Storage Hacks

Serve the soup in colorful bowls with lemon slices and herbs for a welcoming look. For make-ahead meals, prepare the base and chicken separately, then combine them later to keep everything fresh. This is great for travelers or newlyweds planning easy dinners.

Other tips include rinsing and soaking rice beforehand for better texture, and always tempering eggs carefully to prevent curdling. You’ll love how these tricks turn a simple recipe into something special, inspiring you to experiment in the kitchen.

How to Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: Best Practices

Proper storage keeps your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup tasting great for days. After cooking, let it cool completely before putting it away. This helps maintain the fresh flavors of the lemon and chicken.

Storage Method	Duration	Tips
Refrigeration	Up to 3 days	Use airtight containers and reheat gently on the stove.
Freezing	Up to 3 months	Portion into containers; add broth when reheating to keep texture smooth.
Reheating	N/A	Stir often over low heat to avoid sticking; add lemon juice fresh for best taste.

For meal prep, cook components separately to prevent sogginess, which is handy for students or baking enthusiasts. If you’re interested in more storage ideas for similar dishes, visit our Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque Recipe for tips. External resource: For more on Greek cuisine, check out Greek food traditions.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

What is Greek lemon chicken soup (Avgolemono) made of?

Greek lemon chicken soup, or Avgolemono, is made from chicken broth, lemon juice, eggs, and rice or orzo. The key is the avgolemono sauce—a mixture of beaten eggs and fresh lemon juice tempered with hot broth. This creates a creamy, tangy soup without any dairy. Cooked chicken, sometimes shredded, is added along with rice or orzo for body. The soup balances bright citrus flavors with the richness of eggs and silky texture from the broth.

Can I substitute orzo for rice in Greek lemon chicken soup?

Yes, orzo can be used instead of rice in this soup. Use about 1 cup of orzo in place of rice and reduce the cooking time since orzo cooks faster—usually around 7-9 minutes. Add orzo towards the end of cooking to avoid overcooking, ensuring it remains tender but not mushy. This variation offers a pasta-like texture while maintaining the traditional flavor.

How do I prevent the eggs from curdling when making avgolemono sauce?

To avoid curdling, slowly temper the beaten eggs with hot broth before adding them back to the main soup. Gradually whisk warm broth into the eggs in a separate bowl to raise their temperature gently. Then stir the egg mixture into the pot over low heat without boiling. Constant stirring and low heat are key to creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

Can Greek lemon chicken soup be frozen and reheated?

Yes, you can freeze Greek lemon chicken soup, but with caution. Let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. When reheating, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently on the stove over low heat. Add a little broth or water if the soup thickens. Stir frequently to keep the texture smooth and prevent the eggs from separating.

Is Greek lemon chicken soup healthy and suitable for a light meal?

Greek lemon chicken soup is light and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for a healthy meal. It’s low in fat since it contains no cream, yet provides protein from chicken and eggs. The lemon adds vitamin C and a fresh flavor without added calories. It’s also gluten-free if you use rice instead of orzo, and nourishing if you include vegetables or herbs like parsley for extra vitamins and antioxidants.

Avgolemono Soup Recipe Classic Greek Lemon Chicken Soup