Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a classic Mediterranean dish known for its tangy lemon flavor, creamy texture, and nourishing warmth. This flavorful soup blends the richness of chicken broth with the brightness of lemon and the creamy consistency of eggs. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a comforting starter, Avgolemono has been a favorite in Greek cuisine for centuries. With tender orzo pasta and shredded chicken, this soup is both satisfying and light, making it an ideal choice for any season.

Avgolemono is renowned for its simplicity and versatility. The addition of eggs and lemon creates a velvety broth, while the orzo pasta offers a subtle chewiness that elevates the texture. Whether you’re craving a bowl of comfort on a chilly evening or looking for a refreshing dish to serve at a family gathering, Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Simple Yet Flavorful

This soup is made with basic ingredients, yet the combination of lemon, chicken broth, and eggs creates a deeply satisfying, complex flavor.

2. Quick and Easy

With just a few steps and only 30 minutes of cooking time, Avgolemono is easy to prepare even on busy weeknights.

3. A Light, Nourishing Meal

While creamy and comforting, this soup remains light and healthy, with shredded chicken providing protein and orzo adding a touch of substance without being heavy.

4. Versatile and Customizable

This soup can easily be adjusted with more or less lemon, additional herbs like oregano or thyme, or by swapping pasta shapes.

5. Great for Leftovers

Avgolemono stores well in the fridge and can be reheated for a tasty lunch or second dinner. It’s a dish that tastes just as good the next day!

Ingredients

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh dill for garnish

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add diced carrots or celery for a heartier, veggie-packed soup.
• Use Rice Instead of Orzo: If you prefer rice, swap out the orzo for 1/2 cup of cooked rice.
• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
• Vegan Version: Use vegetable broth, and swap the chicken for chickpeas or tofu to make a vegan-friendly Avgolemono.
• Extra Lemon: If you love a strong lemon flavor, feel free to increase the lemon juice to suit your taste.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Chicken Broth

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the boiling broth and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice until smooth.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This will prevent the eggs from curdling when added to the hot broth.

Step 5: Add the Egg Mixture to the Broth

Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the pot of broth, stirring continuously to combine. This will thicken the soup and give it a creamy texture.

Step 6: Add the Chicken

Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring to combine.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from heat and serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh dill for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Tempering the Eggs: Be sure to temper the eggs slowly with hot broth to avoid scrambling. This is an important step to create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor. The acidity from the lemon will help balance the richness of the eggs and chicken broth.
• Consistency Adjustments: If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken broth or a splash of water to reach your preferred consistency.
• Shredded Chicken: For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. You can also poach chicken breasts in the broth before adding them to the soup.

How to Serve

Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh dill. It pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a light Greek salad with olives and feta. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables or pita for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Avgolemono can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken as it sits, so add a little more broth when reheating.

Freezing

Due to the egg mixture, this soup doesn’t freeze well, as the texture may change after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat. Add a bit of chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with other small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells.

2. Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, you can use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or additional vegetables for a vegetarian version.

4. What if I don’t have orzo?

If you don’t have orzo, you can substitute with other small pasta or rice.

5. Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Yes, carrots, celery, or spinach can easily be added for extra flavor and texture.

6. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Avgolemono is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It may thicken, so add more broth when reheating.

7. How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?

Slowly add hot broth to the egg mixture while whisking continuously to temper the eggs and prevent curdling.

8. Can I freeze this soup?

It’s not recommended to freeze this soup because the egg-lemon mixture may not hold up well after thawing.

9. How can I make the soup creamier?

You can add a bit of heavy cream or more egg mixture to make the soup creamier.

10. What’s the best way to serve this soup?

Serve it hot with fresh dill and a slice of crusty bread, or enjoy it with a side of Greek salad.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is a classic Mediterranean dish that offers a perfect balance of fresh lemon, creamy eggs, and savory chicken broth. Easy to make and full of flavor, it’s a comforting and satisfying dish for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family meal or impressing guests at a dinner party, this soup will surely be a hit. Try it today for a taste of Greece in your own kitchen!

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