The Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe You’ll Adore

Warming bowls of avgolemono soup have rescued my chilly evenings countless times.

Mediterranean kitchens perfected this comforting classic generations ago.

Creamy whisked eggs create incredible texture without heavy cream.

Bright citrus notes dance through tender chicken and soft rice.

Grandmothers across greece passed down this recipe with loving care.

Fresh herbs and zesty lemon transform simple ingredients into magic.

You’ll want to savor every spoonful of this soul-warming dish.

Reasons Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Stands Out

• Conquer Comfort Cooking: This Greek lemon chicken soup transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal that feels like a warm hug from your favorite chef.
• Master a Gourmet Technique: Learn the art of tempering eggs without scrambling, elevating your culinary skills with a professional cooking method that impresses family and friends.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for vegetarian protein, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra vegetables to make it perfectly suited to your taste preferences.
• Nourish Body and Soul: Packed with protein, vegetables, and bright lemon flavor, this soup delivers a nutritious one-pot meal that provides comfort and healing in every spoonful.

What You Need for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup that provides a rich and savory liquid base.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor characteristic of Greek cuisine.
• Chicken Soup Base: Enhances the overall depth of chicken flavor in the soup.

• Shredded Carrots, Chopped Onion, Celery: These vegetables contribute subtle sweetness and aromatic depth to the soup.
• Ground White Pepper: Provides a mild, clean pepper flavor without dark specks.

• Margarine (or Butter), Flour: Creates a smooth roux that helps thicken the soup and gives it a creamy texture.
• Egg Yolks: Provide a silky, luxurious consistency and help bind the soup together.

• Cooked Rice: Adds heartiness and makes the soup more filling.
• Diced Chicken: Provides protein and makes the soup a complete meal.

• Fresh Lemon Slice: Offers a bright, citrusy accent and visual appeal to the finished soup.

Step Into Comfort with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Build Flavor Foundation

Combine chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, and celery in a large pot. Sprinkle ground white pepper for depth.

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Let the vegetables soften and release their flavors for 15-20 minutes.

Step 2: Create Silky Soup Base

In a small mixing bowl, blend margarine and flour until perfectly smooth. Slowly incorporate this roux into the simmering soup.

Stir consistently and cook for 8-10 minutes, watching the soup transform and slightly thicken.

Step 3: Master Egg Tempering Technique

Whip egg yolks in a separate bowl until they become pale and creamy.

Carefully ladle hot soup into the yolks, whisking vigorously to prevent any curdling. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously.

Maintain low heat to keep the soup luxuriously smooth.

Step 4: Add Hearty Ingredients

Fold in cooked rice and tender diced chicken.

Warm everything together for a few additional minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Serve with Sunshine

Ladle the soup into warm bowls.

Brighten each serving with a fresh lemon slice. Enjoy this comforting Greek classic while it’s steaming hot!

Helpful Hints for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Slowly add hot soup to egg yolks while whisking continuously to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky texture.
• Keep the soup at a low heat after adding egg mixture to avoid scrambling eggs and preserve the delicate consistency.
• Use leftover or freshly cooked rice with medium-grain varieties for the best absorption and texture in the soup.
• Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and tasting gradually to achieve balanced citrus flavor.
• Substitute chicken with rotisserie, grilled, or plant-based protein alternatives to suit different dietary needs and preferences.

Ways to Switch Up Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Vegetarian Avgolemono: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or cauliflower, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version. Swap chicken pieces with diced tofu cubes and ensure all ingredients remain vegetarian-friendly.
• Dairy-Free Greek Soup: Use coconut oil instead of margarine, substitute butter with olive oil, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free. Select almond milk or coconut milk for added creaminess if needed.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Soup: Skip rice completely and replace with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use bone broth for enhanced protein content and maintain traditional Greek soup flavors. Reduce overall carbohydrate content while preserving authentic taste profile.

Great Matches for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the soup’s bright lemon flavor and cut through its creamy texture.

Serve warm, crusty Greek pita or sourdough bread alongside the soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up the rich, tangy broth.

Prepare a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta cheese, and oregano to balance the soup’s warmth and add fresh, crunchy contrast.

Sprinkle fresh dill or chopped parsley on top of the soup to boost its aromatic profile and provide a subtle herbal undertone.

Best Way to Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with rice as it can become mushy when thawed.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching. Heat until steaming but not boiling to maintain the soup's delicate texture.

FAQs

• What makes this soup different from regular chicken soup?

This Greek-style soup uses egg yolks to create a unique, silky texture and lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor that sets it apart from traditional chicken soups.

• Is this soup nutritious?

Yes, it’s packed with protein from chicken and egg yolks, and contains vegetables like carrots, onions, and celery, making it a balanced and healthy meal option.

• Can I make this soup if I'm lactose intolerant?

You can easily substitute margarine or butter with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or plant-based butter to make the soup lactose-free.

• How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?

The key is to temper the egg yolks by slowly adding hot soup while whisking constantly, which gradually raises the egg temperature without scrambling them.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting Greek lemon chicken soup (avgolemono) brings Mediterranean warmth to your kitchen, blending zesty citrus with tender chicken and silky egg-enriched broth. Hearty yet light, this classic Greek dish invites you to savor a soul-soothing culinary journey in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 cup diced cooked chicken
• 8 egg yolks

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery

Base and Seasoning:

• 8 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 6 tablespoons chicken soup base
• 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
• 1/4 cup margarine (or butter)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cooked white rice
• 16 lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Craft the aromatic base by combining chicken broth, zesty lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper in a large pot. Elevate to a rolling boil over high heat, then reduce temperature and allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables reach tender perfection.
2. Create a smooth thickening agent by blending margarine and flour until consistent. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the simmering liquid, stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes until the soup develops a luxurious, slightly thickened consistency.
3. Transform egg yolks into a creamy emulsion by whisking vigorously until pale. Carefully temper the yolks by slowly introducing a ladle of hot soup while continuously whisking to prevent curdling. Gently reintegrate the egg mixture into the pot, stirring constantly over low heat without allowing the soup to boil.
4. Enhance the soup’s heartiness by folding in cooked rice and tender diced chicken. Warm thoroughly for a few additional minutes, ensuring all components meld together harmoniously.
5. Present the soup in warm bowls, adorning each serving with a vibrant lemon slice to amplify the citrusy brightness. Serve immediately to capture the soup’s optimal temperature and flavor profile.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Carefully temper egg yolks by slowly adding hot soup while whisking to create a smooth, creamy texture without scrambling.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute margarine with olive oil and use coconut milk or dairy-free yogurt for a creamy consistency that’s allergy-friendly.
• Rice Alternatives: Swap traditional rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or orzo for different nutritional profiles and exciting flavor variations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare soup base in advance and add rice and chicken just before serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 121 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 615 mg
• Fat: 6 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg