Description
Craving something warm, velvety, and packed with Mediterranean flavor? Avgolemono Soup is your go-to comfort food with a Greek twist. This creamy lemon chicken soup is light yet satisfying, made with fresh lemon juice, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice or orzo. Whether you need quick breakfast comfort, easy dinner ideas, or a cozy and healthy snack, this easy recipe brings warmth and brightness to your bowl — and your day.
Ingredients
3–4 lbs whole chicken or 1.5 lbs boneless chicken
10 cups water or chicken stock
1 cup white rice or orzo pasta
3 large eggs
1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
1 medium onion, halved
2 garlic cloves, smashed
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or dill (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Place the chicken, onion, garlic, bay leaves, and water or broth in a large pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 45 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
2. Remove chicken and discard aromatics. Let chicken cool, shred into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
3. Add rice or orzo to the simmering broth and cook for 10–15 minutes until tender.
4. In a bowl, whisk eggs until frothy, then add lemon juice. Slowly whisk in a ladle of hot broth to temper.
5. Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot, stirring gently. Keep heat low and do not boil.
6. Return shredded chicken to the soup, season with salt and pepper, and serve garnished with herbs if desired.
Notes
Use only fresh lemon juice for optimal flavor and aroma.
Always temper the eggs carefully to avoid curdling the soup.
Do not reheat over high heat — gentle warming keeps the soup creamy and smooth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: easy recipe, Greek soup, chicken lemon soup, healthy soup, avgolemono