Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the richness of chicken broth with the bright, tangy notes of fresh lemon. This classic Greek soup is a perfect balance of creamy texture and zesty citrus flavor, making it a beloved choice for cold days or when you need something light yet satisfying. The egg-lemon mixture gives the soup a silky smooth finish, while the orzo pasta and shredded chicken make it hearty and filling. Whether you’ve tried it before or are discovering it for the first time, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Avgolemono is not just a delicious soup; it’s also steeped in tradition. The tangy lemon and velvety egg mixture are staples of Greek cuisine, often used to create a harmonious blend of flavors that are both comforting and refreshing. What makes this dish stand out is its versatility; it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or an elegant starter for a Mediterranean feast. Whether served as a first course or a standalone meal, Greek Lemon Chicken Soup will transport your taste buds straight to Greece.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Flavorful and Balanced

The combination of tangy lemon, creamy egg, and savory chicken broth creates a soup that’s bright, rich, and deeply satisfying.

2. Quick and Easy

With only a few ingredients and a cooking time of under 30 minutes, this soup is easy to prepare for a quick lunch or dinner.

3. Comforting and Hearty

The orzo pasta and shredded chicken make this soup hearty, while the lemon adds a refreshing and light touch, perfect for any season.

4. Healthy and Nutritious

Packed with lean protein from the chicken and a variety of vitamins from the fresh lemon and dill, this soup is both nourishing and light.

5. Versatile and Customizable

You can easily adjust the soup to your liking, whether by adding more vegetables, adjusting the lemon for extra tang, or using different herbs for garnish.

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

Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version of Avgolemono.
Extra Veggies: Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach to make the soup even more filling and nutrient-packed.
Herb Options: Garnish with other fresh herbs such as parsley or mint for a unique twist on the traditional dill garnish.
Rice Instead of Orzo: If you prefer rice over pasta, you can substitute the orzo with 1/2 cup of cooked white rice for a different texture.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Bring Broth to a Boil

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

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

Add the orzo pasta to the boiling broth and cook for about 8 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg and Lemon Mixture

While the orzo cooks, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice in a mixing bowl until well combined.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

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

Step 5: Combine the Egg Mixture with the Broth

Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot of hot broth, stirring continuously to ensure the soup thickens and becomes creamy.

Step 6: Add Chicken and Season

Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

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

Tips for Making the Recipe

Tempering the Eggs: It’s important to temper the eggs slowly with hot broth to prevent them from scrambling. Always whisk constantly while adding the hot liquid.
Use Homemade Broth: For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought.
Adjust Lemon to Taste: If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice to the soup.
Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo pasta can become mushy if overcooked, so be sure to watch the cooking time closely.

How to Serve

Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup as a main dish for a light dinner or as an appetizer for a Mediterranean-inspired meal. It pairs wonderfully with warm pita bread or a light salad. For a more filling option, add a side of roasted vegetables or a Mediterranean platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Avgolemono can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The soup will thicken as it cools, so you may want to add a bit more broth when reheating.

Freezing

While you can freeze this soup, it’s important to note that the egg-lemon mixture may not retain its smooth texture once frozen and reheated. If you plan to freeze it, consider adding the egg mixture fresh when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup over low heat on the stove, adding extra chicken broth if necessary to restore the consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use rice instead of orzo?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with cooked white rice for a different texture and flavor.

2. Is this soup gluten-free?

If you use gluten-free orzo or rice, this soup can be made gluten-free.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version of Avgolemono.

4. How can I adjust the lemon flavor?

If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to the soup.

5. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and will add extra flavor to the soup.

6. Can I freeze this soup?

While the soup can be frozen, the texture of the egg mixture may change. It’s best to freeze the soup without the eggs and add the egg mixture when reheating.

7. What can I use instead of dill for garnish?

You can use parsley, mint, or even basil to garnish the soup for a different flavor profile.

8. Can I make this soup in advance?

You can prepare the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to add the egg-lemon mixture just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.

9. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute orzo with any small pasta, such as acini di pepe or small shells.

10. Is this soup good for meal prepping?

This soup is great for meal prepping, but you may need to adjust the consistency when reheating by adding more broth.

Conclusion

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is the perfect blend of rich, savory flavors and bright, tangy citrus. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s ideal for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to holiday meals. With its creamy egg-lemon base, tender chicken, and comforting orzo pasta, it’s a soup that will warm you up from the inside out. Whether you’re familiar with Greek cuisine or trying it for the first time, this recipe is sure to become a beloved addition to your cooking repertoire.