Zingy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Passionate home cooks adore this creamy greek lemon chicken soup that brings Mediterranean comfort right to your kitchen.

Warm broth whispers stories of traditional Greek hospitality and culinary magic.

Tender chicken pieces float alongside delicate egg-lemon sauce, creating a symphony of tangy flavors.

Fragrant herbs dance through each spoonful, promising a soul-warming experience.

Rich and velvety, this soup feels like a heartfelt embrace from a Greek grandmother.

Zesty and comforting, it beckons you to savor every delightful bite.

Prepare to fall in love with a recipe that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Lemon Chicken Soup With Greek Comfort In Every Spoon

Quick and Comforting Cooking:

Whip up this hearty soup in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal fast.

Beginner-Friendly Technique:

Master the classic Greek avgolemono technique of whisking eggs and broth together, creating a creamy texture without complicated steps – even novice cooks can nail this recipe.

Healthy One-Pot Wonder:

Pack nutrition into a single pot with lean protein from chicken, vegetables for vitamins, and a bright lemon finish that boosts immune health and flavor in one satisfying bowl.

Versatile Meal Solution:

Transform leftover chicken into a gourmet soup that works equally well for cozy family dinners, sick day comfort, or elegant lunch gatherings with minimal ingredient preparation.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup What You’ll Use

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for sautéing vegetables and building flavor foundation.
• Onion, Celery, Carrots: Classic mirepoix blend for depth and aromatic vegetable base.
• Garlic: Adds bold, warm flavor to enhance overall soup profile.

• Chicken Stock: Primary liquid base that creates rich, warm soup foundation.
• Shredded Chicken: Main protein source providing hearty texture and substance.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herb that adds depth and complexity to soup's flavor profile.

• Arborio Rice: Creamy Italian rice that helps thicken soup and adds luxurious texture.
• Eggs: Creates silky texture and helps stabilize soup's consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy element that cuts through richness and adds refreshing accent.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb that provides fresh, light finish to the soup.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance overall flavor profile.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Cooking Method

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatic Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots

Stir the vegetables for about 3 minutes until the onion turns translucent.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Toss in minced garlic and cook for 20 seconds until it becomes slightly golden and releases its aroma.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Prepare the Rice

Add Arborio rice to the pan and gently coat it with the flavorful oil, ensuring each grain gets a delicious coating.

Step 4: Build the Soup Foundation

Pour in chicken stock and drop in a bay leaf.

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the rice to become tender and absorb the rich flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate Chicken

Mix in shredded chicken and continue simmering the soup gently, letting all ingredients meld together.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Lemon Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice and eggs until the mixture becomes light and frothy.

Step 7: Temper the Egg Mixture

Remove the saucepan from heat.

Gradually whisk 2 cups of hot broth into the egg mixture.

Slowly pour this tempered mixture back into the soup, stirring continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Stir in fresh dill and adjust seasoning to your taste.

Ladle the soup into warm bowls and serve immediately for the best dining experience.

Greek Chicken Soup Tips for Lemon-Rich Flavor

• Slowly add hot broth to egg mixture to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth soup texture.
• Watch Arborio rice carefully during simmering to maintain perfect al dente consistency without turning mushy.
• Toast garlic briefly to release aromatic oils and enhance the overall soup's rich taste profile.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover, or plant-based protein alternatives for versatile meal preparation.
• Adjust lemon juice quantity based on personal preference, starting with less and tasting gradually for balanced acidity.

Warm Up Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent egg separation and maintain smooth texture.
• Add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating to restore original consistency and prevent thickness.
• Avoid freezing this soup, as eggs and rice can negatively impact texture and become grainy when thawed.

Light Bites with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the soup's bright lemon notes and enhances the delicate chicken flavor.
• Serve with Rustic Greek Bread: Grab a crusty sourdough or traditional Greek peasant bread to soak up the creamy broth and add delightful textural contrast.
• Match with Light Greek Salad: Create a simple side salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and oregano to balance the soup's richness.
• Accompany with Herb-Roasted Potatoes: Prepare small golden potato wedges seasoned with rosemary and thyme to provide a hearty side that echoes the soup's Mediterranean profile.

Lemon Chicken Soup Alternate Versions

• Vegetarian Avgolemono: Replace chicken with cubed tofu or white beans, using vegetable stock for a plant-based version that maintains the creamy texture and bright lemon flavor.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap Arborio rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, gluten-free alternative that still offers a satisfying meal.
• Low-Carb Greek Soup: Use cauliflower rice instead of Arborio rice, reducing carbohydrates while keeping the traditional soup's rich, tangy profile and comforting warmth.
• Dairy-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and skip any potential dairy additions, creating an allergen-friendly version that remains true to the original recipe's Mediterranean essence.

FAQs

• What is Arborio rice, and why is it used in this soup?

Arborio rice is a short-grain Italian rice with high starch content that creates a creamy texture. It’s perfect for this soup because it helps thicken the broth and adds a luxurious, velvety consistency.

• How does the egg mixture prevent curdling?

Tempering the eggs by slowly adding hot broth raises their temperature gradually, preventing sudden heat shock that causes curdling. Continuous whisking and slow incorporation ensure a smooth, silky soup texture.

• Can I use different herbs instead of dill?

While dill provides a classic Greek flavor, you can substitute with fresh parsley or oregano. These herbs will still complement the lemon and chicken, offering a similar bright, fresh taste profile.

• What makes this soup a traditional Greek recipe?

This soup, known as avgolemono, is a classic Greek comfort food featuring a signature egg-lemon sauce that creates a rich, tangy broth. It combines simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and citrus in a uniquely Greek culinary tradition.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Wholesome Greek lemon chicken soup brings Mediterranean comfort straight to your kitchen. Zesty broth, tender chicken, and delicate orzo create a soul-warming experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 (6 ounces each) chicken breasts, seasoned, cooked, and shredded
• 2 large eggs

Grains and Starches:

• 1/2 cup Arborio rice

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small sweet onion, diced small
• 2 stalks celery, diced small
• 2 medium carrots, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 large bay leaf

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (not table salt)
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

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Instructions

1. Prepare the aromatic base by gently heating olive oil in a spacious pot over medium flame. Introduce diced onions, sliced celery, and chopped carrots, allowing them to soften and become translucent.
2. Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly until it releases its fragrant essence. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the vegetable medley.
3. Introduce Arborio rice, carefully coating the grains with the infused oil. Pour in chicken stock and add a bay leaf, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer. Allow the rice to absorb the flavors and become tender.
4. Fold in shredded chicken, maintaining a delicate simmer that ensures even heating and flavor integration.
5. Create a vibrant egg-lemon emulsion by whisking fresh lemon juice with eggs until the mixture becomes light and airy.
6. Carefully remove the pot from heat. Gradually introduce hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Slowly reincorporate the tempered mixture back into the soup, stirring to create a smooth, creamy consistency.
7. Finish the soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped dill. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls, allowing the complex flavors to shine.

Notes

• Prevent egg curdling by slowly adding hot broth to the egg mixture while whisking constantly, creating a smooth and creamy soup texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein option that adds instant flavor and saves preparation time.
• Experiment with alternative grains like quinoa or orzo if Arborio rice is unavailable, maintaining the soup’s hearty consistency.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale, boosting the soup’s vitamin content and providing additional nutrients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 290 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 160 mg