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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Incorporate minced garlic, stirring briefly until it releases its fragrant essence. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the vegetable medley.
- 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.
- Fold in shredded chicken, maintaining a delicate simmer that ensures even heating and flavor integration.
- Create a vibrant egg-lemon emulsion by whisking fresh lemon juice with eggs until the mixture becomes light and airy.
- 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.
- 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