The Zestiest Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Memories of my grandmother’s kitchen swirl around this Greek lemon chicken soup, a nostalgic blend of comfort and bright flavors.

Fragrant herbs dance through tender chicken pieces, creating a magical Mediterranean experience.

Bright citrus notes lift each spoonful with unexpected complexity.

Warm broth hugs delicate orzo pasta, infusing every bite with rich, homemade goodness.

Soft, pillowy textures contrast against sharp lemon undertones, making this soup a culinary adventure.

Whisking egg yolks into the broth adds silky depth that transforms an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Passionate home cooks can easily master this soul-warming classic that promises to delight and nourish.

What Makes Greek Lemon Chicken Soup So Bright and Comforting

• This recipe requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Packed with tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy lemon broth, this soup delivers a warm, satisfying experience that hugs your soul and boosts your energy.
• Swap chicken with turkey, use different grains like quinoa, or add extra vegetables to make this versatile soup match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• From start to finish, this soup comes together rapidly, offering a nutritious meal that doesn't demand hours of preparation or complex cooking skills.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat for protein and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Rich liquid base for the soup's foundation.

• Onion, Carrots, Celery: Classic aromatic vegetable mix for depth.
• Garlic: Adds warm, zesty flavor to the soup.

• Orzo or Rice: Provides hearty texture and substance to the soup.

• Eggs: Creamy thickening agent for the soup's silky texture.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy flavor that defines the soup's character.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste.
• Fresh Parsley or Dill, Lemon Slices: Fresh herbs and garnish for final touch.

• Olive Oil: Smooth base for sautéing vegetables.

How to Prepare Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions, diced carrots, and sliced celery.

Cook and stir for about 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft and translucent.

Toss in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Poach and Shred Chicken

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add whole chicken breasts.

Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.

Cook for 20 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through.

Carefully remove the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return the shredded meat back to the pot.

Step 3: Add Starchy Base

Stir in orzo or rice and cook according to package instructions.

For orzo, this typically takes 8-10 minutes, while rice may require around 15 minutes.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Create Silky Egg-Lemon Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth and well-combined.

Gradually add fresh lemon juice while continuing to whisk.

Slowly incorporate 1 cup of hot broth from the pot into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent the eggs from scrambling.

Step 5: Incorporate Egg Mixture

Reduce pot heat to low.

Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup, stirring continuously.

This technique creates a creamy, luxurious texture.

Be careful not to let the soup boil, as this can cause the eggs to curdle.

Step 6: Final Touches and Serving

Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top.

Garnish with thin lemon slices for an extra burst of citrus.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting Greek classic.

Tips for Balancing Citrus and Creaminess

• Add extra lemon zest to the egg-lemon mixture for a brighter, more pronounced citrus punch that elevates the entire soup's taste profile.
• Temper eggs carefully by slowly adding hot broth while continuously whisking to create a smooth, silky texture without scrambling.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse dietary preferences without compromising the soup's classic character.
• Use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie meat to reduce overall preparation time and simplify the cooking process for busy home cooks.
• Choose between orzo and rice based on personal preference, understanding that orzo provides a more delicate mouthfeel while rice offers a heartier texture.

Storing and Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool soup completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with orzo or rice, as they become mushy when thawed.
• Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Heat until steaming, but do not boil to prevent egg mixture from curdling.
• Pour soup into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add small amount of broth if soup seems too thick. Check temperature before serving to ensure even heating.

What to Pair with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Complementary Wine Selection: Pick a crisp, acidic white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or Sauvignon Blanc to match the soup's bright lemon notes and cut through the creamy texture.
• Herbal Beverage Pairing: Choose a refreshing mint tea or chamomile infusion to complement the soup's delicate flavors and provide a soothing counterpoint to the zesty lemon.
• Mediterranean Bread Companion: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough or traditional Greek pita bread to soak up the rich broth and add a delightful textural contrast to each spoonful.
• Citrus-Friendly Side Salad: Prepare a light Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil and lemon, echoing the soup's citrusy profile and adding fresh crunch.

Fresh Variations for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace orzo with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a celiac-friendly option that maintains the soup's creamy texture and nutritional value.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to create a plant-based protein-rich soup.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Eliminate grains completely and increase vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets for a lighter, ketogenic-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and use coconut milk or almond milk for added creaminess if desired, keeping the traditional Greek flavors intact.

FAQs

• What is the key technique for making the soup creamy without dairy?

The egg-lemon mixture (avgolemono) creates a smooth, creamy texture by slowly tempering eggs with hot broth, which thickens the soup without using cream.

• Why do I need to add hot broth to eggs gradually?

Gradually adding hot broth prevents eggs from scrambling by slowly raising their temperature, which creates a silky, smooth base for the soup without curdling.

• Can I use different types of protein in this soup?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even shredded lamb for variety while maintaining the traditional Greek soup’s essence.

• Is this soup healthy?

Absolutely! The soup is protein-rich from chicken, packed with vegetables like carrots and celery, and offers a vitamin boost from fresh lemon juice, making it a nutritious and comforting meal.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty Greek lemon chicken soup (avgolemono) weaves Mediterranean warmth with tangy citrus notes. Creamy broth and tender chicken invite comfort while zesty lemon creates a refreshing culinary experience perfect for soothing souls.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken

Soup Base:

• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 large eggs
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup orzo (or 1/2 cup rice for a gluten-free option)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
• Lemon slices for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a spacious pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery for approximately 5 minutes until they soften and become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence.
2. Pour chicken broth into the pot and add raw chicken breasts. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, ensuring the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Extract the chicken, shred it using two forks, and return the meat to the simmering broth.
3. Introduce orzo or rice to the pot, cooking according to package recommendations. Orzo typically requires 8-10 minutes, while rice might need around 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
4. Create the signature egg-lemon mixture by whisking eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate fresh lemon juice while continuing to whisk. Carefully ladle one cup of hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper and prevent curdling.
5. Lower the heat to its minimum setting. Slowly stream the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup, stirring continuously. Maintain a low temperature to preserve the silky texture and prevent egg scrambling.
6. Season the soup with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill, and add decorative lemon slices. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent curdling by carefully tempering eggs with hot broth, whisking constantly to create a smooth, silky texture without scrambled egg chunks.
• Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas to make the soup vegetarian-friendly and maintain a protein-rich meal.
• Choose gluten-free orzo or rice alternatives like quinoa or cauliflower rice for those with dietary restrictions, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting soup.
• Enhance flavor depth by using homemade chicken stock or adding a splash of white wine during vegetable sautéing for a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg