The Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Nothing beats a comforting greek lemon chicken soup when winter’s chill settles in your bones.

Warm Mediterranean flavors dance through this classic avgolemono, promising pure culinary comfort.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among silky egg-enriched broth, creating a magical dining experience.

Bright citrus notes cut through rich, velvety textures, making each spoonful surprisingly refreshing.

Fragrant herbs and delicate eggs transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Traditional Greek kitchens have perfected this recipe over generations, infusing love into every ladle.

Let this soul-warming soup transport you to a sunlit Greek island, where comfort knows no bounds.

Ingredients in Greek Chicken Lemon Soup

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken: Shredded meat perfect for a hearty soup.
• Eggs: Creamy base for thickening the soup.

• Onion: Sweet and aromatic vegetable.
• Celery: Crisp and light vegetable.
• Carrots: Bright orange vegetable for color and flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent and flavorful seasoning.
• Dill: Fresh herb with delicate taste.
• Lemon: Bright and tangy citrus fruit.

• Olive Oil: Smooth and rich cooking oil.
• Rice: Soft white grain for texture.
• Chicken Stock: Savory liquid base.
• Bay Leaf: Subtle herb for depth of flavor.
• Salt: Essential mineral for seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Classic spice for warmth.
• Lemon Juice: Acidic liquid for brightness.

Step-by-Step for Classic Avgolemono Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Warm olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

• Onion
• Celery
• Carrots

About 3 minutes.

Toss in garlic and cook until slightly browned and fragrant, around 20 seconds.

Step 2: Season and Add Base Ingredients

Sprinkle salt and pepper.

Stir in rice, coating it with oil.

Pour chicken stock and add bay leaf.

Bring mixture to a simmer.

Step 3: Cook Rice and Chicken

Simmer until rice becomes tender, approximately 10 minutes.

Mix in shredded chicken and maintain a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Prepare Egg and Lemon Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk lemon juice and eggs until light and frothy.

Step 5: Temper and Combine

Remove saucepan from heat.

Slowly whisk 2 cups of hot broth into egg mixture.

Gradually pour egg mixture back into soup, stirring to incorporate.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Stir in fresh dill.

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

Tips for Silky, Zesty Greek Soup

• Slowly whisk hot broth into egg mixture to temper eggs and avoid scrambling, creating a smooth, creamy soup texture.
• Sauté vegetables until they're tender and onions are translucent to enhance their natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Use short-grain or medium-grain rice for better absorption of broth and a more cohesive soup consistency.
• Incorporate fresh dill at the end of cooking to maintain its vibrant flavor and bright green color.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile meal option.

Save and Reheat Lemon Chicken Soup Properly

• Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover the surface with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.
• Gently warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken stock if the soup seems too thick.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Be careful not to overheat, which can cause the eggs to curdle.
• Avoid freezing this soup, as the egg-based broth will separate and become grainy when thawed, compromising the soup's creamy texture.

Sides That Go with Greek Soup

• Pair Zesty White Wine: Select crisp, acidic white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the soup's lemony brightness and light chicken flavor.
• Fresh Greek Salad Companion: Create a side salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and oregano-olive oil dressing to enhance the Mediterranean profile of the soup.
• Crusty Artisan Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or traditional Greek bread (like horiatiko psomi) to soak up the delicate broth and add textural contrast.
• Mediterranean Herb Garnish: Sprinkle extra fresh dill or oregano on top of the soup to intensify the herbal notes and provide a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Variants for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, using vegetable stock for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice to maintain the soup's texture while eliminating gluten.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower and reduce cooking time to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate version of the classic soup.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Add chickpeas, swap dill for fresh mint, and include a sprinkle of sumac for an enhanced Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this soup unique?

The combination of lemon juice, eggs, and dill gives this Greek soup its signature tangy and creamy texture, creating a bright and refreshing flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional chicken soups.

• Is this soup nutritionally balanced?

Yes, this soup provides a well-rounded meal with protein from chicken, carbohydrates from rice, and vegetables like onions, celery, and carrots, offering a good mix of nutrients in one comforting dish.

• Why do I need to temper the eggs carefully?

Tempering prevents the eggs from curdling by gradually raising their temperature, ensuring a smooth and silky texture in the soup without creating scrambled egg pieces.

• Can I use different types of rice?

While the recipe calls for regular rice, you can substitute with short-grain or long-grain white rice. Avoid brown rice as it takes longer to cook and might change the soup’s overall consistency.

What Makes Greek Lemon Soup So Refreshing

• Create Comforting Meal Magic: This Greek lemon chicken soup transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish that feels like a warm hug.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vegetables, and wholesome rice, this soup delivers a balanced meal that nourishes body and soul while providing essential nutrients.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for various occasions – from cozy family dinners to potlucks, this soup adapts seamlessly and satisfies diverse taste preferences with its bright, tangy flavor profile.

Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Comforting Greek lemon chicken soup (avgolemono) delivers Mediterranean warmth with silky broth, tender chicken, and zesty citrus notes. Creamy texture and bright flavors invite you to savor a classic Greek culinary experience.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small sweet onion, diced small
• 2 stalks celery, diced small
• 2 medium carrots, diced small
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 large bay leaf

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup Arborio rice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium temperature, introducing diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté the vegetables until softened and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Incorporate minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic, about 20 seconds. Sprinkle salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
3. Add rice to the vegetable mixture, stirring to ensure each grain is coated with oil and evenly distributed.
4. Pour chicken stock into the saucepan and introduce bay leaf. Bring liquid to a gentle simmer and cook until rice reaches tender consistency, roughly 10 minutes.
5. Fold shredded chicken into the simmering broth, maintaining low heat.
6. In a separate mixing bowl, vigorously whisk lemon juice and eggs until the mixture becomes light and frothy.
7. Remove saucepan from heat source and carefully temper the egg mixture by gradually whisking in 2 cups of hot broth. This critical step prevents egg curdling.
8. Slowly reintroduce the tempered egg mixture back into the soup, stirring continuously to create a smooth, integrated texture.
9. Sprinkle fresh dill throughout the soup, allowing herbs to release their aromatic essence.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed to balance flavors.
11. Ladle the soup into serving bowls and present immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Prevent egg curdling by tempering the eggs with hot broth gradually, whisking continuously to create a smooth, silky texture.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a bright, zesty flavor that elevates the entire soup’s taste profile.
• Choose short-grain rice like Arborio for a creamier consistency, or swap with quinoa for a gluten-free alternative.
• Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or replacing it with tofu for a vegetarian version.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg