Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Featured in Warm Bowls of Comfort.

This traditional avgolemono soup brings together tender chicken and orzo pasta in a velvety broth that's enriched with egg yolks and brightened with fresh lemon juice. The careful tempering of eggs creates an incredibly silky texture while the lemon adds that signature Greek brightness that makes this soup so special. Perfect for warming up winter evenings, it manages to be both rich and light at the same time. The orzo soaks up all those amazing flavors while providing perfect texture in every spoonful!
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Updated on Tue, 14 Jan 2025 23:07:31 GMT
A creamy chicken soup garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices. Pin it
A creamy chicken soup garnished with fresh dill and lemon slices. | tasteofcook.com

The secret to my Greek Lemon Chicken Soup comes from my grandmother's Avgolemono recipe. That perfect balance of bright lemon fresh herbs and tender chicken wrapped in silky broth takes me right back to her kitchen. In just 35 minutes you've got a bowl of sunshine that's both light and filling.

Feel Good Comfort

What makes this soup special is how it lifts your spirits while warming your soul. That tangy lemon creamy texture comes from eggs not cream making it naturally gluten free. Make extra it tastes even better next day.

Your Shopping List

  • Olive Oil: Good quality makes everything taste better.
  • Fresh Veggies: Onion carrots celery finely diced.
  • Lemons: Fresh ones for zest and juice.
  • Garlic: Five cloves minced up fine.
  • Chicken Broth: Homemade if you can or good store bought.
  • White Rice: Half cup rinse it first.
  • Chicken: Rotisserie saves time tastes great.
  • Spinach: Fresh handful adds color goodness.
  • Fresh Dill: Brightens everything up.
  • Seasonings: Oregano bay leaves salt pepper.

Let's Make Magic

Start With Veggies
Heat olive oil cook onion celery carrots lemon peel till soft add garlic at end.

Build Your Broth
Add herbs broth bring to boil add rice simmer 10 minutes.

Egg Magic
Whisk eggs slowly add hot broth keep whisking makes it silky.

Bring It Home
Stir in chicken spinach dill lemon juice let warm through taste and adjust.

A bowl of chicken soup garnished with fresh dill and a slice of lemon. Pin it
A bowl of chicken soup garnished with fresh dill and a slice of lemon. | tasteofcook.com

A Little History

Avgolemono means egg-lemon in Greek been warming hearts forever. Our version adds fresh spinach keeps all that traditional tangy goodness. Shows how old recipes keep getting better.

My Best Tips

Take your time with those eggs whisk that hot broth in slow. Always use fresh lemons makes such a difference. Fish out those bay leaves lemon peels before serving. Rotisserie chicken makes life easier still tastes amazing.

Keep It Fresh

Let it cool before storing keeps 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Warm it gentle no boiling or those eggs get funny. Want to freeze? Skip eggs spinach add fresh when reheating.

Perfect Partners

Crusty bread or warm flatbread alongside catches all that good broth. Light Greek salad makes it a meal. Extra dill fresh pepper on top makes it pretty.

Pure Magic

Simple ingredients create something so special here. That creamy texture from just eggs that bright lemon aroma makes everyone smile. Comfort food that actually makes you feel good.

Mix It Up

Try orzo pasta instead of rice or quinoa for extra protein. Going vegetarian? Chickpeas work great with veggie broth. Love vegetables? Toss in zucchini peppers whatever makes you happy.

A bowl of light chicken soup garnished with shredded chicken, slices of lemon, and fresh dill. Pin it
A bowl of light chicken soup garnished with shredded chicken, slices of lemon, and fresh dill. | tasteofcook.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why temper the eggs?
Tempering prevents eggs from curdling by slowly warming them with hot broth before adding to soup. This creates a smooth, silky texture.
→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, skip cooking raw chicken and add shredded rotisserie chicken when recipe calls for returning chicken to pot.
→ What can I substitute for orzo?
Rice or small pasta shapes work well. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions.
→ Can I make this ahead?
Best served fresh as egg-lemon mixture can separate when reheated. If needed, reheat gently and whisk to recombine.
→ Why use egg yolks only?
Egg yolks create richness and silky texture without making soup cloudy like whole eggs would.

Conclusion

This comforting Greek soup combines tender chicken and orzo pasta in a silky, creamy broth enhanced with egg yolks and fresh lemon juice, creating a perfect winter warming dish.

Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Traditional Greek chicken soup featuring tender chicken and orzo in a silky broth enriched with egg yolks and fresh lemon juice.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Soups & Stews

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Olive oil - 1 tablespoon.
02 Onion, diced - 1 medium.
03 Carrot, diced - 1 medium.
04 Celery stalks, diced - 2-3.
05 Garlic cloves, chopped - 2-3.
06 Bay leaves - 2.
07 Chicken breasts - 12 ounces.
08 Chicken stock - 6 cups.
09 Orzo pasta - 3/4 cup.
10 Lemon juice - 1 lemon.
11 Egg yolks - 2.
12 Fresh dill.
13 Salt and pepper to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Sauté onion, carrot and celery in oil for 8-10 minutes until soft. Add garlic for 1 minute.

Step 02

Add bay leaves, chicken and stock. Boil then simmer covered 15 minutes.

Step 03

Remove chicken and bay leaves. Cook orzo 10 minutes. Shred chicken and return to pot.

Step 04

Whisk egg yolks and lemon juice. Temper with hot broth then add to soup. Cook 5 minutes.

Step 05

Stir in fresh dill, season to taste and serve topped with extra dill if desired.

Notes

  1. Temper eggs carefully to prevent curdling.
  2. Best served fresh.
  3. Can use rotisserie chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large stock pot or Dutch oven.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 377
  • Total Fat: 13 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 32 g