Name: Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced (optional); 8 cups chicken broth; 1 cup white rice or orzo pasta; 2 large eggs; 1 egg yolk; Juice of 2–3 lemons (about ½ cup); 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish; Optional Add-ins: Spinach or kale, 1 tsp turmeric, quinoa instead of rice

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why make this recipe

Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a warm hug in a bowl. Packed with comforting flavors and nourishing ingredients, this soup is perfect for cozy meals or when you’re feeling under the weather. The combination of lemon, eggs, and chicken creates a refreshing and wholesome dish. Whether you need to unwind after a long day or seek comfort when you’re feeling ill, this soup is a simple yet effective way to bring comfort and wellness to your table.

how to make Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced (optional)
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup white rice or orzo pasta
2 large eggs
1 egg yolk
Juice of 2–3 lemons (about ½ cup)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-ins: Spinach or kale, 1 tsp turmeric, quinoa instead of rice

Directions:

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the rice or orzo and cook until tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and lemon juice until the mixture is frothy.
Slowly ladle hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Gradually stir the tempered mixture back into the pot. Add in the shredded chicken and cook on low heat without boiling until the soup is creamy and heated through.
Adjust the salt and black pepper to your taste. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley, and serve hot.

how to serve Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Serve this soup hot in a bowl. You can add extra garnishes like fresh dill, parsley, or a sprinkle of black pepper on top. It pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting warmth and the zesty flavors!

how to store Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can also freeze it. Just be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

tips to make Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Make sure to temper the egg mixture with hot broth slowly to prevent curdling.
You can use leftover roasted chicken for a quicker preparation.
Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice according to your taste preference. More lemon juice adds brightness, while less makes it milder.
Adding vegetables like spinach or kale can boost the nutritional content and add vibrant color to the soup.

variation

For a gluten-free version, substitute the rice or orzo with quinoa. Additionally, you can add spices like turmeric for added health benefits and color.

FAQs

How can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas or more vegetables.

Can I use fresh chicken instead of shredded chicken?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply cook it in the pot with the broth until fully cooked, then shred it before adding the egg mixture.

What if I don’t have any lemons?
If you don’t have lemons, you can use lime juice as a substitute, but the flavor will be slightly different. You could also use vinegar, but start with a small amount as it’s stronger.