Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is a warm, comforting dish that brings the delightful flavors of Greece right to your table. This soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion—whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The unique combination of tender chicken, delicate orzo, and a rich egg-lemon sauce makes this Greek classic stand out among soups.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and creamy taste: The silky egg-lemon sauce adds a luxurious texture that elevates the dish.
• Quick to prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this comforting meal ready in under an hour.
• Nutrient-packed: Loaded with chicken and vegetables, this soup is both satisfying and healthy.
• Versatile serving options: Enjoy it as a main meal or as an appetizer to impress your guests.
• Freezable leftovers: Make a big batch and freeze the leftovers for quick meals on busy days.

Tools and Preparation

To create the perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, having the right tools will make the process seamless. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Whisk
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking all ingredients evenly while allowing ample space for simmering.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes dicing vegetables quick and safe.
• Whisk: Helps in blending the egg yolks and lemon juice smoothly into the soup without curdling.

Ingredients

A classic Greek soup combining chicken, orzo, and a silky egg-lemon sauce – comfort food at its finest.

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium carrot, diced
• 2-3 celery stalks, diced
• 2-3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz/350g total)
• 6 cups (1.5 liter) chicken stock
• ¾ cup (175g) orzo
• 2 egg yolks
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh dill
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

Step 1: Heat the Base

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for 8–10 minutes until they are softened.

Step 2: Add Flavorful Elements

Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then add bay leaves, chicken breasts, and chicken stock to the pot.

Step 3: Simmering Time

Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 15 minutes. After simmering, remove the chicken breasts and bay leaves from the pot.

Step 4: Incorporate Orzo

Add orzo to the soup base and cook for about 10 minutes until tender. While it cooks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces before returning it to the pot.

Step 5: Create Egg-Lemon Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and lemon juice. Temper this mixture with hot soup broth by slowly adding a bit of it into the bowl while whisking continuously. Then pour this mixture back into the pot.

Step 6: Final Touches

Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat while stirring gently. Finally, stir in fresh dill, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot with extra dill if desired.

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a comforting dish that warms the heart. Its rich flavors and creamy texture make it perfect for any occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Crusty Baguette – Serve with slices of crusty baguette for dipping in the soup.
• Pita Bread – Soft pita complements the lemon flavors and can be used as a scoop.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Dill Sprigs – Garnish each bowl with fresh dill to brighten up the flavors.
• Chopped Parsley – A sprinkle of parsley adds color and freshness.

Accompanied by Salad

• Greek Salad – A refreshing salad made with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta balances the richness of the soup.
• Simple Green Salad – Mixed greens with a light vinaigrette provide a crisp contrast.

With a Side of Rice

• Lemon Rice – Flavorful lemon rice pairs beautifully, echoing the citrus notes of the soup.
• Herbed Rice – Rice cooked with fresh herbs adds an aromatic touch.

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How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

To achieve the best version of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, follow these helpful tips for a delicious outcome.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Don’t Overcook Orzo – Cook orzo just until tender; it should remain slightly firm for texture.
• Temper the Egg Mixture – Gradually mix hot soup into egg yolks to avoid scrambling them before adding to the pot.
• Balance Acid Levels – Adjust lemon juice according to your taste preference; start with less and add more if needed.
• Season Generously – Taste and season well with salt and pepper to enhance all flavors in the soup.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

Pairing side dishes with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup enhances your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. Feta Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of feta cheese varieties served with olives and cherry tomatoes.
2. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas) – These savory bites filled with rice and herbs are a classic Mediterranean treat.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies tossed in olive oil add color and nutrients.
4. Spanakopita – Flaky pastry filled with spinach and feta makes for a delightful side.
5. Hummus and Veggies – A creamy dip paired with crunchy veggies offers a healthy option for snacking.
6. Tzatziki Sauce – This yogurt-based sauce pairs well as a refreshing dip alongside your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) can be delightful, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the aromatics: Failing to sauté the onion, carrot, and celery will result in a lack of flavor. Always cook these vegetables first to build a solid base.
• Overcooking the orzo: If you leave the orzo in too long, it can turn mushy. Aim for the recommended cooking time and check for al dente texture.
• Not tempering the egg mixture: Adding cold egg yolks directly to hot soup can cause them to curdle. Always temper by whisking in some hot soup before adding it back.
• Ignoring seasoning: Under-seasoning can lead to bland soup. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and fresh dill before serving.
• Using low-quality stock: Poor stock can diminish the flavor of your soup. Choose a good-quality chicken stock for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftover Greek Lemon Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• item It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

• item Allow soup to cool completely before freezing.
• item Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• item The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono).

How do I make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) thicker?

To thicken your soup, you can add more orzo or reduce it longer on the stove. Adjusting the egg-lemon mixture also helps achieve a creamier texture.

Can I use leftovers from a roast chicken?

Absolutely! Using leftover roast chicken is an excellent way to save time and enhance flavor in your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono).

Is Avgolemono suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This soup is perfect for meal prep as it stores well in both the fridge and freezer. Just be sure to follow proper storage instructions.

What can I serve with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)?

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, a fresh salad, or even spanakopita for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is not just comforting but also versatile. Feel free to customize it by adding vegetables like spinach or peas. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!