Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

If you’ve ever craved a soup that’s both comforting and wonderfully bright, Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup might just become your new favorite. This classic Greek bowl is silky, creamy (with no cream!), and bursting with the sunny tang of fresh lemon, tender chicken, and fragrant broth—just the antidote for dreary days or when you need a delicious dose of Mediterranean magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of classic ingredients to create that signature creamy-yet-bright Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup texture and flavor. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, so don’t skip or swap without reading the notes!

• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth—Greek olive oil brings authentic flavor, but use your favorite if needed.
• Carrots, Celery, Green Onions: These vegetables form the aromatic, savory base and a bit of sweetness, giving the soup heartiness and beautiful color.
• Garlic: Two cloves infuse a hint of warmth and complexity that rounds out the broth.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Use a good-quality broth for maximum flavor; it’s truly the backbone of any Avgolemono soup.
• Bay Leaves: Just a couple impart subtle herbal notes—you’ll notice the difference!
• Rice: The classic choice for Avgolemono: it thickens the soup lusciously, making it filling without cream.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste—don’t undersalt, as the seasoning makes the flavors pop.
• Cooked Boneless Chicken Breast: Leftover or rotisserie chicken works perfectly; just shred and stir in for max tenderness.
• Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice: The star ingredient—use freshly squeezed for unbeatable brightness and zing!
• Eggs: They create the signature creaminess when whisked with lemon and broth—no dairy needed!
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For a sprinkle of fresh green and a pop of flavor right at the end.

Variations

Once you master the classic version, feel free to get creative! Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is incredibly versatile—swap grains, mix up the greens, or make it vegetarian to suit everyone at your table.

• Orzo Instead of Rice: Swap in 1 cup of orzo for the rice, which will lend a silkier texture and cooks in only about 7 minutes—just keep an eye on the doneness.
• Make It Vegetarian: Use a rich vegetable broth and swap cooked chickpeas for the chicken for a plant-based twist that’s just as cozy.
• Add Fresh Spinach: Toss in a generous handful of baby spinach right before serving for a pop of green and extra nutrients.
• Boost the Herbs: Add a sprig of fresh dill or a sprinkle of thyme with the parsley for even more Mediterranean flair.

How to Make Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a generous splash of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Add your carrots, celery, and green onions, tossing them together for a brief fragrant sauté until they begin to soften—then stir in the garlic. This quick step unlocks a full spectrum of savory flavors that will make your kitchen smell like a Mediterranean taverna.

Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Rice

Pour in your chicken broth and drop in the bay leaves, then increase the heat to bring everything to a cheerful rolling boil. Once bubbling, stir in the rice and season with salt and pepper. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes, until the rice is tender and the soup base is beautifully melded.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Prepare Egg-Lemon Sauce

Now, stir in the shredded cooked chicken—if you’re using rotisserie chicken, it couldn’t be easier! Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the fresh lemon juice and eggs until completely blended. To keep the eggs silky and prevent scrambling, slowly add in 2 ladlefuls of hot broth, whisking constantly to temper (this step is the secret to Avgolemono’s luscious creaminess!).

Step 4: Finish the Soup with Avgolemono Sauce

With the egg-lemon mixture smooth and warmed, gently pour it back into your soup while stirring the pot. Immediately remove from the heat—this keeps the soup velvety and avoids curdling the eggs. Pause for just a moment to appreciate that gorgeous creamy-lemon aroma!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Ladle your Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup into bowls and add a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness and color. Serve piping hot with your favorite crusty bread, and dig in!

How to Serve Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Garnishes

For an authentic finish, scatter fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of fresh dill over your Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or even a few thin lemon slices will make each bowl pop with freshness and color.

Side Dishes

This soup shines next to a crusty loaf of bread—think a rustic sourdough or classic Greek country bread for soaking up every last drop. Alternatively, a crisp cucumber-tomato salad or a platter of olives and feta rounds out a truly Mediterranean spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a memorable dinner party starter, serve Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup in small espresso cups or shot glasses for elegant, party-ready sips. Or, ladle it into shallow bowls and garnish each portion uniquely—one with dill, one with sliced scallions, and another with a swirl of chili oil for a modern twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup may thicken slightly as it sits, but a splash of extra broth can easily restore its silky texture when reheating.

Freezing

Because of the egg-lemon emulsion, freezing Avgolemono soup isn’t ideal—the texture may become grainy or separate when thawed. If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the egg-lemon sauce, then thaw, reheat, and whisk in the sauce just before serving for the best results.

Reheating

Warm your soup gently in a saucepan over low heat to avoid curdling the eggs—avoid boiling at all costs. Stir frequently and add a little extra broth or water as needed to bring back that luscious, silky-smooth consistency.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If ever a soup could lift your spirits and warm your heart, it’s Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. I hope you’ll treat yourself to a homemade pot soon—there’s something magical about that perfect balance of velvety broth and zesty lemon. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a comforting favorite in your home, too!

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