Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A Comforting and Zesty Delight

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it’s Greek lemon chicken soup—also known as Avgolemono. This traditional Greek dish is a perfect blend of bright citrus flavor, tender chicken, and velvety texture. It’s soothing, hearty, and packed with nutrients, making it a go-to meal for chilly days or when you need a quick boost of energy.

If you’ve never tried making Greek lemon chicken soup before, don’t worry! This guide will walk you through everything—from ingredients and preparation to tips and variations—so you can make a delicious, restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

✔️ Rich and Creamy Texture – The egg yolks create a luscious, silky finish.
✔️ Bright and Refreshing Flavor – Fresh lemon juice gives it a zesty kick.
✔️ Protein-Packed and Filling – Chicken and rice make it a satisfying meal.
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
✔️ Perfect for Any Season – Great for cold weather but light enough for summer.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Here’s everything you need to make this delicious soup:

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken broth	8 cups
Fresh lemon juice	½ cup
Shredded carrots	½ cup
Finely chopped onion	½ cup
Finely chopped celery	½ cup
Chicken soup base	6 tablespoons
Ground white pepper	¼ teaspoon
Margarine	¼ cup
All-purpose flour	¼ cup
Egg yolks	8
Cooked white rice	1 cup
Diced cooked chicken	1 cup
Lemon slices (for garnish)	16

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

1. Prepare the Base

Start by combining the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, celery, chicken soup base, and white pepper in a large pot. Place it over high heat and bring it to a boil.

Once the soup is boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

2. Thicken the Soup

In a small bowl, mix margarine and flour until you form a smooth paste. Slowly add this mixture to the simmering soup, stirring frequently. Continue cooking for 8–10 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.

3. Temper the Egg Yolks

In a separate bowl, beat the egg yolks until they turn pale and creamy. To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly add a ladle of hot soup to the yolks while whisking continuously.

Once the egg mixture is warmed up, gradually pour it back into the pot, stirring constantly. Cook gently for a few minutes, but do not let it boil—this ensures a smooth and creamy consistency.

4. Add the Chicken and Rice

Now, stir in the cooked rice and diced chicken. Let everything warm through for a few more minutes.

5. Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a slice of lemon for extra freshness. Enjoy your homemade Greek lemon chicken soup warm!

Tips for Making the Best Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

⭐ Use Fresh Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the best flavor—avoid bottled lemon juice if possible.
⭐ Whisk the Eggs Carefully: To prevent curdling, always temper the egg yolks by adding warm broth gradually.
⭐ Choose the Right Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best, but you can also use brown rice for a healthier twist.
⭐ Don’t Boil After Adding Eggs: Keeping the heat low ensures a creamy, smooth soup without scrambled eggs.
⭐ Enhance the Flavor: For extra richness, swap margarine for butter and use homemade chicken broth if available.

Delicious Variations to Try

🔹 Make It Dairy-Free: Skip the margarine and flour, and use cornstarch for thickening instead.
🔹 Add More Protein: Stir in extra shredded chicken or chickpeas for a heartier meal.
🔹 Try a Low-Carb Version: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice to make it keto-friendly.
🔹 Boost the Vegetables: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
🔹 Spicy Kick: Sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.

What to Serve with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Pair your Greek lemon chicken soup with these delicious side dishes:

🥖 Crusty Bread: A warm loaf of sourdough or garlic bread is perfect for dipping.
🥗 Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta complements the soup.
🫒 Stuffed Grape Leaves: These make a great appetizer alongside your soup.
🧀 Feta and Olives Platter: A simple yet flavorful side dish.

Storing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. The flavors get even better over time!

Freezing

Because of the eggs, this soup doesn’t freeze well. If you plan to freeze it, leave out the egg yolks and add them after reheating.

Reheating

Warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of broth to loosen it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Avgolemono Soup?

Avgolemono is a traditional Greek lemon chicken soup made with eggs, lemon juice, and chicken broth. The eggs give it a creamy, velvety texture.

2. Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes! Just prepare the base and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and add the tempered eggs.

3. Why Did My Soup Curdle?

If the soup was too hot when you added the eggs, they might have scrambled. Always temper them by adding warm broth slowly.

4. Can I Use Orzo Instead of Rice?

Absolutely! Orzo pasta is a great substitute for rice and gives a slightly different texture.

5. Is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Gluten-Free?

To make it gluten-free, replace the flour with cornstarch or skip the thickening step entirely.

6. How Can I Make This Soup Healthier?

Use brown rice instead of white, swap margarine for olive oil, and add extra vegetables for a nutrient boost.

Final Thoughts

Greek lemon chicken soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just need a bowl of something warm and soothing, this recipe is sure to impress.

So grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy a taste of Greece in your own home!

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