Sunshine-Kissed Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort dance with zesty chicken lemon soup avgolemono, weaving together the rich culinary traditions of Greece.

Silky broth whispers stories of Mediterranean kitchens and warm hospitality.

Tender chicken mingles with fragrant herbs, creating a symphony of flavors that soothe the soul.

Delicate eggs swirl through the liquid, lending a creamy texture that embraces each spoonful.

The bright citrus notes cut through the richness, awakening every taste bud with a vibrant punch.

Simple ingredients transform into a magical dish that connects you to generations of Greek home cooking.

Dive into this classic recipe and let the warmth of avgolemono transport you to a sun-drenched Greek taverna.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 5

Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken) Ingredients

• Olive Oil: Provides a rich, smooth foundation for sautéing vegetables with a hint of Mediterranean warmth.
• Onion, Carrot, Celery: Classic mirepoix blend creates a deep, layered flavor profile that infuses the soup with comforting depth.
• Garlic: Adds a pungent, zesty kick that elevates the entire soup's aromatic character.
• Bay Leaves: Contribute a subtle, herbal undertone that rounds out the vegetable base.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and succulent, providing the soup's hearty substance.
• Chicken Stock: Delivers a robust, savory liquid base that carries all the soup's intricate flavors.

• Orzo: Tiny pasta that adds delightful, creamy body and transforms the soup from liquid to a more substantial meal.
• Egg Yolks: Create a luxurious, silky texture through the traditional Greek avgolemono technique.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the entire dish with its zesty, tangy essence, cutting through the richness.
• Fresh Dill: Introduces a light, feathery herb note that brings freshness and a classic Greek touch.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the soup's complex flavors.

Kitchen Essentials for Avgolemono Soup

• Large stock pot or Dutch oven: Main cooking vessel for preparing the entire soup.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending egg yolks and creating smooth avgolemono sauce.
• Cutting board: Essential for dicing vegetables and prepping ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions, carrots, celery, and dill.
• Small bowl: Used for tempering egg-lemon mixture.
• Two forks: Ideal for shredding chicken breasts.
• Ladle: Helps serve soup evenly into bowls.
• Measuring cups/spoons: For accurate ingredient quantities.

Making Avgolemono – Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Vegetable Foundation

Warm olive oil in a large pot, gently sautéing onions, carrots, and celery until they become soft and fragrant. Their subtle dance of flavors creates the soup’s soul.

• Chicken and Broth Symphony

Add chicken breasts and stock, letting them mingle and create a rich, comforting base. The liquid will softly bubble, promising deliciousness.

• Pasta Harmony

Introduce orzo to the simmering mixture, allowing it to absorb the surrounding flavors and become tender and perfectly integrated.

• Chicken Transformation

Tenderly pull apart the cooked chicken, returning the delicate threads back into the warming soup, enhancing its texture and heartiness.

• Magical Lemon Cream

Whisk egg yolks with bright lemon juice, carefully blending hot soup liquid to create a silky, tangy sauce that will elevate the entire dish.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh dill, adding a whisper of herbal brightness. Season with salt and pepper, allowing each spoonful to sing with balanced, comforting flavors.

• Serving Celebration

Ladle the sunshine-colored soup into waiting bowls, inviting everyone to savor this Greek culinary embrace.

Tips for Creamy Avgolemono Every Time

• Whisk broth into egg mixture slowly to prevent scrambling, creating a silky smooth sauce that gives the soup its signature creamy texture.
• Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted turkey for a quick weeknight meal that saves time and reduces dishes.
• Replace orzo with quinoa, rice, or barley to add different nutritional profiles and create exciting texture variations for gluten-sensitive eaters.
• Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or oregano instead of dill to transform the soup's flavor profile and match your personal taste preferences.
• Transform this classic chicken soup into a vegetarian delight by using vegetable broth, adding white beans or tofu, and keeping the gorgeous lemony egg sauce intact.

Serving Avgolemono Soup Like a Pro

• Family Comfort Meal: Pair this heartwarming Greek soup with crusty bread or warm pita triangles for a complete, satisfying dinner experience that brings everyone together around the table.
• Mediterranean Side Companion: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with feta cheese, cucumber, and kalamata olives to enhance the bright, zesty flavors of the avgolemono soup.
• Weekend Wellness Bowl: Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra lemon zest and toasted pine nuts for added texture and a nutritious boost that elevates the soup's delicate profile.
• Seasonal Temperature Balance: Enjoy this soup warm during chilly evenings or slightly cooled during mild summer days, making it a versatile dish that adapts to different weather conditions and personal preferences.

Storage Tips for Avgolemono Soup

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will actually deepen and become more delicious as they meld together, making next-day lunches a tasty treat.
• Freezing Strategy: Carefully freeze the soup without the egg-lemon sauce for best results. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and reheat gently, then whisk in fresh avgolemono sauce to maintain its creamy texture and bright flavor.
• Smart Portioning: Divide soup into individual meal-sized containers for quick grab-and-go lunches. Label with the date to keep track of freshness and ensure you're enjoying the soup at its best quality.
• Reheating Magic: Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock if the soup seems too thick, and always stir gently to prevent the egg-lemon sauce from separating or curdling.

Silky Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Comforting Greek avgolemono soup blends tender chicken, silky egg-lemon sauce, and delicate rice for a hearty Mediterranean classic. Warm bowls of this traditional recipe invite home cooks to savor Greece’s nostalgic culinary heritage.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large stockpot, heat olive oil and cook diced onion, carrot, and celery until softened and translucent, releasing their subtle flavors.
2. Create Broth Base: Add minced garlic, bay leaves, whole chicken breasts, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld together for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare Pasta and Protein: Remove chicken breasts and bay leaves. Introduce orzo to the broth, cooking until tender. Shred chicken using two forks and return to the pot.
4. Temper the Egg Mixture: Whisk egg yolks with lemon juice in a separate bowl. Gradually incorporate hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling. Slowly pour the tempered mixture back into the soup, stirring carefully.
5. Final Seasoning and Finishing: Stir in freshly chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to harmonize the flavors and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into serving bowls, adorning with additional dill fronds. Present immediately while steaming hot, capturing the essence of traditional Greek comfort cuisine.

Notes

• Prevent Curdling: Slowly add hot broth to egg mixture while whisking constantly to ensure smooth, silky texture without scrambled eggs.
• Chicken Selection: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for tender, easy-to-shred meat that absorbs soup’s rich flavors perfectly.
• Orzo Timing: Cook orzo precisely 10 minutes to maintain ideal al dente texture, preventing mushy or undercooked pasta.
• Herb Freshness: Add dill just before serving to preserve its bright, crisp flavor and vibrant green color, enhancing the soup’s aromatic profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 9 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg