Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This weeknight version of traditional Greek avgolemono combines chicken and rice in a silky lemon-egg enriched broth. The key is properly tempering the eggs for a smooth, creamy texture.

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Updated on Fri, 03 Jan 2025 01:21:24 GMT
A bowl of hearty chicken soup with carrots, celery, grains, and a slice of lemon, garnished with parsley. Save it
A bowl of hearty chicken soup with carrots, celery, grains, and a slice of lemon, garnished with parsley. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My Greek avgolemono brings sunshine comfort every bowl. Silky lemon egg sauce tender chicken rice create perfect thirty minute meal.

Special Twist

Not just chicken soup creamy tangy sauce makes magic. Quick prep tastes like grandma simmered all day.

Simple Ingredients

  • Chicken: Rotisserie saves time flavor.
  • Rice: White orzo both work well.
  • Veggies: Carrots celery green onions base.
  • Broth: Rich chicken stock depth.
  • Lemon: Fresh juice signature tang.
  • Eggs: Creates silky sauce magic.
  • Bay: Adds warm aroma depth.

Easy Steps

Start
Sauté veggies olive oil fragrant soft.
Build
Add broth bay rice simmer tender.
Chicken
Stir shredded meat warm through.
Sauce
Whisk eggs lemon slowly add hot broth.
Finish
Mix sauce soup remove heat serve.

Perfect Results

Add sauce slow keeps eggs smooth. Remove heat right away blend some soup extra creamy.

Keep Fresh

Store fridge three days freeze longer. Warm gentle stovetop splash broth perfect again.

Make It Yours

Try orzo instead rice add extra veggies. Adjust lemon bright mild fits taste.

A bowl of chicken soup with pieces of chicken, carrots, and parsley, garnished with a lemon slice, is set against a dark wooden background. Save it
A bowl of chicken soup with pieces of chicken, carrots, and parsley, garnished with a lemon slice, is set against a dark wooden background. | myhomemaderecipe.com

How to Serve

Crusty bread pita Greek salad sides. Fresh herbs top pretty finish complete meal.

Greek Classic

Simple ingredients become luxurious soup. Lemon egg sauce makes special Greek comfort.

Prep Ahead

Perfect meal prep store portions ready. Keeps flavor texture great busy week meals.

First Time Tips

Watch sauce temper slow steady whisking. Patient stirring makes silky smooth soup.

Always Right

Works casual dinners special nights alike. Warm winter fresh spring perfect anytime.

Pure Comfort

Rich refreshing perfect balance bowl. Quick authentic Greek flavors win hearts.

Perfect Partners

Try dolmades baked feta Greek sides. Light white wine makes special meal complete.

A bowl of chicken soup with shredded chicken, carrots, rice, and a slice of lemon, garnished with parsley. Save it
A bowl of chicken soup with shredded chicken, carrots, rice, and a slice of lemon, garnished with parsley. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why do you need to temper the eggs?

Tempering prevents the eggs from curdling when added to the hot soup. By slowly warming the egg mixture with hot broth while whisking, you create a smooth, silky sauce.

→ Can I use orzo instead of rice?

Yes, orzo works well as a substitute. Use 1 cup and reduce cooking time to about 7 minutes since orzo cooks faster than rice.

→ Why rinse and soak the rice?

Rinsing removes excess starch, and soaking helps the rice cook more quickly and evenly. The rice should be easily breakable before cooking.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Use about 6-8 ounces of shredded meat.

→ Why remove from heat immediately after adding egg mixture?

Continued heating after adding the egg mixture can cause the eggs to cook separately and curdle, ruining the soup's silky texture.

Conclusion

Traditional Greek soup featuring a delicate lemon-egg sauce with tender chicken and rice, creating a comforting and flavorful meal.

Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

A silky, rich Greek chicken soup featuring a creamy lemon-egg sauce. Made with tender chicken, rice, and fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

01 Extra virgin olive oil.
02 Carrots, finely chopped (1/2-1 cup).
03 Celery, finely chopped (1/2-1 cup).
04 Green onions, finely chopped (1/2-1 cup).
05 Garlic cloves, chopped (2).
06 Low-sodium chicken broth (8 cups).
07 Bay leaves (2).
08 Rice (1 cup).
09 Salt and pepper to taste.
10 Cooked chicken breast, shredded (6-8 oz).
11 Fresh lemon juice (1/2 cup).
12 Large eggs (2).
13 Fresh parsley for garnish.

Instructions

Step 01

Cook carrots, celery, onions and garlic in olive oil.

Step 02

Add broth, bay leaves, rice, seasonings and cook until rice is tender.

Step 03

Stir in shredded chicken.

Step 04

Whisk eggs and lemon juice, temper with hot broth.

Step 05

Add tempered sauce to soup, remove from heat immediately.

Notes

  1. Temper eggs carefully.
  2. Can use orzo instead of rice.
  3. Remove from heat immediately after adding eggs.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large Dutch oven or heavy pot.
  • Medium bowl.
  • Whisk.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 285
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 32 g
  • Protein: 22 g