Hello there! Today we’re making a wonderful Greek lemon chicken soup that’s perfect for any time of year. This traditional soup, called Avgolemono in Greek, is creamy, comforting, and full of bright lemon flavor. Don’t worry – we’ll walk through every step together so you can make this delicious soup with confidence.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6 people
Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
This heartwarming soup has been a family favorite for generations. The combination of tender chicken, small pasta, and a silky lemon-egg sauce creates something truly special. It’s the perfect comfort food when you’re feeling under the weather or just want a warm, satisfying meal.
What Makes This Soup So Special
The secret to authentic Greek lemon chicken soup is the avgolemono sauce – a creamy mixture of eggs and lemon juice that makes the soup rich and tangy without using any cream. The orzo pasta (those small rice-shaped noodles) soaks up all the wonderful flavors, making each spoonful perfect.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium carrot, diced
- 2-3 celery stalks, diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 350 g total)
- 6 cups (1.5 liter) chicken stock
- ¾ cup (175 g) orzo
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 egg yolks
- A handful fresh dill
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Step by Step
Step 1: Start with the Vegetables
Take a large pot or Dutch oven and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook these vegetables slowly for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and smell wonderful. This is called making a “mirepoix” – it’s the flavor base for many soups.
Step 2: Add the Garlic and Seasonings
Add the finely chopped garlic to the pot and cook for just one more minute until you can smell it. Be careful not to burn the garlic – it can turn bitter. Add the bay leaves at this point too.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts right into the pot with the vegetables. Pour in all the chicken stock – it should cover the chicken completely. Turn the heat up to bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to medium-low. Put a lid on the pot and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes. This will cook the chicken through and make it tender.
Step 4: Remove the Chicken and Add the Orzo
Carefully take out the chicken breasts and the bay leaves from the pot. Set the chicken aside on a plate to cool down a bit. Add the orzo pasta to the pot and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t stick to the bottom.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
While the orzo is cooking, use two forks to shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces. This is easier than trying to cut it with a knife, and the shredded pieces mix better with the soup.
Step 6: Make the Magic Avgolemono Sauce
Here’s the most important part! In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice until they’re well combined. Now, very slowly, add 1-2 ladles of the hot soup to this mixture while whisking constantly. This is called “tempering” – it prevents the eggs from scrambling when they hit the hot soup.
Step 7: Bring It All Together
Pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot and stir gently. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. The soup should become creamy and thick.
Step 8: Final Touches
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the fresh dill. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately in warm bowls, and sprinkle extra fresh dill on top if you like.
Important Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Don’t rush the vegetables: Taking time to cook the onions, carrots, and celery properly builds deep flavor in your soup.
Watch the orzo: Small pasta can go from perfect to mushy quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Temper the eggs slowly: This is the key to smooth, creamy soup. If you add the eggs too quickly, they’ll curdle.
Serve right away: This soup is best enjoyed fresh and hot. The texture changes as it sits.
Use fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice makes a big difference compared to bottled juice.
What to Serve With Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are some nice additions:
- Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls
- A simple Greek salad with tomatoes and cucumbers
- Crackers or pita bread
- A glass of crisp white wine for the adults
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do it very gently over low heat and stir frequently. The orzo will absorb more liquid as it sits, so you might need to add a bit more chicken stock when reheating.
Health Benefits
This nourishing soup is packed with protein from the chicken and contains plenty of vegetables. The lemon provides vitamin C, and the whole meal is naturally gluten-free if you use rice instead of orzo.
Recipe Variations
Make it heartier: Add diced potatoes along with the other vegetables for a more filling soup.
Different pasta: Try rice, small shell pasta, or even broken spaghetti instead of orzo.
Extra vegetables: Spinach, peas, or green beans can be added during the last few minutes of cooking.
Richer flavor: Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Soup is too thick: Add more chicken stock or water and heat gently.
Eggs curdled: This usually happens when the eggs are added too quickly. Strain the soup and start over with fresh eggs.
Not lemony enough: Add more lemon juice gradually until you reach your preferred taste.
Orzo is mushy: Cook it for less time next time, or add it later in the cooking process.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This traditional Greek lemon chicken soup recipe has been tested by countless home cooks. The step-by-step approach ensures you get perfect results every time. The key is taking your time with each step and not rushing the process.
Whether you’re making this for a cozy family dinner or to comfort someone who’s feeling sick, this Greek lemon chicken soup delivers warmth, nutrition, and incredible flavor in every bowl. Enjoy your homemade soup – you’ve earned it!
