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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and nourishing traditional Greek dish featuring tender shredded chicken, bright lemon flavor, and fluffy rice simmered in a savory chicken broth. This soup is creamy and velvety due to the avgolemono technique, combining egg yolks and lemon juice to create a tangy, soothing meal perfect for chilly days or when craving a healthy, flavorful comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale

Broth and Protein

  • 4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken

Grains

  • 1/2 cup long-grain white rice or orzo

Avgolemono Sauce

  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 1–2 lemons)

Flavorings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Broth: Simmer chicken pieces in water or chicken broth until fully cooked. Remove chicken, shred the meat, and set aside. Reserve the broth to use as the base for the soup.
  2. Cook the Rice: Add the rice or orzo to the chicken broth and cook over medium heat until tender but not mushy, allowing the grains to absorb the broth flavors.
  3. Mix the Avgolemono Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together egg yolks and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Slowly temper the mixture by adding a few ladlefuls of hot broth while whisking continuously to prevent scrambling.
  4. Combine and Heat Through: Pour the tempered egg-lemon sauce back into the soup pot with the broth and rice. Stir gently over low heat until the soup thickens slightly into a creamy, velvety consistency. Avoid boiling once eggs are added.
  5. Add Chicken and Season: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add minced garlic and olive oil if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine and warm through.

Notes

  • Slow Tempering: Add hot broth slowly to the egg-lemon mixture to prevent curdling and keep the texture silky.
  • Fresh Lemon Juice: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best bright flavor.
  • Let It Rest: Allow soup to rest for a few minutes before serving so flavors meld perfectly.
  • Do Not Boil After Adding Eggs: Maintain low heat to preserve the creamy texture of the soup.
  • Use Homemade Broth: Homemade chicken broth enhances flavor and nutritional value.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken soup, avgolemono, lemon chicken soup, Greek soup, comfort food, gluten-free soup

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/greek-lemon-chicken-soup/