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Delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
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Delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and refreshing Mediterranean classic that combines zesty lemon, tender chicken, and a velvety broth. Enhanced with fresh herbs and enriched with a luscious egg-lemon mixture, this soup is perfect for cozy evenings or anytime you desire a bright, nourishing, and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Broth

  • 2 chicken breasts or thighs (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 3 egg yolks

Grains

  • 1/2 cup orzo or rice (white or brown)

Produce & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1–2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Oils & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broth and Chicken: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and simmer for 20-25 minutes until fully cooked and tender.
  2. Cook the Orzo or Rice: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Add the orzo or rice directly to the simmering broth and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and cooked through.
  3. Shred the Chicken: While the grains cook, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your fingers. Set aside.
  4. Prepare the Lemon-Egg Mixture (Avgolemono): In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth and creamy. This mixture will thicken and flavor the soup.
  5. Temper and Combine: Slowly ladle about 1 cup of hot broth into the lemon-egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Pour this mixture back into the pot with the remaining broth. Add the shredded chicken, stirring gently.
  6. Finish the Soup: Heat the soup gently on low, being careful not to boil, until warmed through and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in chopped fresh dill or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice and zest ensure authentic bright flavor.
  • Slow and Gentle Heating: Avoid boiling after adding the egg mixture to prevent curdling.
  • Customize Grain Texture: Adjust cooking times of orzo or rice to your preferred tenderness.
  • Make Ahead: Soup tastes better the next day as flavors meld beautifully.
  • Garnish Last-Minute: Add fresh herbs just before serving to maintain vibrant flavor and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek lemon chicken soup, avgolemono soup, Mediterranean chicken soup, lemon chicken soup, comforting soup

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