Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Cozy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe to Warm Your Soul

Comfort arrives with a warm greek lemon chicken soup that whispers memories of Mediterranean kitchens.

Sunlight seems to dance through fragrant broth filled with tender chicken pieces.

Families across greece have cherished this delicate recipe for generations.

Creamy avgolemono creates a smooth texture that hugs your palate with tangy warmth.

Soft orzo pasta nestles between rich chicken strips, creating perfect harmony in each spoonful.

Fresh dill and bright lemon zest add a cheerful spark to this classic dish.

You’ll want to savor every comforting bite of this soul-warming soup that connects tradition and flavor.

Creative Variations For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

  • Mediterranean Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with chickpeas and use vegetable broth for a plant-based version packed with protein and Mediterranean flavors.
  • Spicy Greek Infusion: Add red pepper flakes, swap dill for oregano, and include crumbled feta cheese for a zesty Greek-inspired variation with extra kick.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Substitute orzo with riced cauliflower to create a low-carb, gluten-free option that maintains the soup's creamy texture and nutritional profile.
  • Seafood Transformation: Swap chicken for poached white fish or shrimp, using fish stock instead of chicken broth to create a light, oceanic version of the original recipe.

Perfect Pairings For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

  • Elevate Mediterranean Orzo Chicken Soup Pairings
  • Uncork Crisp White Wine: Pair with a light, zesty Assyrtiko from Greece or a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc to complement the soup's bright lemon and dill notes.
  • Serve Crusty Bread Companion: Offer warm, rustic sourdough or Greek olive bread to soak up the creamy broth and add delightful textural contrast.
  • Match Fresh Mediterranean Salad: Create a simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil to echo the soup's Mediterranean flavors.
  • Refresh with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a chilled mint or chamomile tea to balance the soup's richness and provide a cooling counterpoint to the warm dish.

How To Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Right

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion, and freeze up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
  • Warm soup over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent egg separation and maintain creamy consistency, adding splash of broth if too thick.
  • Heat soup in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent uneven warming or egg curdling.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup FAQs

  • Is this soup healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious one-pot meal packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich orzo, and vitamin-rich herbs like dill. The broth-based soup is low in calories and offers balanced nutrition.

  • Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace orzo with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice to maintain the soup’s creamy texture and hearty consistency.

  • What makes the soup creamy without heavy cream?

The egg liaison technique creates a silky, rich texture by gently tempering eggs with hot broth, resulting in a velvety consistency without adding heavy cream.

  • How do I prevent eggs from scrambling?

Slowly temper the eggs by gradually adding hot broth while whisking constantly. This technique ensures smooth integration without curdling, creating a luxurious, creamy base.

Why Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Is So Comforting

  • Master Comfort Cooking: Dive into a soul-warming soup that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Quick Family Pleaser: Prepare a nutritious, protein-packed dish that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Mediterranean Magic: Infuse your meal with bright, zesty flavors using fresh lemon and dill, bringing a touch of Greek-inspired cuisine to your home kitchen.
  • Wellness in a Bowl: Enjoy a protein-rich, nutrient-dense soup that combines lean chicken, hearty orzo, and a silky broth packed with comforting, nourishing goodness.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the protein base of the soup and provides hearty substance.
For the Pasta and Vegetables:
  • Orzo Pasta: Small rice-shaped pasta that adds texture and body to the soup.
  • Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful foundation for the soup.
For the Binding and Flavor Elements:
  • Eggs: Create a silky, creamy texture and help thicken the soup without heavy cream.
  • Chicken Broth: Provides a rich, savory liquid base for poaching chicken and cooking ingredients.
  • Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Add bright, tangy citrus notes that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Fresh Dill: Herbaceous garnish that brings a fresh, delicate flavor to the soup.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's taste.

Simple Steps For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Poach Chicken

Place chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth. Cook until fully tender and easily shredded, about 15-20 minutes. Remove chicken and use two forks to shred into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare Soup Base

In the same pot with remaining broth, add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced onion
  • Orzo pasta

Simmer until pasta reaches al dente and vegetables become translucent, around 8-10 minutes.

Step 3: Craft Egg Liaison

Whisk eggs in a separate bowl. Gradually add hot broth while continuously stirring to prevent egg from scrambling.

Step 4: Boost Flavor Profile

Incorporate into egg mixture:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon zest

This creates a bright and tangy foundation for the soup.

Step 5: Combine Egg Mixture

Slowly pour tempered egg mixture back into the pot. Stir constantly to develop a creamy, smooth consistency.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Return shredded chicken to the soup. Season with:
  • Chopped fresh dill
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 7: Finalize Cooking

Gently heat soup for 2-3 minutes, ensuring eggs are cooked without scrambling.

Step 8: Rest and Settle

Remove from heat. Let soup stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend and slightly thicken.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with additional fresh dill. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Helpful Tips For Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

  • Prevent Egg Scrambling: Slowly temper eggs with hot broth, stirring constantly to maintain a smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Use homemade chicken broth for richer taste, or add a splash of white wine during simmering for extra complexity.
  • Master Perfect Pasta: Cook orzo just until al dente to prevent mushiness, checking frequently during the 8-10 minute simmering process.
  • Boost Herbal Freshness: Chop dill right before adding to preserve its vibrant flavor and aromatic qualities, ensuring maximum taste impact.
  • Control Soup Consistency: Let soup rest for 5 minutes after cooking to allow natural thickening and allow flavors to fully develop and blend.
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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe


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4.9 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Greek lemon chicken soup (avgolemono) brings Mediterranean comfort to your table with creamy, tangy goodness. Silky broth and tender chicken create a soul-warming experience you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken breast
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 3 eggs
  • 2 lemons

Starches:

  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta

Herbs and Seasonings:

  • 2 tbsp fresh dill
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small onion

Instructions

  1. Poach chicken breasts in simmering chicken broth until fully cooked and tender, approximately 15-20 minutes. Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and set aside.
  2. In the same pot with remaining broth, add minced garlic, diced onion, and orzo pasta. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until pasta is al dente and vegetables are translucent.
  3. Create a silky liaison by whisking eggs in a separate bowl, then gradually temper with hot broth, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
  4. Squeeze fresh lemon juice and zest into the egg mixture, creating a bright, tangy base for the soup.
  5. Slowly incorporate the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously to create a creamy, velvety texture.
  6. Return shredded chicken to the soup, and season with chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper.
  7. Allow soup to gently heat through for 2-3 minutes, ensuring eggs are cooked but not scrambled.
  8. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and soup to slightly thicken.
  9. Ladle into warm bowls, garnish with additional fresh dill, and serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Prevent egg curdling by tempering slowly, adding hot broth gradually to egg mixture while whisking constantly to create smooth, silky texture without scrambling.
  • Select fresh, high-quality chicken broth for deeper flavor profile, ensuring optimal taste and richness in the soup’s base.
  • Substitute orzo with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or rice for celiac-friendly version, maintaining similar texture and cooking method.
  • Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or incorporating soft tofu for vegetarian adaptation, keeping soup’s creamy consistency intact.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 10 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Jackson Reid

Jackson Reid

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Single-serving recipe development
  • Global flavor fusion
  • Minimalist cooking techniques
  • Food photography and styling

Education

Holyoke Community College – HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Farm-to-table cuisine, sustainable cooking practices, and hands-on kitchen training


Jackson’s love for cooking began one dish at a time. After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Holyoke Community College’s HCC-MGM Culinary Arts Institute, he focused on what mattered most: creating recipes that are simple to follow and full of flavor.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Jackson brings together global influences and a less-is-more approach. His recipes reflect his belief that good food doesn’t need to be complicated; it just needs to make sense, taste great, and feel right.
When he’s not testing ingredients or adjusting seasonings, you’ll find him hiking near Asheville, exploring local markets, or chasing the best light for food photos.

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