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
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a silky liaison by whisking eggs in a separate bowl, then gradually temper with hot broth, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice and zest into the egg mixture, creating a bright, tangy base for the soup.
- Slowly incorporate the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously to create a creamy, velvety texture.
- Return shredded chicken to the soup, and season with chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper.
- Allow soup to gently heat through for 2-3 minutes, ensuring eggs are cooked but not scrambled.
- Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and soup to slightly thicken.
- 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