Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a delightful dish that combines the zestiness of lemon with tender chicken and rich broth. Perfect for cozy winter evenings or as a refreshing meal any time of the year, this soup is both healthy and comforting. With its one-pot preparation and quick cooking time, you can serve it to family or guests without fuss. Experience the unique flavors of Greece in your own kitchen with this simple yet satisfying recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This soup comes together in under 35 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• One-Pot Wonder: Enjoy easy cleanup with this all-in-one meal that minimizes dishes.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and lean protein, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main course or a starter; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Bright Flavors: The fresh lemon juice and herbs create a vibrant taste that will uplift your spirits.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your tools to ensure a smooth process. Having everything ready will make preparing this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup effortless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Whisk
• Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking and combining all ingredients evenly while allowing room for simmering.
• Whisk: Vital for tempering the eggs, ensuring they blend smoothly into the soup without scrambling.

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients

• olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• ½ cup diced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
• ½ cup diced celery (about 3-4 celery stalks)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 strips lemon peel
• ½ tbsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves (omit if you don’t have any)

Broth & Rice

• 6 cups chicken broth (or chicken bone broth)
• ½ cup dry white rice

Chicken & Greens

• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups shredded chicken breast
• 3-4 oz baby spinach (about 3 large handfuls)

Seasoning & Flavor Enhancers

• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
• salt + pepper (to taste)

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Bring a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat.
2. Once hot, add a bit of olive oil.
3. Add the diced onion, celery, carrots, and lemon peel.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent and veggies are tender.
6. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Broth and Rice

1. Add dried oregano and bay leaves to the pot.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and stir well.
3. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Once boiling, add dry white rice, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 10 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare Egg Mixture

1. Remove bay leaves and lemon peels from the pot and discard them.
2. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg and egg yolk.
3. Slowly ladle in a few scoops of hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly to temper the eggs.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the soup pot while whisking vigorously.
2. Stir in shredded chicken, baby spinach, dill, and lemon juice.
3. Continue cooking until chicken is heated through and spinach has wilted.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, lemon juice, or dill as needed.

Enjoy your homemade Greek Lemon Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your meal, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

With Fresh Bread

• Pair the soup with crusty bread for dipping. A warm baguette or sourdough works wonderfully to soak up the flavorful broth.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional dill on top before serving. This not only adds flavor but also enhances the presentation.

With a Side Salad

• Serve with a light salad made of mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes. A drizzle of olive oil and lemon dressing complements the soup perfectly.

In a Bread Bowl

• For a fun twist, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an impressive presentation and adds to the overall flavor.

How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

To ensure your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup reaches its full potential, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavors significantly, making your soup taste vibrant and wholesome.

• Temper the Eggs Carefully – Slowly whisk in hot broth to the eggs before adding them to the pot. This technique prevents scrambling and creates a creamy texture.

• Adjust Lemon Juice – Taste your soup before serving and adjust the lemon juice as needed. A little extra zest can brighten up the flavors beautifully.

• Add More Veggies – Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or peas for added nutrition and flavor variations.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Complement your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with these tasty side dishes that pair well and create a balanced meal:

1. Greek Salad – A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil adds a crunchy contrast.

2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini roasted with herbs provide a hearty side that balances the soup’s lightness.

3. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed quinoa salad with chickpeas, bell peppers, and parsley offers a nutritious addition that’s filling yet light.

4. Hummus with Pita Chips – Creamy hummus served with crispy pita chips is perfect for munching alongside your soup for extra texture.

5. Stuffed Grape Leaves – These savory bites filled with rice and herbs make an excellent Mediterranean-inspired side dish that complements the flavors of the soup.

6. Olive Tapenade Crostini – Toasted bread topped with olive tapenade provides a savory bite that pairs well with the bright flavors of lemon chicken soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the tempering process – If you add the eggs directly to the hot soup, they may scramble. Always whisk in a bit of broth first to temper them before combining.
• Overcooking the vegetables – Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Sauté just until tender for a better texture in your soup.
• Not adjusting seasoning – Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can lead to bland soup. Always add salt, pepper, and lemon juice gradually and taste as you go.
• Using old broth – Using expired or low-quality chicken broth can negatively affect flavor. Ensure your broth is fresh for maximum taste.
• Ignoring ingredient temperatures – Cold ingredients can lower the soup’s temperature. Use room temperature eggs and shredded chicken for a consistent heat throughout.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil. Heat until warmed through.
• Microwave – Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short intervals, stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop – Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.

What is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a light yet comforting dish made with chicken, rice, lemon juice, egg yolks, and fresh herbs.

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great and saves time when making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.

How can I make this soup more flavorful?

Experiment with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, or add more lemon juice for an extra zing in your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.

Is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses rice instead of pasta, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.

How do I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile enough to fit various tastes. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or herbs based on your preferences. Give this comforting recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!