As the cool evening air settles in, I can’t help but crave something that wraps me in warmth and comfort. Enter my Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) with Orzo, a dish that’s become my go-to for cozy nights. The magic of this recipe lies in the silky blend of tender chicken, refreshing lemon, and the unique addition of orzo, creating a hearty yet light meal that’s truly satisfying. Not only does it come together in a snap, making it perfect for busy weeknights, but it also impresses guests effortlessly, embodying the spirit of Mediterranean hospitality. So grab a spoon, and let’s discover how this delightful soup can turn a simple meal into a delightful experience. What’s your secret ingredient for cozy culinary moments? What Makes This Soup So Irresistible? Comforting Warmth: This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings. Bright, Flavorful Notes: The combination of fresh lemon juice and dill adds a refreshing zing, elevating your taste buds with every spoonful. Quick and Easy: Preparing this recipe is a breeze, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious and heartwarming meal. Crowd Pleasing: With its creamy texture and delightful flavors, this soup is sure to impress family and friends, turning a simple dinner into a memorable event. Versatile Base: Feel free to customize this soup with your favorite protein or opt for the vegetarian version to suit everyone’s dietary needs. Nutrition Packed: Loaded with high protein and gluten-free options, it’s not just delicious but also a wholesome choice for a balanced meal! If you enjoy exploring more cozy recipes, consider checking out my post on Comforting Vegetarian Soups for more meal ideas. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Ingredients • Discover the perfect combination for a hearty soup! For the Soup Base Chicken – Provides the base protein; tender, flavorful meat. Substitute rotisserie chicken for pre-cooked convenience. Low-Sodium Chicken Broth – Acts as the soup’s liquid foundation; keeps the flavor balanced. Use homemade or store-bought broth. For the Heartiness Orzo – Adds heartiness and texture; can substitute with gluten-free orzo or rice for gluten-free options. For the Creamy Texture Egg Yolks – Essential for the creamy texture; ensure they are whisked and tempered to prevent curdling. For Brightness Fresh Lemon Juice – Offers bright acidity; always use fresh lemons for best flavor. For the Aroma Fresh Dill – Enhances aroma and freshness; can substitute with parsley for a different herbaceous profile. For Seasoning Black Pepper – For seasoning; adjust according to taste. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in transforming this dish into an unforgettable experience of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Step 1: Prepare Chicken and Broth In a large pot, combine 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and your choice of chicken (around 1 pound). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the chicken to cook through, which should take about 20 minutes. Once cooked, the chicken will turn opaque and tender. Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly. Step 2: Cook Orzo With the chicken removed, add 1 cup of orzo to the simmering broth in the pot. Stir occasionally for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed some broth. You’ll know it’s ready when each grain is tender yet slightly firm to the bite. This will enrich your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with hearty texture. Step 3: Create Avgolemono Mixture While the orzo cooks, prepare the Avgolemono mixture in a medium bowl. Whisk together 3 egg yolks with the juice of 2 fresh lemons until creamy. To prevent curdling, gradually temper this mixture by adding 1 cup of warm broth from the pot, whisking continuously. This step ensures your soup’s creamy texture stays smooth and delightful. Step 4: Combine Gently lower the Avgolemono mixture into the pot with the orzo and broth. Stir continuously while maintaining a low heat—do not let it boil, as boiling will cause the eggs to curdle. The soup should begin to thicken slightly, showcasing the smooth, silky consistency that characterizes Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Step 5: Finalize & Serve Return the cooked chicken to the pot, shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Add freshly chopped dill and season with black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s warm without boiling. Ladle your creamy soup into bowls, garnishing more dill on top, and serve warm for a comforting meal. Make Ahead Options These Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) options are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prep the chicken and broth up to 3 days in advance. Simply cook the chicken in the broth, let it cool, and refrigerate it. The orzo can be cooked ahead as well, but for best texture, consider doing it fresh right before serving. On the day you plan to enjoy the soup, just whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice with warm broth, then combine everything in the pot to warm through. Following these prep instructions ensures your soup stays just as delicious and comforting as if you made it all in one go! Storage Tips for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Fridge: Store your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This way, you can enjoy the comforting flavors whenever you need a quick meal. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without the egg mixture. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring to restore the creamy texture. Avoid boiling after adding any additional egg mixture, as it may curdle. Leftover Tips: If you have leftover cooked orzo, store it separately to maintain its texture. Stir it into the soup during reheating for a heartwarming meal! Expert Tips for the Best Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Tempering Technique: Ensure to temper the egg mixture slowly to prevent curdling—add hot broth gradually while whisking continuously. This is key for a silky Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Gentle Heat: Avoid boiling the soup after adding the egg-lemon mixture. Boiling will cause curdling and ruin the creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible. Taste as You Go: For enhanced lemon flavor, gradually increase the lemon juice, tasting as you go. This way, you can find the perfect balance that suits your palate. Quick Chicken Substitute: If short on time, opt for shredded rotisserie chicken. It saves preparation time while still delivering delicious flavor. Herb Variations: Feel free to swap out fresh dill for parsley or cilantro, depending on your preference. Each herb will lend a unique twist to the classic Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Storage Savvy: To store leftovers, keep the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; for longer storage, freeze without the egg mixture to maintain freshness. Variations & Substitutions for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Feel free to play around and make this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup your own with these exciting ideas! Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free orzo or opt for rice to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing heartiness. Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken altogether and use vegetable broth to create a delightful vegetarian version that’s still packed with flavor. This twist allows the vibrant lemon and dill to shine! Extra Creaminess: For a richer experience, add a splash of coconut milk while whisking the egg yolks for a surprisingly delightful dairy-free upgrade. Spicy Kick: Introduce crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the broth for a spicy kick that complements the lemon’s brightness. Adjust to your heat preference for the perfect balance! Herb Swap: Experiment with herbs by substituting fresh dill with mint or cilantro for a new flavor profile that feels fresh and exciting. Each herb brings its own character to the soup! Lemony Burst: If you’re a fan of tang, elevate your soup’s zest by adding lemon zest along with the fresh juice, giving a vibrant zing with every bite. Hearty Veggies: Toss in some hearty vegetables like spinach, kale, or carrots for added nutrition and a colorful burst, making it even more comforting and filling. Thai Twist: For a fun fusion, use Thai basil and lime instead of dill and lemon, transforming the soup into a tropical delight that’s both familiar and novel. Feel inspired? As you explore these variations, why not serve your unique twist alongside a slice of crusty bread or a refreshing green salad for a complete meal? Happy cooking! What to Serve with Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono)? As you savor a bowl of this heavenly soup, let’s explore some delightful pairings that will turn your meal into a feast for the senses. Crusty Bread: The perfect companion, crusty bread is ideal for dipping and soaking up every bit of that creamy broth. Light Green Salad: A refreshing salad with crisp greens and a vinaigrette brings brightness and a crunch that balances the soup’s richness. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a sweet and earthy contrast, enhancing the heartiness of the Avgolemono without overpowering it. Garlic Breadsticks: Imagine dunking warm, buttery breadsticks into your comforting bowl—each bite amplifying the flavors of lemon and dill. Olive Oil and Crackers: Drizzle rich olive oil over simple crackers for a light appetizer, setting a Mediterranean tone for your meal. Tzatziki Sauce: Use this cool and creamy yogurt dip as a delicious contrast to the warm soup, complementing both flavors and textures. Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a refreshing drink, sparkling water infused with fresh lemon slices complements the soup’s zesty notes and cleanses the palate. Every bite and sip harmoniously intertwines to create a memorable dining experience that embodies the spirit of home-cooked warmth and Greek hospitality. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? Absolutely! You can use either boneless chicken breasts or thighs, both will create tender pieces once cooked. If you’re short on time, reach for a store-bought rotisserie chicken; just shred the meat and add it in at the end for a quick and flavorful option. How should I store leftovers of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? For sure! Store your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing the container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months; just remember to leave out the egg mixture to prevent curdling. Can I freeze Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? Absolutely, but it’s important to freeze it without the egg mixture. Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers and be sure to label them with the date. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and then add any egg mixture if desired, reheating gently to preserve the creamy texture. What to do if the soup curdles? Oh no! If you notice curdling, don’t despair. You can try gently stirring in a splash of warm broth to smoothen it out. For next time, remember to temper your egg mixture slowly by whisking in warm broth gradually. This helps prevent curdling and keeps your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup creamy and velvety. Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe? Very much so! To make it gluten-free, simply substitute regular orzo with gluten-free orzo or replace it with rice. Just ensure that all other ingredients, including your broth, are labeled gluten-free to keep your soup totally safe and delicious. Can I add other vegetables to the Greek Lemon Chicken Soup? Absolutely, the more the merrier! Feel free to add veggies like carrots, spinach, or peas for added nutrition and color. Just cook them alongside the orzo until tender for a hearty and wholesome soup. Irresistibly Creamy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a comforting and creamy dish, perfect for chilly evenings, with bright notes of lemon and dill. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 30 minutes minsTotal Time 40 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SoupsCuisine: GreekCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base1 pound chicken Substitute rotisserie chicken for pre-cooked convenience.6 cups low-sodium chicken broth Use homemade or store-bought broth.For the Heartiness1 cup orzo Can substitute with gluten-free orzo or rice for gluten-free options.For the Creamy Texture3 large egg yolks Ensure they are whisked and tempered to prevent curdling.For Brightness2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice Always use fresh lemons for best flavor.For the Aroma2 tablespoons fresh dill Can substitute with parsley for a different herbaceous profile.For Seasoningto taste black pepper Adjust according to taste. Equipment Large PotMedium BowlWhisk Method Preparation StepsIn a large pot, combine 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and your choice of chicken (around 1 pound). Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Allow the chicken to cook through, which should take about 20 minutes. Once cooked, the chicken will turn opaque and tender. Remove the chicken and set it aside to cool slightly.With the chicken removed, add 1 cup of orzo to the simmering broth in the pot. Stir occasionally for about 8-10 minutes, or until the orzo is al dente and has absorbed some broth.While the orzo cooks, prepare the Avgolemono mixture in a medium bowl. Whisk together 3 egg yolks with the juice of 2 fresh lemons until creamy. Gradually temper this mixture by adding 1 cup of warm broth from the pot, whisking continuously.Gently lower the Avgolemono mixture into the pot with the orzo and broth. Stir continuously while maintaining low heat—do not let it boil.Return the cooked chicken to the pot, shredding it into bite-sized pieces. Add freshly chopped dill and season with black pepper to taste. Allow the soup to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s warm without boiling. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 200mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 15mg NotesFor the best results, temper the egg mixture slowly to prevent curdling, and avoid boiling after adding the egg-lemon mixture. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
