Name: Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Private Reserve Greek olive oil recommended); 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped carrots; 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped celery; 1/2 to 1 cup finely chopped green onions; 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 bay leaves; 1 cup rice; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cooked boneless chicken breast pieces, shredded (about 6 to 8 oz, store-bought rotisserie chicken works well); 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 2 large eggs; Fresh parsley (optional)

If you’re craving a comforting bowl of sunshine in soup form, you’re in for a treat with this Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe. This classic Greek staple effortlessly balances the bright tang of lemons with tender chicken and soothing rice, creating a vibrant yet cozy bowl that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean. Every spoonful of this soup bursts with fresh, lively flavors and velvety texture that makes it both nourishing and irresistibly delicious, perfect for any day you want to brighten up your meal with something special yet simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a black cast iron pan, small pieces of green and red bell peppers are being cooked with a wooden spoon stirring them gently from the top right side. The bell peppers show a shiny, soft texture with some slight browning, scattered evenly on the black surface of the pan, which has a rough, matte finish. The edge of the pan reveals its depth and dark grey color. The woman's hand holding the wooden spoon is not visible. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Avgolemono recipe calls for a handful of straightforward ingredients that come together in a magical way. Each one plays a crucial role, contributing fresh colors, rich texture, and that unmistakable lemony brightness that sets this soup apart from ordinary chicken broths.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Use a high-quality olive oil like Private Reserve Greek olive oil for authentic flavor and richness.
Carrots (1/2 to 1 cup, finely chopped): These add natural sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
Celery (1/2 to 1 cup, finely chopped): Brings a mild, aromatic crunch that builds the soup’s depth.
Green Onions (1/2 to 1 cup, finely chopped): Adds a fresh, subtly sharp note that brightens each spoonful.
Garlic (2 cloves, finely chopped): A savory punch that rounds out the flavor.
Chicken Broth (8 cups, low-sodium): The soothing, flavorful base of the soup.
Bay Leaves (2): Infuse the broth with warm, herbal undertones.
Rice (1 cup): Creates a perfect, comforting bite and thickens the soup naturally.
Salt and Pepper: To season just right and bring all flavors into harmony.
Cooked Boneless Chicken Breast (about 6 to 8 oz, shredded): Tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice (1/2 cup): The star ingredient that brightens and gives the soup its iconic zesty character.
Large Eggs (2): Whisked into the soup to give it that creamy, silky texture.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh herbaceous garnish that adds a vibrant touch.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the finely chopped carrots, celery, and green onions, sautéing them just long enough to soften and awaken their flavors. Then, stir in the garlic and let its aroma fill your kitchen—it’s the flavorful foundation that makes this soup so inviting.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Pour in 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add the bay leaves. Turn the heat to high and bring everything to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the rice along with salt and pepper to taste. Turn the heat down to medium-low and allow the soup to simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has softened and absorbed the flavors of the broth. This simmering stage is where the magic consistency forms.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Prepare the Avgolemono Sauce

Stir shredded cooked chicken breast into the simmering soup, letting it warm through. While the soup simmers, whisk together the lemon juice and eggs in a medium bowl. To prevent the eggs from scrambling, slowly add two ladle-fulls of the hot broth to the lemon-egg mixture while whisking continuously—this process tempers the eggs and prepares your creamy sauce.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Gradually whisk the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup pot, stirring gently to blend everything perfectly. Immediately remove the pot from heat to avoid curdling. Your Avgolemono is now beautifully creamy, tangy, and ready to serve.

How to Serve Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

A close-up view of a large black cooking pot filled with shredded pale chicken pieces and small bits of vegetables in light broth. A white bowl is tilted above the pot, pouring a light yellow liquid with visible bits of red and green into the pot. A woman's hand is holding the white bowl, and the pot is sitting on a white marbled surface with small specks of liquid around it. The scene shows the moment of adding the liquid to the cooking pot. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh parsley adds a bright green burst and mild herbal notes that complement the lemon’s zestiness. Feel free to sprinkle it right before serving to keep that fresh pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs splendidly with crusty bread for dipping, a side of Greek salad for freshness, or even warm pita bread to soak up every last drop. These choices make for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a beautiful presentation, ladle the soup into rustic bowls, then garnish each portion with a parsley sprig and a lemon wedge on the side for extra zing. Serving it in clear glass mugs is also a fun way to showcase its appealing golden hue.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Avgolemono soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to preserve freshness and flavor. The soup thickens when chilled, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Freezing

This Avgolemono soup is best enjoyed fresh because the egg-lemon sauce can separate upon freezing and thawing. If you must freeze, omit the egg-lemon mixture and add it fresh after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid boiling as it can cause the eggs to curdle. For thinner consistency, add a little warm broth or water while reheating.

FAQs

What is Avgolemono?

Avgolemono is a traditional Greek sauce made from eggs and lemon juice, commonly used to thicken and flavor soups and stews, giving them a creamy, tangy appeal without any cream.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Shredded cooked chicken thighs can be used and offer a richer, juicier meat that works wonderfully in this soup.

Is there a substitute for rice in this recipe?

If you prefer, you can use orzo pasta or small pasta shapes instead of rice, adjusting cooking times accordingly to ensure tenderness.

How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?

Tempering the eggs by slowly whisking in hot broth before adding them to the soup helps prevent curdling, and removing the pot from heat immediately after adding the mixture keeps the texture silky.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, then increase the quantity of vegetables and rice to keep it hearty.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a bowl of Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe that comforts your soul while tantalizing your taste buds. Its bright, lemony essence combined with tender chicken and hearty rice makes it a dish worth returning to again and again. I can’t wait for you to try this timeless favorite and experience a burst of Greek sunshine in every spoonful.

Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need