Description
This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a comforting and tangy soup made with chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, vegetables, orzo pasta, and tender shredded chicken. The soup is enriched with a silky egg-lemon mixture that adds richness and a bright, zesty flavor. Perfect for a nourishing meal that’s light yet satisfying, this traditional Greek recipe is easy to prepare and serves six.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- ½ cup orzo pasta (or rice)
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Egg-Lemon Mixture
- 3 large eggs
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
Garnish
- Fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Simmer Vegetables: Add shredded carrots, chopped onion, and chopped celery to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Orzo and Chicken: Stir in the orzo pasta (or rice) and shredded chicken. Continue to simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the orzo is cooked al dente.
- Prepare Egg-Lemon Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice until smooth and well combined.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from curdling.
- Incorporate Egg Mixture: Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the soup pot, stirring constantly to combine evenly.
- Heat Gently: Warm the soup gently over low heat for a few minutes, taking care not to let it boil as boiling can cause the eggs to curdle.
- Season and Serve: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired, and serve the soup warm.
Notes
- Tempering the eggs with hot broth is crucial to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
- You can substitute orzo pasta with rice for a gluten-free option.
- The soup is traditionally served warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature.
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best, bright lemon flavor.
- Adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley enhances the flavor and presentation.
