Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A Comforting Classic You’ll Love

Few dishes feel as comforting and soul-warming as Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Whether you’re battling a cold, looking for a quick family dinner, or just craving something tangy and hearty, this Mediterranean classic will become a staple in your kitchen. Packed with bold flavors, healthy ingredients, and a zesty kick, it’s more than just a meal—it’s a bowl of sunshine.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare this beloved soup, its benefits, and helpful tips to elevate your cooking game. Let’s dive in and create a dish that your family will be begging for again and again.

What Is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a traditional Greek dish that combines chicken broth, lemon juice, eggs, and rice or orzo for a velvety, tangy flavor. It’s creamy without being heavy, bright with citrus, and satisfying with tender chicken and rice.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Soup

This isn’t your typical chicken soup. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup stands out because:

• It’s a perfect balance of creamy and tangy flavors.
• The dish is naturally packed with nutrients.
• It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknights.
• You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Here’s everything you need to bring this comforting dish to life:

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken broth	8 cups
Fresh lemon juice	½ cup
Shredded carrots	½ cup
Finely chopped onion	½ cup
Finely chopped celery	½ cup
Chicken soup base	6 tablespoons
Ground white pepper	¼ teaspoon
Margarine	¼ cup
All-purpose flour	¼ cup
Egg yolks	8
Cooked white rice	1 cup
Diced, cooked chicken meat	1 cup
Lemon slices	16

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is easier than you might think. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Base

1. In a large pot, heat the chicken broth over medium heat.
2. Add shredded carrots, chopped onion, and celery. Cook until the vegetables soften.
3. Stir in the chicken soup base and ground white pepper for a burst of flavor.

2. Make the Roux

1. In a separate pan, melt the margarine over low heat.
2. Slowly whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste (roux).
3. Add the roux to the simmering broth, stirring continuously until the soup thickens.

3. Add Rice and Chicken

1. Mix in the cooked white rice and diced chicken meat.
2. Let the soup simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture

1. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until creamy.
2. Gradually add the fresh lemon juice while continuing to whisk.

5. Temper the Eggs

1. To avoid curdling, slowly ladle some hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly.
2. Once tempered, pour the mixture back into the soup and stir well.

6. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with lemon slices for an extra zing.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

1. Use Fresh Lemons: Fresh lemon juice gives the soup a vibrant and authentic taste. Avoid bottled lemon juice.
2. Don’t Skip Tempering: Tempering the eggs is crucial to achieving that smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
3. Experiment with Grains: While rice is traditional, you can substitute with orzo or quinoa for a twist.
4. Add Herbs: Enhance the flavor by adding dill, parsley, or thyme as a garnish.
5. Low and Slow Cooking: Always cook the soup on low heat after adding the egg mixture to avoid separation.

Health Benefits of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup isn’t just delicious—it’s also good for you. Here’s why:

• Rich in Protein: Thanks to chicken and eggs, this soup is packed with protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Immune Boosting: Lemon juice is high in vitamin C, helping to strengthen your immune system.
• Gut-Healthy: The broth supports digestion and gut health.
• Low-Calorie Comfort Food: It’s creamy and satisfying without the excess calories of heavy cream-based soups.

Variations You Can Try

1. Vegetarian Version

Swap out the chicken broth and chicken meat for vegetable broth and chickpeas. It’s just as hearty and flavorful!

2. Gluten-Free Option

Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure the chicken soup base is gluten-free as well.

3. Keto-Friendly Soup

Skip the rice and use cauliflower rice to keep it low-carb while maintaining that hearty texture.

4. Add Greens

Toss in a handful of fresh spinach or kale at the end for an extra dose of nutrients.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	200
Protein	15g
Fat	8g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fiber	2g
Vitamin C	20% DV

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Curdled Eggs: Always temper the eggs to prevent them from scrambling in the hot soup.
2. Overcooking the Rice: Add the rice towards the end to avoid mushy grains.
3. Using Store-Bought Lemon Juice: Fresh lemons make a noticeable difference in flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Yes! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. Can I freeze Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Absolutely! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.

3. What can I use instead of rice?

Orzo pasta, quinoa, or even small pasta shapes like ditalini can be great substitutes for rice.

4. How do I thicken the soup without flour?

You can blend a portion of the soup and mix it back in or use cornstarch slurry as a thickener.

5. Is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup gluten-free?

The traditional recipe isn’t, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour.

6. What other proteins can I use?

You can try shredded turkey, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even shrimp for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts: Bring a Taste of Greece to Your Table

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is more than just a dish; it’s an experience. Its tangy, creamy, and hearty flavors will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a family gathering, or simply a day when you crave comfort food, this soup will hit the spot every time.

What’s stopping you? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give this recipe a try. Your taste buds (and your loved ones) will thank you.

Ready to dive into the kitchen? Let us know how it turns out!

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