This Greek Avgolemono Soup recipe, a classic lemon rice and chicken soup, is a deliciously hearty meal that's ready in just 35 minutes! With a unique blend of comforting rice, tender chicken, and tangy lemon, all thickened with eggs, it’s a quick and easy recipe that doesn't skimp on flavor.
If you're a fan of the classic chicken and rice combo, then this Greek Avgolemono soup is a must-try. With shredded chicken, rice, and a handful of simple veggies enveloped in a creamy lemon-and-egg broth, this soup promises a comforting and balanced meal for the whole family.
If you're a fan of the comforting soup, you might also enjoy my Chicken Riganati, a Greek lemon roasted chicken that's bursting with flavor. Or, for a lighter option, try my Grilled Chicken Greek Panzanella Salad, a refreshing dish that's perfect for a summer lunch.
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Why This Is The Best Greek Avgolemono Soup Recipe
- Classic Flavors: This soup is packed with traditional Greek flavors, from the tangy lemon to the hearty chicken and rice, making it a true classic.
- Comfort Food: There's nothing quite like a bowl of warm, hearty soup to comfort you on a chilly day. This Greek Avgolemono Soup is the ultimate comfort food.
- Budget-Friendly: With simple, affordable ingredients, this soup is a wallet-friendly option that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the flavorful liquid base of the soup, adding depth and richness.
- Eggs: They are whisked in the soup to give it a creamy and rich texture to our egg-lemon sauce.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the richness of the soup.
- Rice: This grain acts as a hearty filler, making the soup more satisfying and substantial.
- Shredded Chicken: Already cooked and shredded, this protein adds substance and flavor to the soup. You can use cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for this soup.
How to Make Greek Avgolemono Soup
Making this incredible Greek avgolemono soup recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Sauté the vegetables: In a heavy pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté until they soften. This process brings out the natural sweetness and flavors of the vegetables, providing a solid foundation for your soup.
- Pour in the broth: Add your low-sodium chicken stock to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add and simmer the rice: Stir in your choice of short-grain or arborio rice, season with salt and pepper, then turn the heat down to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in the chicken: Add either shredded chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken to the pot. Stir well to combine, and distribute the chicken evenly in the soup.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. To temper the eggs and avoid curdling, gradually add two ladle-fulls of broth from the soup while continuing to whisk.
- Combine the egg mixture with the soup: Pour the egg mixture into the pot, stirring well to incorporate it into the soup. Be sure to remove the pot from the heat immediately to prevent the eggs from overcooking.
- Adjust the seasoning: After combining, take a moment to check the flavor of your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup. Add more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to your preference.
- Serve the soup: Dish out the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill.
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Tips For Making the Best Greek Avgolemono Soup
- Temper the Egg Mixture: When preparing the egg mixture, it's important to temper the eggs by slowly adding hot soup to the mixture. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when you pour them into the soup.
- Choose Your Chicken Wisely: You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or rotisserie chicken for this recipe. If you're short on time, a rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut.
- Adjust the Texture: The texture of the soup can be adjusted by the type of rice you use. Arborio rice or short-grain rice will have a creamier texture.
Serving Suggestions
- For a complete, hearty meal, pair this Greek Avgolemono Soup with a side of warm, crusty bread. The bread is perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth, and makes this dish even more satisfying.
- Want a lighter option? Serve this soup alongside a fresh, crisp Greek salad. The tangy feta and olives in the salad complement the lemony chicken soup wonderfully.
- If you're in the mood for a cozy, comforting dinner, try serving this soup with a side of roasted vegetables. The earthy flavors of the veggies balance the bright, citrusy soup perfectly.
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Orzo: For a different texture, replace the rice with orzo, a small pasta shape that's common in Greek cuisine. This variation gives the soup a pasta-like texture, making it a comforting dish that's perfect for colder months.
- Arborio Rice: For a creamier texture, try using Arborio rice, a short grain rice, instead of regular rice. This type of rice is known for its ability to absorb flavors.
- Rotisserie Chicken: If you're short on time, using rotisserie chicken can be a great shortcut. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup. This variation not only saves time but also adds a deeper flavor to the soup due to the rotisserie chicken's seasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Avgolemono is a classic Greek term that translates to "egg-lemon". It's a reference to the two key ingredients in this soup recipe that give it its unique flavor and texture: eggs and lemon juice.
Avgolemono soup is a simple, yet flavorful dish made with basic ingredients. The main components are chicken broth, eggs, lemon juice, and rice or orzo pasta. Some versions, like our Greek Lemon Chicken Soup recipe, also include vegetables and chicken for added texture and flavor.
Avgolemono is a traditional Greek chicken soup that was invented by Sephardic Jews, who supposedly brought lemons from Southern Europe to Italy then to Greece in about the early 1000 AD.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerating: If you have leftovers of this delicious dish, simply pour the soup into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. This classic Greek soup will keep for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Unfortunately, this Greek lemon chicken soup, or avgolemono soup, does not freeze well due to the egg mixture and orzo pasta. The texture of the soup changes when frozen and thawed, making it less appetizing.
- Reheating Instructions: When you're ready to enjoy the soup again, simply simmer it on low heat until it's heated through. The flavors of the chicken, fresh dill, and lemon will still be vibrant and tasty.
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Recipe
Greek Avgolemono Soup
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 stalks celery diced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 2 eggs
- Juice from 2 lemons
- 1/1/2 cup rice
- 2 ½ cups shredded chicken
- 2 carrots chopped
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a heavy pot, heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil and add the onion, carrots and celery. Cook for a few minutes or until softened.
- Add the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Add the rice and season with salt and pepper.
- Turn the heat to medium low and cook for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Stir in the cooked chicken.
- To prepare the egg lemon mixture, into a bowl whisk in the eggs with the lemon juice. While whisking, add two ladles of the broth from the soup, this will temper the eggs.
- Now add the mixture to the pot, stir and remove it from the heat immediately.
- Adjust for seasoning.
- Serve in a bowl and garnish with some parsley.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
Natalia says
Very delicious and rich soup with the interesting name .
Iryna Bychkiv says
Thank you!
Felicity says
Hello Iryna,
Does your recipe for Greek avgolemono soup have a video?
I love all your soup recipes, and thank you so much.
Kindest regards, Felicity
Iryna Bychkiv says
Hello Felicity! Sorry, the recipe doesn't have a video yet. And thank you for the kind words! I'm happy you love my soup recipes!