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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe

5.1 from 20 reviews

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a comforting and tangy traditional Greek soup made with rich chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, tender chicken, rice, and silky egg yolks. This bright, creamy soup is perfect for any season and showcases the classic Mediterranean flavors in a hearty, satisfying dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • ½ cup finely chopped celery
  • 6 tablespoons chicken soup base
  • ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

Thickening Mixture

  • ¼ cup margarine
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour

Egg Mixture

  • 8 egg yolks

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked white rice
  • 1 cup diced cooked chicken
  • 16 lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, combine chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, shredded carrots, finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender and flavors meld together.
  2. Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, blend margarine and all-purpose flour until smooth and well combined. Gradually pour this mixture into the simmering soup, stirring constantly. Continue cooking for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup thickens slightly and develops a creamy texture.
  3. Temper the Egg Yolks: Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl until pale and creamy. Slowly add a ladle of the hot soup to the yolks while whisking constantly to temper them and prevent curdling. Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot while stirring continuously. Cook gently over low heat until the soup is heated through, careful not to let it boil, which could cause the eggs to scramble.
  4. Finish the Soup: Stir in the cooked white rice and diced cooked chicken. Allow the soup to cook for a few additional minutes until all ingredients are warmed through and evenly combined.
  5. Serve: Ladle the soup into individual bowls and garnish each serving with a fresh lemon slice for an added burst of citrus aroma and flavor. Enjoy your classic Greek Lemon Chicken Soup immediately.

Notes

  • Be sure not to boil the soup after adding the egg yolks to avoid curdling.
  • You can substitute margarine with butter for a richer flavor.
  • If you prefer a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free thickener and check the soup base for gluten content.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid scrambling the eggs.
  • The soup can be made ahead by preparing the base and adding eggs, rice, and chicken just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, Avgolemono, Lemon Soup, Chicken Soup, Mediterranean Soup, Comfort Food, Greek Cuisine