Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe

If you’re looking for a soul-warming dish that combines bright, zesty flavors with comforting, tender chicken, you have to try this Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe. This traditional Greek favorite perfectly balances the tartness of lemon with the creamy richness of eggs and the wholesome goodness of homemade chicken broth, making it not only a delicious meal but also wonderfully soothing for chilly days or when you’re craving something nourishing. Every spoonful feels like a cozy hug from your favorite Greek grandmother, and once you make it, I promise it’ll be a staple in your kitchen too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe is in its simplicity. Using fresh, wholesome ingredients means every element shines through, creating a harmony of flavors and textures that feel both rustic and elegant. Each ingredient plays a special role, whether it’s building a rich broth, adding sweetness, or giving that signature tangy zip.

• 1 whole Chicken (approximately 3-4 pounds): Provides a rich, flavorful broth and tender meat that forms the heart of the soup.
• 12 cups Water: Used to simmer the chicken and create a clear, comforting broth.
• 1 large Onion, quartered: Adds depth and a subtle natural sweetness to the broth.
• 2-3 pieces Carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks: Contributes gentle, natural sweetness and enhances broth color.
• 2-3 stalks Celery, cut into large pieces: Adds a fresh, aromatic quality that uplifts the soup.
• 1-2 pieces Bay Leaves: Essential for infusing the broth with subtle herbal notes.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning the broth to bring out all the flavors.
• Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
• 4 large Eggs: Key ingredient that contributes to the creamy, silky texture of the soup.
• 1 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (about 4-5 lemons): Provides the signature tangy flavor that defines avgolemono.
• Fresh Parsley or Dill, chopped (to garnish): Adds a fresh burst of color and herbaceous brightness to each serving.

How to Make Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe

Step 1: Create Your Flavorful Broth

Begin by placing your whole chicken into a large pot along with the water, quartered onion, chunky carrots, celery stalks, and bay leaves. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Bring this hearty mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer gently for about 1 to 1.5 hours. As the chicken cooks, it imparts rich flavors to the broth, which forms the base of this soul-soothing soup.

Step 2: Strain and Prepare the Broth

Once your chicken is tender and the broth fragrant, carefully remove the chicken from the pot. Strain the broth into a bowl to separate the solids, then return the clear, flavorful broth back to the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer in preparation for the next steps.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

While the broth is simmering, shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones. The shredded chicken will add protein and texture to your soup, blending beautifully with the silky broth.

Step 4: Whisk Eggs and Lemon Juice

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and homogenous. This combination is crucial as it will give the soup its famous creamy texture and bright flavor profile.

Step 5: Temper the Eggs

To avoid curdling, gradually add some of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture while whisking continuously. This process gently warms the eggs and prepares them to be incorporated into the soup without scrambling.

Step 6: Combine the Egg Mixture with Broth

Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot of simmering broth, stirring continuously. This step thickens the soup slightly and gives it that luscious creamy consistency that is so special about avgolemono.

Step 7: Add Shredded Chicken and Heat Through

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and warm it through gently. Be careful not to let the soup boil now, as boiling may cause the eggs to curdle.

Step 8: Adjust Seasonings

Give your soup a final taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if you desire a bit more tang or seasoning. This final tweak ensures every bowl is perfectly balanced.

Step 9: Serve with Fresh Herbs

Ladle the hot Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill for a burst of color and herbal brightness. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley or dill are classic garnishes that add a lovely, fragrant touch and brighten the look of your soup. A light sprinkle right before serving enhances both flavor and presentation.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm pita for soaking up every drop of that creamy broth. A simple Greek salad or roasted vegetables can round out the meal beautifully for a true taste of the Mediterranean.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra zing. You can also offer a small bowl of cooked orzo or rice alongside so guests can add it to their soup if they like a heartier texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, making it even more comforting the next day.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best done with just the broth and chicken separately to maintain texture. The egg and lemon mixture sometimes change texture after freezing, so adding fresh lemon and egg mixture when reheating is recommended.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently over low heat, stirring often to prevent the eggs from curdling. If needed, whisk fresh eggs and lemon juice and add them when warming to refresh the soup’s creamy texture.

FAQs

What is avgolemono?

Avgolemono is a traditional Greek sauce and soup style made from eggs and lemon juice, combined with broth to create a creamy, tangy base without any dairy. It’s cherished for its bright flavor and silky texture.

Can I use store-bought chicken broth?

Yes, while homemade broth is preferred for its depth, high-quality store-bought chicken broth can work in a pinch. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly to enhance flavor.

Why do I need to temper the eggs?

Tempering the eggs by slowly adding hot broth prevents them from scrambling when added to the soup. It ensures a smooth, creamy texture that defines avgolemono.

Can I add rice or orzo directly to the soup?

You can, but be mindful that rice or orzo will absorb a lot of liquid. If adding, cook them separately and combine just before serving for the best texture.

Is avgolemono soup served hot or cold?

Avgolemono soup is traditionally served hot, making it perfect for cold days or when you want something comforting and nourishing.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about the Avgolemono Soup (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup) Recipe that warms you up inside and out. Its unique balance of creamy texture and refreshing lemony brightness makes it a standout dish you’ll want to return to again and again. I hope you enjoy creating and sharing this beloved Greek classic with your loved ones as much as I do!

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