Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and comforting warmth in every spoonful. This traditional Greek soup is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The unique blend of lemon juice and egg yolks creates a creamy texture that’s both refreshing and satisfying, making it an ideal meal for all seasons.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This Avgolemono soup comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
Flavorful and Zesty: The combination of lemon juice and fresh dill infuses the soup with bright flavors that awaken your palate.
Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a light lunch or pair it with crusty bread for a hearty dinner option.
Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from chicken and healthy vegetables, this soup is not only tasty but also good for you.
Comforting Experience: Ideal for chilly days, this soup gives you the warm comfort of home cooking in each bowl.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand can make preparing Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup an even smoother process. Here are some essentials you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large stock pot or Dutch oven
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Whisk
Ladle

Importance of Each Tool

Large stock pot or Dutch oven: This allows for even cooking of ingredients and ample space for the soup to simmer without spilling over.
Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces that cook evenly.

Ingredients

Avgolemono is a traditional Greek lemon chicken soup that’s simply comfort in a bowl! It’s a gorgeous, delicious soup made with egg yolks and loads of lemon juice for a warming and satisfying meal.

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
1 medium carrot, diced
2-3 celery stalks, diced
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
2 chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 350 g total)
6 cups (1.5 liter) chicken stock

Additional Ingredients

3/4 cup (175 g) orzo
Juice of 1 lemon
2 egg yolks
A handful fresh dill
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

How to Make Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrot, and celery. Cook for about 8–10 minutes until they soften.

Step 2: Add Flavorings

Stir in the finely chopped garlic and cook for another minute. Then add the bay leaves, chicken breasts, and chicken stock. Bring everything to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer the Soup

Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Step 4: Incorporate Orzo

Remove the chicken breasts and bay leaves from the pot. Add the orzo pasta into the broth. Let it cook for an additional 10 minutes until tender.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.

Step 6: Prepare Egg-Lemon Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and lemon juice. To temper this mixture, take out 1–2 ladles of hot soup and slowly pour it into the egg-lemon mix while whisking continuously.

Step 7: Final Touches

Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot. Continue cooking on low heat for about 5 minutes while stirring gently. Finally, stir in fresh dill and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving hot.

Enjoy your homemade Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Avgolemono is not just a soup; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. There are many delightful ways to serve this traditional Greek lemon chicken soup to enhance its flavors and presentation.

With Fresh Herbs

Dill or Parsley: Garnish the soup with freshly chopped dill or parsley for added freshness and color.
Lemon Zest: Add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top just before serving for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

Sourdough Bread: Serve with thick slices of sourdough bread to soak up the delicious broth.
Garlic Bread: For a savory twist, garlic bread pairs wonderfully with the tangy soup.

In a Bowls of Comfort

Individual Bowls: Serve in deep bowls for a comforting presentation. Top each bowl with a drizzle of olive oil for richness.
Family Style: Present in a large pot at the table for family-style dining, allowing guests to serve themselves.

How to Perfect Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Perfecting Avgolemono requires attention to detail and some culinary tricks. Follow these tips for the best results!

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and high-quality chicken stock will elevate your soup’s flavor significantly.
Temper Your Eggs: Mixing hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture slowly prevents curdling, ensuring a creamy texture.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; adding salt and pepper can enhance the overall flavor.
Cook Orzo Al Dente: Ensure that orzo is cooked just right—tender but still firm—to avoid mushiness in your soup.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the soup to cool slightly before serving helps develop its flavors even more.
Serve Hot: This soup is best enjoyed warm, so make sure to serve it immediately after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with Avgolemono can complement its vibrant flavors. Here are some excellent options.

Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese drizzled with olive oil provides a lovely contrast.
Spanakopita: These flaky spinach and feta pastries add texture and richness that perfectly balances the lightness of the soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots bring earthy flavors that pair well with Avgolemono.
Pita Bread: Warm pita bread is perfect for dipping into the soup or enjoying alongside it for added satisfaction.
Rice Pilaf: A flavorful rice pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the lemony notes of the soup beautifully.
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): Herb-filled grape leaves offer a unique taste experience that enhances your meal’s Mediterranean theme.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup can be easy, but there are common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

Using cold ingredients: Always bring your chicken stock and other ingredients to room temperature before cooking. This helps ensure even cooking.
Skipping the tempering step: Never add egg yolks directly to hot soup, as they can cook too quickly. Temper them with a bit of soup first to avoid curdling.
Not seasoning properly: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper throughout the cooking process for the best flavor.
Overcooking the orzo: Keep an eye on the orzo while it cooks. It should be al dente when added back to the soup, as it will continue to soften.
Forgetting fresh herbs: Fresh dill adds a vibrant flavor. Don’t skip this final touch for a burst of freshness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Portion into freezer-safe containers.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to a baking dish and cover with foil. Heat until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until heated through.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup that you might find helpful.

What is Avgolemono?

Avgolemono is a traditional Greek lemon chicken soup made with egg yolks and plenty of lemon juice, creating a rich and creamy texture.

Can I make Avgolemono vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

How can I customize my Avgolemono?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color. You can also adjust the lemon juice according to your taste preference.

Is Avgolemono suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

Avgolemono — Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is both comforting and versatile. Its bright lemon flavor paired with tender chicken makes it a delightful dish any time of year. Experiment with different herbs or veggies to make it your own!