Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort to any table. Perfect for winter dinners or cozy family gatherings, this dish features zesty lemon, hearty chicken, and tender rice in a savory broth. It’s easy to prepare in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Enjoy the nourishing qualities of this soup that will leave you feeling satisfied yet light.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This recipe takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal and less time cleaning up.
• Flavorful Comfort: The combination of lemon and chicken delivers a bright yet comforting flavor that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with vegetables or herbs you have on hand for a personal touch.
• Healthy & Nourishing: Packed with protein and nutrients, this soup is both filling and nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the necessary tools before you begin.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly while allowing space for all ingredients.
• Whisk: Important for tempering the eggs to create a creamy texture without scrambling them.

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Ingredients

Vegetables & Aromatics

• olive oil
• 1 cup diced yellow onion
• ½ cup diced carrots (about 2 large carrots)
• ½ cup diced celery (about 3-4 celery stalks)
• 5 cloves garlic (minced)
• 2 strips lemon peel

Seasonings & Broth

• ½ tbsp dried oregano
• 2 bay leaves (omit if you don’t have any)
• 6 cups chicken broth (or chicken bone broth)

Main Ingredients

• ½ cup dry white rice
• 1 egg
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 cups shredded chicken breast
• 3-4 oz baby spinach (about 3 large handfuls)
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill
• salt + pepper (to taste)

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Bring a large pot or Dutch oven to medium heat. Once hot, add a bit of olive oil. Then, add the onion, celery, carrots, and lemon peel. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the veggies get tender. Add garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 2: Add Broth and Rice

Add oregano, bay leaves, and chicken broth. Stir well. Increase heat to bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add rice, reduce heat to medium-low, and continue cooking for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Remove Bay Leaves

Carefully remove bay leaves and lemon peels from the pot and discard them.

Step 4: Temper the Eggs

Reduce heat to low. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg and egg yolk. Slowly add in a few ladlefuls of broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This helps prevent the eggs from scrambling when added back into the soup.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Slowly add the tempered eggs back into the soup pot while whisking vigorously. Next, stir in the chicken, spinach, dill, and lemon juice. Continue cooking for several more minutes until heated through; adjust salt, pepper, lemon juice, and dill as needed. Serve warm!

Enjoy your delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Soup!

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Serving Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with a few simple touches. This soup is versatile and can be paired with various sides or garnishes to elevate its flavors and presentation.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a hint of freshness.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty kick.

Accompany with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: The tangy flavor pairs well with the soup’s lemony notes.
• Garlic Bread: Adds a rich, buttery taste that complements the soup beautifully.

Serve with a Salad

• Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese enhances the Mediterranean theme.
• Spinach Salad: Lightly dressed spinach salad provides a nice contrast to the warm soup.

Add a Side of Rice

• Cilantro Lime Rice: This flavorful rice dish brings an additional layer of zest that pairs well with the soup.
• Herbed Rice Pilaf: A light pilaf seasoned with herbs complements the chicken and broth perfectly.

How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

To achieve the best version of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips. They can enhance the texture, flavor, and overall enjoyment of your dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Control the Heat: When adding eggs to the soup, ensure you temper them slowly to prevent scrambling.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste your soup as you go, adjusting salt, pepper, and lemon juice to suit your preference.
• Choose Quality Broth: A rich homemade chicken broth will significantly enhance the overall flavor.
• Incorporate Spinach Last: Add spinach at the end of cooking to retain its vibrant color and nutrients.

Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup can create a wholesome meal. Here are some great options that complement the soup’s flavors.

1. Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips are perfect for dipping into your delicious soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies adds color and nutrition to your table.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad offers protein and texture alongside the soup.
4. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These savory bites are traditional Mediterranean delights that pair well with any soup.
5. Feta Cheese Platter: Serve assorted olives and feta cheese for a tasty appetizer before diving into your soup.
6. Grilled Zucchini Skewers: Lightly grilled zucchini adds a smoky flavor that complements the lemony broth beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfect.

• Skipping the Tempering Process: Failing to temper the eggs can lead to scrambling when added to the hot broth. Always whisk some broth into the eggs slowly before combining them with the soup.
• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables for too long can make them mushy. Sauté until they are just tender and still vibrant in color for the best texture.
• Not Adjusting Seasoning: Each chicken broth has a different salt level. Always taste and adjust your salt and pepper at the end of cooking for balanced flavor.
• Forgetting Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the flavor of your soup. Don’t skip adding dill or any fresh herbs at the end; they provide brightness and aroma.
• Using Cold Chicken: Adding cold chicken to your soup will lower the temperature and may affect cooking times. Ensure it’s at room temperature before adding it in.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to common questions about making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup.

What is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a light yet comforting dish made with chicken, rice, lemon juice, and eggs.

Can I make this soup with turkey?

Yes! You can easily substitute shredded turkey breast for chicken in this recipe without affecting the flavor.

How can I customize my Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or peas for additional nutrition and flavor variations.

Is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup gluten-free?

Yes! This recipe uses dry white rice instead of pasta or flour-based ingredients, making it a great gluten-free option.

How do I store leftovers of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.

Final Thoughts

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. This comforting dish makes a fantastic meal any time of year—give it a try!