Introduction
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a classic dish that beautifully combines the flavors of lemon, chicken, and rice or orzo for a comforting meal. This soup is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for any day of the week. The bright tang of lemon juice paired with the creamy texture from the egg yolks creates a unique and satisfying experience for your taste buds.
Ingredients
Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, tangy taste to make all the flavors pop.
Shredded Chicken: For convenience, use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
Onion, Celery, Carrots & Garlic: Onions for depth, celery for freshness, carrots for sweetness, and garlic for aromatics.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: The base of the soup that contributes a mild yet savory chicken flavor.
Bay Leaves: Adds a subtle, herbal undertone. Be sure to remove them before serving.
Uncooked Rice or Orzo Pasta: Acts as the thickener, adding more sustenance and texture. Rice creates a heartier soup, while orzo adds a silkier consistency.
Egg Yolks: A must for Avgolemono’s signature texture! They are whisked with lemon juice to thicken the soup, giving it a creamy consistency.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in each ingredient.
Fresh Dill or Parsley: For garnish. Dill offers a distinct anise-like taste, and parsley provides a milder, slightly peppery note.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
45 minutes
Yield
Serves 6
Directions
1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
2. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
3. Add uncooked rice or orzo pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice or orzo is cooked through.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
5. Slowly ladle some of the hot soup broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Repeat this process a few times to gradually raise the temperature of the egg mixture.
6. Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. This will thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
7. Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup heat through.
8. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley.
Enjoy your comforting and flavorful Greek Lemon Chicken Soup!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
Add Broth and Bay Leaves
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and add bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook Rice or Orzo
Add uncooked rice or orzo pasta to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the rice or orzo is cooked through.
Prepare Egg-Lemon Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg yolks and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
Temper the Egg Mixture
Slowly ladle some of the hot soup broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking continuously to prevent curdling. Repeat this process a few times to gradually raise the temperature of the egg mixture.
Incorporate Egg Mixture into Soup
Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. This will thicken the soup and give it a creamy consistency.
Add Shredded Chicken
Stir in the shredded chicken and let the soup heat through.
Season and Garnish
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the bay leaves. Serve hot, garnished with fresh dill or parsley.
Notes
Chicken Options
For convenience, using store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken works well.
Vegetable Variations
Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or peas for additional flavor and nutrition.
Storage Guidelines
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing Vegetables
Sautéing involves cooking vegetables over medium heat in olive oil until they are tender and fragrant. This technique helps to build a flavor base for the soup.
Simmering
Simmering is a gentle cooking method where you bring the liquid to a boil and then reduce the heat to cook slowly. It allows the rice or orzo to absorb flavors while cooking through without becoming mushy.
Whisking
Whisking is a technique used to combine the egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth. This ensures a creamy texture when added to the soup.
Tempering
Tempering involves slowly introducing hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. This technique prevents the eggs from curdling when added to the soup.
Incorporating
Incorporating the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup requires constant stirring to ensure even distribution and a creamy consistency.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes, leftover chicken or store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this soup.
What type of rice or pasta should I use?
You can use uncooked rice or orzo pasta, depending on your preference for a heartier or silkier soup.
Is it necessary to remove the bay leaves before serving?
Yes, bay leaves should be removed before serving as they are not edible and can be tough to chew.
How can I thicken the soup if I prefer a creamier texture?
To achieve a creamier texture, you can increase the number of egg yolks or whisk in a bit more lemon juice.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to add the egg mixture and chicken just before serving to maintain the creamy texture.
Conclusion
The Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, or Avgolemono, is a delightful and comforting dish that balances flavors with its bright lemony twist and creamy texture. Its blend of vegetables, tender chicken, and the unique egg-lemon emulsion creates a nourishing meal that’s perfect for any occasion. This soup is not only easy to make but also a great way to utilize leftover chicken, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights. Enjoy every spoonful of this flavorful classic that brings a taste of Greece to your table.
Chickpea and Spinach Soup
This hearty and nutritious soup combines chickpeas and fresh spinach with a medley of spices and herbs. It’s a fantastic plant-based option that provides protein and iron, making it filling and satisfying.
Lemon Herb Quinoa Soup
For a lighter meal, try a quinoa soup that features fresh herbs and vegetables. The quinoa adds a lovely texture, and the lemon juice would elevate the flavors, making it refreshing and wholesome.
Mexican Chicken Tortilla Soup
For a spicy twist, consider making a chicken tortilla soup. With tomatoes, beans, corn, and seasoned chicken, topped with crispy tortilla strips, this soup adds a vibrant kick to your dinner.
Vegetable and Orzo Soup
A vegetable-packed soup with orzo is another excellent option. Using seasonal veggies and a flavorful broth, this dish provides a colorful and nutritious meal that is sure to please everyone.
Curried Coconut Chicken Soup
For something different, try a curried coconut chicken soup. Infused with curry spices and creamy coconut milk, this dish brings a tropical flair while maintaining hearty comfort.
Italian Wedding Soup
This classic Italian dish is made with meatballs, greens, and pasta in a savory broth. It’s a warm and filling soup that combines flavors beautifully, ideal for family gatherings.
