Description
This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a zesty and comforting meal featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, orzo pasta, and a creamy lemon-egg broth. Perfect for a nourishing lunch or dinner, it combines bright citrus flavors with hearty ingredients for a satisfying bowl of warmth.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Broth
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Garnish
- 2/3 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon-Egg Mixture
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 2 eggs
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, chopped onion, carrots, celery, minced garlic, dried oregano, and a bay leaf. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Set the shredded chicken aside.
- Cook Orzo: Stir the uncooked orzo pasta into the hot broth. Continue cooking for 7-10 minutes or until the pasta becomes tender but not mushy.
- Make Egg-Lemon Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and eggs until smooth. To temper the eggs and prevent curdling, gradually whisk in a small amount of the hot broth from the pot into the egg-lemon mixture.
- Combine and Stir: Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the soup pot, whisking continuously to create a creamy, velvety texture. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Tempering the eggs is an essential step to avoid scrambling them when adding to the hot soup.
- You can substitute orzo with rice or small pasta shapes if preferred.
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste for more or less tanginess.
- Use homemade chicken broth for enhanced flavor.
- This soup reheats well but may thicken; add a splash of broth or water when reheating if needed.
