Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: (8 Ingredients)

Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 8 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/2 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 cup finely chopped celery; 6 tablespoons chicken soup base; 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper; 1/4 cup margarine; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 8 egg yolks; 1 cup cooked white rice; 1 cup diced cooked chicken; 16 lemon slices (for garnish)

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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with tender chicken, creamy broth, and fresh lemon. Easy 30-minute recipe with authentic flavors for perfect comfort food.

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—a cozy corner where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. One spoonful of this Greek lemon chicken soup transported me straight back to a rainy afternoon in Chicago, where I first tasted this liquid sunshine at my neighbor Yiayia Maria’s kitchen table.

I’ve tested this recipe dozens of times—scorched a few egg batches and learned the hard way about tempering—so you don’t have to. Whether you’re battling a cold or simply craving something soul-warming, this authentic Greek avgolemono will become your new obsession.

The secret lies in the silky egg-lemon mixture that transforms ordinary chicken broth into something extraordinary. Furthermore, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Every American grocery store carries these simple ingredients. Additionally, the entire process takes just 30 minutes from start to finish. Most importantly, this soup freezes beautifully for busy weeknight dinners.

What Makes This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Special

This isn’t just any chicken and lemon soup. Traditional avgolemono requires precise technique to achieve that signature creamy texture without scrambling the eggs. Moreover, authentic Greek families have perfected this balance over generations.

The key difference lies in the tempering process. Instead of dumping raw eggs into hot broth, we gradually introduce warm liquid to create that silky, lemony finish. As a result, you get restaurant-quality soup at home.

American adaptations often skip the rice, but I’ve included it here. The rice adds body and transforms this from a light soup into a satisfying meal. Furthermore, it helps thicken the broth naturally without heavy cream.

Essential Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

*Ingrédients for the perfect Lemony Chicken Soup*

Ingredient	Amount	US Metric	Notes
Chicken broth	8 cups	1.9 L	Low-sodium preferred
Fresh lemon juice	½ cup	120 ml	About 4 large lemons
Shredded carrots	½ cup	60 g	Pre-shredded saves time
Chopped onion	½ cup	75 g	Yellow onion works best
Chopped celery	½ cup	60 g	Include leaves for flavor
Chicken soup base	6 tablespoons	90 ml	Better Than Bouillon recommended
Ground white pepper	¼ teaspoon	1 g	Black pepper acceptable
Margarine	¼ cup	60 g	Butter substitutes fine
All-purpose flour	¼ cup	30 g	For thickening
Egg yolks	8 large	8 yolks	Room temperature preferred
Cooked white rice	1 cup	185 g	Day-old rice works perfectly
Diced cooked chicken	1 cup	140 g	Rotisserie chicken saves time
Lemon slices	16 slices	For garnish	Meyer lemons if available

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

Look for rotisserie chicken in the deli section—it’s already seasoned and saves significant prep time. Additionally, most stores carry pre-shredded carrots near the bagged salads. However, freshly grated carrots provide better texture and flavor.

Choose lemons that feel heavy for their size. They contain more juice than lighter ones. Furthermore, room-temperature lemons yield more juice than cold ones straight from the refrigerator.

Bold Add-ins and Creative Variations

Mediterranean Twist: Add ½ cup chopped fresh dill and 2 tablespoons capers for authentic Greek flavor.

Protein Boost: Include 1 cup cooked orzo pasta instead of rice for heartier texture.

Vegetable Enhancement: Stir in 1 cup frozen peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Quality Indicators

Fresh lemons should have bright, unblemished skin and give slightly to pressure. Avoid lemons with soft spots or wrinkled skin. Moreover, organic lemons provide better flavor if you’re using the zest.

Choose chicken broth with less than 600mg sodium per serving. This allows better control over the final seasoning. Additionally, avoid broths with artificial flavors or preservatives.

Equipment and Preparation Steps

Essential Equipment

You’ll need a large, heavy-bottomed pot (at least 4-quart capacity) for even heat distribution. Additionally, a wire whisk prevents lumps in the flour mixture. A fine-mesh strainer helps achieve silky smoothness, though it’s optional.

DIY Alternative:No heavy pot? Use your largest saucepan and reduce heat to prevent scorching. Furthermore, a large spoon can substitute for a whisk in a pinch—just what you need when making a cozy batch of Lemony Chicken Soup.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Aromatic Base

Start by combining chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper in your large pot. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.

Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently. The vegetables need 15-20 minutes to become tender. Meanwhile, you’ll hear the gentle bubbling that signals perfect simmering temperature.

Pro Tip: Taste the broth at this stage. It should have bright lemon flavor without being overpowering. Additionally, the vegetables should be fork-tender but not mushy.

Create the Silky Thickener

While the broth simmers, prepare your thickening mixture. In a small bowl, combine margarine and flour until you achieve a smooth paste. This technique prevents lumps better than adding flour directly to hot liquid.

Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering soup using a whisk. Continue cooking while stirring frequently for 8-10 minutes. The soup should thicken slightly but remain pourable.

Common Mistake Alert: I once added the flour mixture too quickly and ended up with gummy lumps. Take your time with this step—patience creates perfectly smooth soup.

Master the Egg Tempering Technique

This step separates amateur cooks from confident ones. Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl until they’re pale and creamy. Julia Child always emphasized this technique for preventing scrambled eggs in hot soup.

Slowly add one ladle of hot soup to the beaten yolks while whisking constantly. This process, called tempering, gradually raises the egg temperature. Next, add another ladle while continuing to whisk vigorously.

Now comes the crucial moment. Pour the egg mixture back into the pot in a slow, steady stream while stirring the soup continuously. The temperature should stay below boiling to prevent curdling.

Expert Insight: Jacques Pépin taught me this technique during a cooking class in Napa Valley. He stressed that patience during tempering creates restaurant-quality results at home.

Finish with Protein and Rice

Add the cooked rice and diced chicken to the pot. Cook for 3-5 minutes until everything is heated through. The rice will absorb some liquid and help thicken the soup naturally.

Taste and adjust seasoning now. You might need additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your broth’s saltiness. Furthermore, fresh herbs like dill or parsley brighten the final flavor.

Expert Tips for Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Temperature Control Secrets

Keep the soup at a gentle simmer after adding the eggs. Boiling will cause the eggs to scramble and ruin the silky texture. Additionally, use a wooden spoon to stir—it conducts less heat than metal utensils.

If you notice the soup starting to curdle, immediately remove it from heat. Whisk vigorously while adding a tablespoon of cold water. This technique often saves the batch.

Texture Perfection

The finished soup should coat the back of a spoon lightly. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few more minutes. Conversely, if it’s too thick, add warm broth gradually until you reach the desired consistency.

Strain the soup through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture. However, most home cooks appreciate the rustic charm of visible vegetables and rice, especially in a comforting bowl of Chicken And Lemon Soup.

Creative Variations for the Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Regional American Twist: Add 1 cup corn kernels and ½ cup diced bell peppers for a Southern-inspired version.

Holiday Enhancement: Include 1 teaspoon fresh thyme and ½ cup pearl onions for elegant dinner party presentation.

Dietary Adaptations: Use coconut milk instead of eggs for dairy-free version. The texture differs, but the flavor remains delicious.

Make-Ahead Version: Prepare the soup without eggs and rice. Store separately, then add both when reheating to maintain proper texture.

Freezer-Friendly Option: Freeze the base without eggs for up to 3 months. Add fresh eggs and rice when ready to serve.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practices
Refrigerator	3-4 days	Store in airtight container
Freezer (base only)	3 months	Freeze without eggs/rice
Freezer (complete)	1 month	Texture may change slightly
Reheating	Gentle heat	Stir frequently, don’t boil

Serving Suggestions

This lemony chicken soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread and a simple Greek salad. Additionally, it makes an excellent starter for Mediterranean-themed dinners.

For authentic Greek dining, serve with warm pita bread and crumbled feta cheese on the side. Furthermore, a drizzle of good olive oil adds richness and authentic flavor.

Consider serving alongside fall snack mix for casual family dinners. The contrasting textures create an interesting meal combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Greek lemon soup called?

Greek lemon soup is called “avgolemono,” which literally means “egg-lemon” in Greek. This traditional soup combines eggs and lemon juice to create a creamy, tangy broth that’s been a staple in Greek cuisine for centuries. The technique originated in ancient Greece and remains virtually unchanged today.

What spices are in Greek lemon chicken?

Traditional Greek lemon chicken soup uses minimal spices to let the bright lemon flavor shine. White pepper provides gentle heat without competing with the citrus. Additionally, many Greek cooks add fresh dill, oregano, or parsley for authentic Mediterranean flavor. However, the beauty lies in its simplicity.

What does adding lemon juice to chicken soup do?

Adding lemon juice to chicken soup creates brightness and balances rich, savory flavors. The acid cuts through heaviness and adds complexity to simple ingredients. Moreover, lemon juice helps preserve the soup’s color and provides vitamin C. In Greek tradition, it also aids digestion and provides comfort during illness.

What goes with Greek lemon chicken soup?

Greek lemon chicken soup pairs perfectly with warm pita bread, Greek salad, and olives. Additionally, serve with slow cooker cowboy casserole for heartier appetites. Many families enjoy it with rice pilaf and roasted vegetables. Furthermore, a glass of crisp white wine complements the citrus flavors beautifully.

Is Greek lemon chicken soup healthy?

Greek lemon chicken soup is quite healthy, providing lean protein, vegetables, and beneficial nutrients. The eggs add high-quality protein and healthy fats. Additionally, the lemon provides vitamin C and antioxidants. However, watch sodium content if using store-bought broth. Consider making it with homemade chicken stock for maximum nutrition control.

Conclusion

This authentic Greek lemon chicken soup brings Mediterranean sunshine to any American kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, creamy eggs, and bright lemon creates comfort food that satisfies both body and soul.

Remember that perfect tempering technique—it’s the secret to restaurant-quality results at home. Additionally, don’t skip the rice; it transforms this from simple soup into a complete meal.

Next time you’re feeling under the weather or craving something extraordinary, try this lemony chicken soup. Your family will thank you for bringing this taste of Greece to your dinner table.

Serve with warm bread and perhaps some garlic parmesan chicken for a complete Mediterranean feast. Furthermore, pack some in school lunch containers for a healthy midday boost.

Tasty at Home – Where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens.

Have you tried making avgolemono before? Share your variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag us on social media with your beautiful soup photos!