Picture this: it’s a chilly day, and you’re wrapped in a warm blanket, savoring a bowl of Easy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – Light, Cozy, and Delicious! This classic soup is known for its tangy, comforting flavors and silky texture, making it the perfect meal to soothe your soul. Whether you’re a fan of Greek cuisine or simply looking for a new recipe to try, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Greek lemon chicken soup, or Avgolemono, combines the richness of chicken broth with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon. The addition of rice and tender chicken makes it hearty enough for a meal, while the creamy egg yolk mixture gives it a velvety texture without using cream. It’s light yet satisfying, making it ideal for any time of year.

Ingredients for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Here’s everything you need to create this comforting soup:

Soup Base

Ingredient	Quantity
Chicken broth	8 cups
Fresh lemon juice	½ cup
Shredded carrots	½ cup
Finely chopped onion	½ cup
Finely chopped celery	½ cup
Chicken soup base	6 tablespoons
Ground white pepper	¼ teaspoon

Thickener

Ingredient	Quantity
Margarine	¼ cup
All-purpose flour	¼ cup

Egg Mixture

Ingredient	Quantity
Egg yolks	8

Final Additions

Ingredient	Quantity
Cooked white rice	1 cup
Diced, cooked chicken	1 cup
Lemon slices	16 (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients

Before you begin, measure and prepare all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process.

2. Create the Soup Base

1. Combine chicken broth, lemon juice, carrots, onions, celery, chicken soup base, and white pepper in a large pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat.
3. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

3. Make the Thickener

1. In a small bowl, blend ¼ cup margarine and ¼ cup flour until smooth.
2. Gradually stir this mixture into the soup base, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Simmer the soup for another 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently to thicken.

4. Prepare the Egg Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, beat 8 egg yolks until they’re light in color.
2. Gradually whisk in a ladleful of hot soup into the egg yolks, adding it in a thin stream while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from curdling.

5. Add the Egg Mixture to the Soup

1. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously.
2. Heat the soup through but avoid boiling, as this could curdle the eggs.

6. Incorporate Final Ingredients

1. Stir in 1 cup cooked white rice and 1 cup diced chicken.
2. Simmer until everything is warmed through.

7. Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.
2. Garnish each bowl with a slice of lemon for a burst of freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

1. Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh lemon juice and high-quality chicken broth make a noticeable difference in flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for the best results.

2. Temper the Eggs Carefully

Tempering is crucial to avoid scrambled eggs in your soup. Take your time and whisk continuously while adding hot soup to the yolks.

3. Adjust Consistency

If you prefer a thicker soup, use an extra tablespoon of flour in the thickener. For a thinner soup, add more chicken broth.

4. Customize the Garnish

In addition to lemon slices, try fresh dill or parsley for added color and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories	220
Total Fat	10g
Saturated Fat	3g
Cholesterol	120mg
Sodium	650mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Protein	14g

Creative Variations

1. Low-Carb Option

Replace the rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb version.

2. Add More Vegetables

Include spinach, kale, or zucchini to boost the nutritional value and add texture.

3. Make It Dairy-Free

Substitute margarine with olive oil and ensure your chicken soup base is dairy-free.

4. Use Orzo Instead of Rice

For a more traditional Greek touch, swap the rice with cooked orzo pasta.

5. Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little heat.

FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred or dice the meat before adding it to the soup.

2. How long does this soup last in the refrigerator?

Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently.

3. Can I freeze this soup?

It’s best not to freeze this soup because the egg yolk mixture may separate upon reheating. If freezing, exclude the eggs and add them fresh when reheating.

4. What can I serve with this soup?

Pair it with crusty bread, a Greek salad, or spanakopita for a complete meal.

5. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add chickpeas or tofu for protein.

6. How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?

Temper the eggs slowly by whisking hot soup into the yolks before adding them back to the pot. Never let the soup boil after adding the eggs.

Make This Soup Today!

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of Easy Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – Light, Cozy, and Delicious! to brighten your day. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner or a comforting lunch, this recipe delivers every time.

Ready to give it a try? Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a taste of Greece in your own kitchen!

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