Description
Greek lemon chicken soup known as avgolemono offers a comforting blend of tender chicken, rice, and tangy citrus in a silky broth. Mediterranean flavors shine through this classic dish that will warm hearts and satisfy hunger with its simple yet elegant preparation.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
Soup Base:
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 medium onion
- 2 medium carrots
- 2 celery stalks
- 4 garlic cloves
Seasonings and Aromatics:
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Grains and Citrus:
- 1/2 cup uncooked rice or orzo pasta
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Fresh dill (chopped, optional)
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
- In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat and gently sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until they become soft and fragrant, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Place whole chicken breasts into the pot along with chicken broth, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board and carefully shred using two forks, then return the shredded meat back to the simmering soup.
- Pour rice or orzo into the pot and continue cooking for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Remove pot from heat and brighten the soup with freshly squeezed lemon juice and vibrant lemon zest, creating a tangy flavor profile.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed, ensuring a balanced and delicious result.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and dill over the top for added color and herbal complexity, then serve with additional lemon wedges for guests to enhance their individual portions.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep and enhanced flavor depth.
- Use gluten-free orzo or cauliflower rice to make the soup suitable for low-carb and gluten-sensitive diets.
- Enhance protein content by adding white beans or quinoa for a more nutritious and filling soup option.
- Customize the soup’s brightness by adjusting lemon juice quantity – start with less and gradually add to match personal taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg