As the days grow shorter and the crisp air of autumn settles in, my kitchen becomes a place of warmth and comfort. There’s nothing quite like the gentle bubbling of a pot on the stove, the citrusy scent of fresh lemon zest, and the subtle aroma of herbs filling the air. That’s when I turn to one of my favorite cozy dishes: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono.
This soup is like a culinary hug—creamy without cream, tangy yet soothing, hearty but light. It’s a dish that instantly transports me to a quiet seaside taverna in Greece, where a smiling grandmother ladles steaming bowls of golden soup, as waves gently roll against the shore.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is simplicity at its finest, yet full of flavor and soul. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, zesty lemon, and a silky egg-lemon broth, it’s the kind of comfort food that nourishes both body and spirit.
✨ Creamy without Cream – Thanks to traditional avgolemono (egg-lemon sauce), the soup achieves a velvety richness without using dairy.
🍋 Bright and Tangy – Fresh lemon juice gives the broth a citrusy lift that wakes up your taste buds.
🍗 Hearty and Satisfying – Loaded with protein and grains, this soup is filling enough to be a meal on its own.
🕒 Quick and Easy – One pot and under an hour from start to finish.
🌿 Soothing and Nourishing – Perfect for chilly evenings, colds, or simply when you crave something wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 cups chicken broth – A flavorful base is essential. Homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work well.
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice – Don’t skip the fresh-squeezed juice—it makes a big difference.
- ½ cup shredded carrots – Adds natural sweetness and a pop of color.
- ½ cup finely chopped onion
- ½ cup finely chopped celery
- 6 tablespoons chicken soup base – Enhances the broth’s savory depth.
- ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper – Offers subtle heat without overpowering.
- ¼ cup margarine – Helps create a smooth, luxurious finish.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour – Used to gently thicken the soup.
- 8 egg yolks – The heart of the avgolemono technique.
- 1 cup cooked white rice – Use freshly cooked or leftover rice.
- 1 cup diced, cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken makes this even easier.
- Lemon slices – For garnish and a fresh citrus aroma.
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Step 1: Build the Broth
In a large pot, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, carrots, onion, celery, chicken base, and white pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Thicken with Roux
In a small bowl, blend the margarine and flour into a smooth paste. Stir it into the simmering soup and continue cooking, stirring often, for 8–10 minutes until it slightly thickens.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until light and creamy. Slowly ladle in some of the hot soup while whisking constantly (this prevents the eggs from scrambling). Once tempered, pour the mixture back into the pot, stirring gently. Do not boil—just heat through.
Step 4: Add Rice and Chicken
Stir in the cooked rice and diced chicken. Let it all warm through for a few more minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls, top each with a lemon slice, and sprinkle with chopped fresh dill or parsley if desired. Serve hot and savor every spoonful.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
To freeze: Let the soup cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Variations and Substitutions
- Protein: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, chicken thighs, or turkey.
- Grains: Swap rice for quinoa, orzo, or gluten-free pasta.
- Creamy Add-ins: Stir in a spoonful of Greek yogurt for an extra creamy twist.
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, kale, or zucchini for more greens.
- Flavor Toppers: Garnish with dill, parsley, or chili flakes for a flavor punch.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re reminiscing about the Mediterranean coast or just want something soothing on a busy weeknight, this Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is comfort in a bowl. Its unique blend of bright lemon and savory broth is unforgettable, and once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
📌 Save this recipe to your favorite Pinterest board for cozy dinners and chilly evenings!