Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup (Avgolemono Style)
If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting soup that’s both refreshing and satisfying, you need to try this Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup.
Known as Avgolemono, this classic Greek dish combines silky broth, tender chicken, hearty rice, and a bright lemony tang — all thickened naturally with a delicate egg mixture for incredible creaminess without heavy cream.
It’s the perfect meal for chilly days, when you’re feeling under the weather, or anytime you crave something light yet nourishing.
Ingredients:
(Scale: 1x, 2x, 3x)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Once shimmering, add the diced onion, carrots, and celery.
Sauté, stirring occasionally, for about 5–7 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, just until aromatic.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Stir in the uncooked rice, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender but not mushy.
Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent rice from sticking to the bottom.
Step 3: Add the Shredded Chicken
Once the rice is tender, stir in the shredded cooked chicken.
Let everything simmer together for another 5 minutes so the flavors meld beautifully.
While the chicken is warming through, zest one lemon and juice two lemons.
Set the zest and juice aside for the next step.
Step 4: Prepare the Egg-Lemon Mixture
In a small bowl:
- Whisk together the eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
Slowly ladle about 1 cup of the hot soup broth into the egg mixture while whisking constantly.
This technique, called tempering, gently warms the eggs without scrambling them.
Step 5: Finish the Soup
Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly.
The result will be a creamy, silky broth with a delicate lemon flavor — no dairy needed!
Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley.
Serve hot, with crusty bread or a light side salad for a complete and refreshing meal.
What Makes Avgolemono Special?
- No cream needed:
The combination of eggs and lemon naturally thickens the broth, giving it a silky, luxurious texture without any heavy dairy. - Bright, fresh flavor:
The lemon provides a refreshing zing that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and broth. - Comfort food:
It’s light on the stomach but deeply satisfying — perfect for any time of year!
Tips for the Best Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup:
- Temper carefully:
Always add the hot broth slowly to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to avoid curdling. - Use high-quality chicken broth:
Homemade or good-quality store-bought broth really makes the flavors pop. - Adjust the lemon:
Add extra lemon juice if you love it really tangy, or hold back a bit for a subtler citrus note. - Rice alternatives:
You can substitute orzo pasta if you prefer, but the cooking time will be slightly shorter.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, assuming 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Total Fat | 12 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 140 mg |
| Sodium | 880 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 24 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Vitamin C | 30% DV |
| Calcium | 6% DV |
| Iron | 10% DV |
(Nutrition estimates are approximate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes.)
Why You’ll Love This Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup:
- Light yet hearty, creamy yet dairy-free.
- Easy one-pot meal ready in about 40 minutes.
- Customizable with more veggies or extra lemon to suit your taste.
- A refreshing twist on classic chicken soup — bright, flavorful, and satisfying!
Once you try this Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup, it just might become your new favorite comfort food — nourishing, cozy, and full of bright Mediterranean flavors.