Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Avgolemono, the iconic Greek lemon chicken soup, is the ultimate Mediterranean comfort food. Rich, velvety, and tangy, this soup masterfully blends simple ingredients—chicken, rice, eggs, and lemon—into a luxurious bowl of healing goodness. It’s not only a staple in Greek households but also a go-to remedy for cold days, sick days, or any time your soul needs a little warmth.

What is Avgolemono Soups

Avgolemono (pronounced ahv-go-LEH-moh-noh) translates to “egg-lemon” in Greek. This unique soup gets its signature creaminess not from cream, but from a delicate emulsion of eggs and fresh lemon juice, whisked and slowly incorporated into hot chicken broth.

The result? A silky, lemony broth that’s light yet deeply satisfying.

Why You’ll Love Avgolemono

• Naturally creamy without dairy
• Bright, lemony flavor that awakens the palate
• High-protein and comforting
• Simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under an hour

Ingredients for Authentic Avgolemono Soup

For the Broth Base:

• 1½ lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or breast
• 8 cups chicken broth (preferably homemade or low-sodium)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 small onion, halved
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Avgolemono Mixture:

• 2 large eggs
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (from 2–3 lemons)
• ¾ cup uncooked white rice or orzo

For Garnish:

• Chopped fresh dill or parsley
• Freshly cracked pepper
• Extra lemon wedges

How to Make Avgolemono Soup – Step-by-Step

1. Make the Chicken Broth

In a large pot, combine:

• Chicken
• Broth
• Bay leaf
• Onion halves
• Salt and pepper

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30–40 minutes, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

Remove the chicken, shred it, and discard bones and skin. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.

2. Cook the Rice or Orzo

Add ¾ cup rice or orzo to the strained broth and simmer until tender, about 10–15 minutes.

3. Prepare the Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon Mixture)

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 eggs
• Fresh lemon juice

Once blended, temper the mixture by slowly ladling in 1 cup of hot broth, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. This warms the eggs gently.

4. Add the Egg-Lemon Mixture to the Soup

Reduce the heat to low (do not boil). Slowly stir the egg-lemon mixture into the soup. Stir continuously until the soup thickens slightly. Add the shredded chicken back in and stir to warm through.

Tips for the Perfect Avgolemono Soup

• Always temper the eggs – Never add eggs directly to hot soup, or they will scramble.
• Use fresh lemon juice – Bottled won’t give the same zing.
• Low simmer only – Never let the soup boil after adding the eggs.
• Bone-in chicken adds flavor – Boneless works but lacks depth.

What to Serve with Avgolemono Soup

• Warm pita bread or crusty sourdough
• Greek salad with feta and olives
• Stuffed grape leaves (dolmades)
• Spanakopita (spinach pie)

Avgolemono Variations

With Orzo Instead of Rice

Orzo gives a pasta-like texture and works beautifully in this soup.

Add Greens

Stir in baby spinach or kale at the end for added nutrition.

Make it Vegetarian

Use vegetable broth and substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu.

Creamier Texture

Some recipes add a splash of olive oil or even a bit of Greek yogurt for extra richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Do not freeze – the egg-lemon emulsion may break when thawed
• Reheat gently on the stove, stirring frequently and never letting it boil

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Avgolemono in advance?

Yes, but it’s best served fresh. Reheat slowly and avoid boiling to maintain the texture.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, if you use rice instead of orzo.

Can I freeze Avgolemono?

Freezing isn’t recommended due to the egg content. The emulsion may separate when thawed.

Is Avgolemono good for colds?

Absolutely. The lemon boosts Vitamin C, and the warm broth is soothing and easy to digest.

Final Thoughts

Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is a timeless dish that combines comfort, nutrition, and bright Mediterranean flavors in every spoonful. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold night or need a healing meal, this soup delivers on every level—creamy without cream, flavorful without fuss, and always satisfying.

sobankhanjan@gmail.com