Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is one of those cozy, bright, soul-warming recipes that instantly lifts your mood from the very first spoonful. This comforting bowl brings together tender chicken, fresh lemon, and silky broth—simple ingredients that taste like home. Whenever I make this dish, I’m reminded of how a warm bowl of soup can turn an ordinary day into something special. With its refreshing citrus notes and classic Greek flavors, it’s the perfect meal for busy nights, chilly days, or anytime you crave something nourishing and soothing. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is also wonderfully versatile, making it a dish you’ll return to again and again.
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Bright, refreshing lemon flavor that transforms simple ingredients
- Comforting but still light—perfect for lunch or dinner
- Uses pantry staples with minimal prep
- Ready in under 40 minutes
- Naturally flavorful and easy to customize
- A cozy, homemade feel—just like a Greek family dish should be
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked shredded chicken
- ½ cup uncooked rice (or orzo)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 lemons, juiced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley, optional
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, carrots, and celery, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add rice (or orzo) and cook until tender (12–15 minutes).
- Stir in the shredded chicken.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs and lemon juice.
- Slowly ladle in a bit of hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking to temper.
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring gently to create a creamy, silky texture.
- Season with salt and pepper, and finish with fresh dill or parsley.
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley
- Serve with warm pita bread or crusty baguette
- Top with extra lemon zest for a brighter flavor
- Add cooked rice on the side if you prefer a thicker soup
How to Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze before adding the egg-lemon mixture for best texture (up to 3 months).
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove over low heat. Avoid boiling so the eggs don’t separate.
Tips to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Temper the eggs slowly to avoid curdling.
- Add more lemon juice at the end for a brighter finish.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Swap rice for orzo for a more traditional Greek texture.
Helpful Notes for This Recipe
- For a thicker soup, increase rice to ¾ cup.
- For a richer broth, use homemade chicken stock.
- Gluten-free? Use rice instead of orzo.
Variation
Greek Lemon Chicken and Rice Soup:
Use rice instead of orzo, add extra lemon, and finish with a touch of butter for a creamier version.
FAQs
What is that Greek lemon soup?
Greek lemon soup is a traditional comfort dish known for its bright, citrusy flavor and silky, almost luxurious texture. Often called avgolemono, this soup blends chicken broth, lemon juice, eggs, and either rice or orzo to create a warm, nourishing bowl that feels both refreshing and soothing. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out and is loved for its simplicity and depth of flavor.
What does avgolemono actually mean?
The term avgolemono comes from the Greek words “avgo” (egg) and “lemono” (lemon), describing the unique egg-lemon mixture that thickens the soup. This traditional technique gives avgolemono its velvety consistency without using any cream or flour. The egg and lemon blend is gently tempered with hot broth, creating a smooth, silky finish that’s instantly recognizable in many classic Greek dishes.
What is the most popular soup in Greece?
While Greece has many delicious traditional soups, avgolemono is often considered the most iconic and widely loved. It’s commonly served during family dinners, celebrations, and comforting home-cooked meals. Its balance of bright lemon, tender chicken, and rich broth makes it a staple across Greek households, cherished for generations as a go-to dish for warmth and nourishment.
What is Greek lemon chicken called?
Greek lemon chicken, when prepared as a soup, is typically known as Kotopoulo Avgolemono. “Kotopoulo” means chicken, and when combined with the creamy avgolemono base, it becomes a classic Greek lemon chicken soup. This dish highlights everything people love about Greek cuisine — fresh ingredients, bold lemon flavor, and a comforting homemade feel.
Conclusion
This cozy, bright, and comforting Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is one of those timeless recipes that brings warmth to any day. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, its silky lemon broth and tender chicken make every bite memorable. I hope you’ll try it soon and enjoy all the refreshing flavors this classic Greek dish brings. And don’t forget to share your version—your feedback always inspires me!