Avgolemono, or Greek Lemon & Egg Chicken Soup, is a classic dish that’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for any time of year. This soup is made with a simple combination of chicken, rice, eggs, and lemon, creating a creamy and tangy broth that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or simply craving a cozy bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to hit the spot.
Ingredients for Greek Lemon & Egg Chicken Soup (Avgolemono):
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup arborio rice or long-grain white rice
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 large eggs
- 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2-3 lemons)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish (optional)
How to make Greek Lemon & Egg Chicken Soup (Avgolemono):
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
- Add the rice to the broth and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through.
- While the rice is cooking, poach the chicken breasts in a separate pot of simmering water for about 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until well combined.
- Slowly pour about 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
- Pour the egg mixture back into the pot of hot broth, whisking constantly.
- Add the shredded chicken to the soup and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the soup is heated through.
- Season the soup with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve the Greek Lemon & Egg Chicken Soup hot, garnished with fresh dill, if desired.
About the main ingredients:
- Chicken broth: Provides the base for the soup and adds rich flavor.
- Rice: Adds texture and thickness to the soup. Arborio rice is traditionally used for its creamy texture, but you can also use long-grain white rice.
- Chicken breasts: Provide protein and substance to the soup. Shred the chicken for easy eating.
- Eggs: Thicken the soup and add creaminess. They are tempered with hot broth to prevent curdling.
- Lemon juice: Adds a bright, tangy flavor to the soup. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Fresh dill: Adds a fresh, herbaceous flavor to the soup and makes for a beautiful garnish.
Enjoy this Greek Lemon & Egg Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) as a comforting meal that’s sure to warm you up from the inside out. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or whenever you’re in need of a little extra comfort!
