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An overhead view of a bowl of creamy avgolemono soup, showcasing the rich texture and fresh dill garnish.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Authentic Avgolemono)

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) is the ultimate comfort food. It's rich, creamy without any cream, and packed with bright, zesty lemon flavor. A foolproof recipe for a perfect meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Soup
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups chicken broth low-sodium
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup orzo pasta
  • 3 large eggs
  • 0.5 cup fresh lemon juice from 2-3 lemons
  • 0.25 cup fresh dill chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate.
  2. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Bring the broth back to a simmer and stir in the orzo. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. While the orzo cooks, whisk the eggs in a medium bowl until pale and frothy, about 2 minutes. Continue whisking while slowly streaming in the fresh lemon juice.
  4. Reduce the soup heat to low. While whisking the egg mixture constantly, slowly ladle about 2 cups of the hot broth into the eggs. Do this one ladleful at a time to prevent scrambling.
  5. Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot of soup, stirring constantly. Continue to stir over low heat for 2-3 minutes until the soup has thickened. Do not let the soup boil.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not let the soup boil after adding the egg-lemon mixture, as this will cause it to curdle.
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Whisking constantly when tempering the eggs is the key to a smooth, creamy soup.