Avgolemono Soup Recipe (Greek Lemon Chicken Rice)
Apr 09, 2024, Updated May 31, 2024
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Avgolemono Soup Recipe (Greek Lemon Chicken Rice)- a delicious soup that tastes better than the Greek restaurant! Grab a bowl and get ready to feel thoroughly nourished and satisfied with this healthy soup.
You will also love Italian Pastina Soup and Tuscan White Bean Soup.
Best Easy Avgolemono Soup
This Greek lemon chicken soup recipe is simple, nourishing, and made to make you feel good!
- Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of homemade chicken stock, fresh lemon juice, and dill creates a rich and flavorful warm broth that is both savory and citrusy.
- Creamy Consistency: Adding egg yolks provides a creamy and velvety texture to the soup, making it satisfying and comforting.
- Hearty and Filling: This soup is hearty and filling with shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked white rice, making it a complete and satisfying meal.
- Soothing and Comforting: The warm temperature and nourishing ingredients make this soup soothing and perfect for comfort on a cold day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
This is one of my favorite soups! Search more soup recipes.
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Made with balanced and healthy ingredients, this Greek avgolemono soup balances protein, carbohydrates, and fresh herbs, contributing to a well-rounded and nutritious dish.
- Homemade Chicken Stock or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Provides the flavorful base for the soup.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances the overall taste.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and complements the other flavors.
- Cooked White Rice: Adds a hearty element to the soup and contributes to its thickness. Use short-grain white rice such as arborio for a fluffier consistency that aligns with the soup’s creamy texture.
- Large Egg Yolks: Used to thicken the soup and create a creamy texture. You can use the whole egg if you desire.
- Fresh Lemon Juice: Infuses the soup with a bright and zesty flavor. Make sure to use fresh lemons for the best taste! Add a little lemon zest for an extra zest.
- Rotisserie Chicken (Shredded): Provides a convenient and flavorful source of cooked chicken. You can also use my guide for how long to bake chicken breast at 425 to make your own!
- Celery Ribs: Adds a crunchy texture and a mild, earthy flavor.
- Yellow Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Chopped Fresh Dill: Adds fresh, herbaceous flavor to the finished soup.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How to Make Avgolemono Soup Recipe Instructions
Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal during colder months, a dish to impress guests or a go-to recipe for family dinners, Avgolemono Soup fits the bill for the best soup. This version is easy to prepare!
In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion. Transfer 1 cup of the hot stock to a blender.
Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes. Pour in the homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld—season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add 1/2 cup of the rice, the egg yolks, lemon juice, and puree until smooth.
Pour the rice, eggs, and lemon mixture into the simmering chicken stock and stir to combine.
Add the shredded chicken and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of rice and simmer until thickened slightly- about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed.
Finally, stir in the chopped fresh dill just before serving to add freshness to the soup. Serve the Avgolemono Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of dill on top and lemon slices on the side if desired. Enjoy!
A delicious soup for any occasion!
Substitutions
Here are a few substitution ideas for this classic Greek soup:
- Cooked White Rice:
- Substitution: Cooked leftover brown rice, quinoa, or orzo pasta.
- Note: Choose a substitute that complements the soup’s texture and doesn’t overpower the flavors.
- Large Egg Yolks:
- Substitution: Cornstarch or arrowroot powder mixed with a bit of water for thickening.
- Note: The goal is to maintain a creamy consistency; adjust quantity based on thickness preference.
- Rotisserie Chicken (Shredded):
- Substitution: Cooked and shredded chicken breast or thigh meat.
- Note: Use any pre-cooked chicken for convenience, ensuring it’s well-seasoned.
- Greek lemon rice soup: skip the chicken and make it vegetarian!
Variations
Here are a few variations to the traditional Avgolemono Soup recipe to add some creative twists you can try the next time you make this recipe:
- Spinach and Feta Avgolemono Soup:
- Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves and crumbled feta cheese to the soup before serving. The spinach adds a nutritious element, and the feta contributes a creamy and tangy flavor.
- Mediterranean Vegetable Avgolemono Soup:
- Incorporate a mix of Mediterranean vegetables such as diced tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives. This variation adds a burst of flavors and textures.
Equipment
How to Store and Reheat
Here’s a guide on how to store and reheat this Greek Lemon Chicken Rice Soup:
Store:
- Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer the soup to an airtight container or sealable plastic bag.
- Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheat:
- Pour the desired amount of soup into a saucepan.
- Heat the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
- Add cooked rice to individual portions during reheating to keep it fresh.
Top tips for best results
Make the best creamy chicken lemon rice soup with these tips:
- Use Quality Chicken Stock or Broth: A flavorful base is crucial. If possible, use homemade chicken stock for the best taste.
- Fresh Lemon Juice Matters: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for a vibrant and authentic flavor. Avoid bottled lemon juice for optimal results.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Add a ladle of the hot broth to the blender with the egg yolks, rice, and lemon juice; this tempers the eggs and prevents them from curdling.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Season the soup gradually and taste as you go. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, considering that the lemon will also add a tangy flavor.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: Use fresh dill for the best taste. It adds a bright, herby flavor that enhances the overall profile of the soup.
- Choose Quality Chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, opt for one with good flavor. Shred the chicken coarsely for a hearty texture.
- Warm the Cooked Rice: Warm the cooked white rice before adding it to the soup. This ensures it blends seamlessly and doesn’t cool down the entire dish.
FAQs
“Avgolemono” is a Greek term that translates to “egg-lemon.” It refers to the traditional combination of eggs and lemon juice to thicken and flavor the soup. It is a traditional Greek soup.
Preparing the soup close to serving time is best to maintain its creamy texture. However, you can make components like the broth and shredded chicken in advance and assemble the soup just before serving.
Yes, Avgolemono Soup can be a comforting choice when you have a cold. It has several qualities that may help soothe common cold symptoms since it is nutrient-rich, packed with Vitamin C, and is a warm and comforting soup. It is a delicious recipe for healing and feeling better, but you can enjoy it even when you are feeling your best!
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Best Avgolemono Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A delicious soup that tastes better than the Greek restaurant! Grab a bowl and get ready to feel thoroughly nourished and satisfied.
Ingredients
- 4 cups homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 celery ribs, chopped
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cups cooked white rice, warmed, divided (a short-grain variety like arborio is best)
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 rotisserie chicken (1 pound of meat pulled from the bones and coarsely shredded)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill (adjust to taste)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped celery and onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
- Pour in the homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld—season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer 1 cup of the hot stock to a blender. Add 1/2 cup of the rice, the egg yolks, lemon juice, and puree until smooth.
- Pour the rice, eggs, and lemon mixture into the simmering chicken stock and stir to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken and the remaining 1 1/2 cups of rice and simmer until thickened slightly- about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Check the seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. The soup should have a delightful balance of lemony and savory flavors.
- Finally, stir in the chopped fresh dill just before serving to add freshness to the soup.
Serve the Avgolemono Soup hot, garnished with a sprinkle of dill on top and lemon slices on the side if desired. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Savory
- Method: Greek
- Cuisine: Greek
ฮตฯ ฯฮฑฯฮนฯฯฯ!!! I will try to make this traditional soup..
My father used to make it, God bless his beautiful food and his beautiful soul!!
but I never wrote down his recipe, as read your ingredients it so very close!!!
thank you Eleni
Yay! I am so glad that you found a similar recipe and love it. Here’s to many more.
I just made this! It was the best recipe for this soup that I have ever found so far! Absolutely delicious!!!
I did add about 2 more cups of broth. I boiled my own chicken and made my own broth. I do believe that is an added bonus to recipes!!!!
I have enjoyed so many of your recipes!!
Thanks so much for sharing!!
Thrilled you loved it! It’s a favorite of ours!
I am happy to know you love so many other recipes. Here’s to many more!
excellent!
Thank you! I’m glad you enjoyed it!