Best Avgolemono Soup Recipe

5 from 3 votes

A delicious soup that tastes better than the Greek restaurant! Grab a bowl and get ready to feel thoroughly nourished and satisfied.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: Greek

Keyword: avgolemono, chicken lemon rice soup

Servings: -6 servings

4 cups homemade chicken stock or low-sodium broth
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 celery ribs chopped
½ yellow onion chopped
2 cups cooked white rice warmed, divided (a short-grain variety like arborio is best)
2 large egg yolks
¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 rotisserie chicken 1 pound of meat pulled from the bones and coarsely shredded
¼ cup chopped fresh dill adjust to taste
Kosher salt to taste
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

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!

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.