Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
This Greek lemon chicken soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort to any meal. The Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is not only easy to prepare but also perfect for gatherings, cozy dinners, or even as a quick weeknight meal. The combination of tender chicken, bright lemon, and a creamy egg-lemon mixture makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup can be made in just 55 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor Packed: The fresh lemon juice and tender chicken create a vibrant taste that excites your palate.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy this soup as an appetizer or a main course; it fits any occasion.
- Healthy Choice: With plenty of vegetables and lean protein, this soup is nutritious and satisfying.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your delicious creation!
Tools and Preparation
To make Greek lemon chicken soup successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Grab This Chef Knife Now - Almost Gone!
- Stays Razor-Sharp: Ice-hardened blade keeps its edge longer than ordinary knives
- Superior Grip Control: Unique finger hole design gives you perfect balance and safety
- Built to Last a Lifetime: Premium stainless steel blade with elegant beech wood handle
Customer Reviews ★★★★★
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for combining all ingredients while allowing ample space for simmering.
- Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the margarine and flour smoothly without clumps.
- Whisk: Ensures the egg yolks are well blended with the soup for a creamy texture.
- Ladle: Makes serving easy and helps you portion out the soup beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 6 tablespoons chicken soup base
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Thickening Mixture
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Egg-Lemon Mixture
- 8 egg yolks
Final Touches
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 16 lemon slices (for garnish)
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Broth
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, carrots, onion, celery, chicken soup base, and white pepper. Bring to a boil over high heat. Then reduce to a simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, mix the margarine and flour until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into the simmering soup. Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
Step 3: Add Egg-Yolk Mixture
Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl until pale. Slowly whisk in a ladle of hot soup to temper the eggs. Gradually pour this tempered mixture back into the pot while stirring constantly. Heat gently without boiling.
Step 4: Incorporate Rice and Chicken
Add in the cooked rice and diced chicken. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve with Style
Ladle the Greek lemon chicken soup into bowls and garnish each serving with lemon slices for an attractive presentation.
With its bright flavors and comforting texture, this Greek lemon chicken soup is sure to become a favorite in your household!
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Greek lemon chicken soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or make a full meal, there are plenty of serving suggestions to elevate your experience.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, vibrant touch.
- Dill: Add fresh dill leaves for an aromatic flavor that complements the soup.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping.
- Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips add texture and are perfect for scooping up the soup.
Add a Salad
- Greek Salad: A classic Greek salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
- Caesar Salad: The creamy dressing of a Caesar salad pairs well with the tangy flavors of the soup.
Serve with Lemon Wedges
- Extra Zing: Offering lemon wedges allows guests to customize their soup’s brightness.
Create a Complete Meal
- Serve with Grilled Chicken: For added protein, serve alongside grilled chicken seasoned with Mediterranean spices.
How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
To achieve the best results with your Greek lemon chicken soup, consider these tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and high-quality chicken broth will elevate the overall taste of the soup.
- Tempering Eggs: Always temper the egg yolks slowly to prevent curdling when adding them to the hot soup.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer longer after adding the flour mixture.
- Taste as You Go: Regularly taste your soup while cooking, adjusting seasoning as needed for optimal flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes before serving lets flavors meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
When serving Greek lemon chicken soup, pairing it with complementary side dishes can create a satisfying meal. Here are some great options:
- Tzatziki Sauce: A cool cucumber yogurt dip that refreshes each bite.
- Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): Flavorful grape leaves filled with rice and herbs offer a delightful Mediterranean touch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies add color and nutrition alongside your soup.
- Feta Cheese Salad: A light salad featuring feta cheese adds creaminess and tanginess that pairs perfectly.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf provides additional texture and is easy to prepare.
- Olive Tapenade Crostini: Toasted bread topped with olive tapenade brings salty richness that complements the soup well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Greek lemon chicken soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you avoid them.
- Skipping the tempering process – If you add the egg yolks directly into the hot soup, they may scramble. Always temper the eggs by mixing them with a bit of hot soup first.
- Not using fresh ingredients – Using stale or canned ingredients can dull the flavors. Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for a bright taste.
- Overcooking the chicken – Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. Add cooked chicken at the end just to warm it up.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments – Tasting is crucial! Adjust salt and pepper as needed during cooking for perfect flavor balance.
- Forgetting to garnish – Garnish adds visual appeal and extra flavor. Don’t skip on adding lemon slices before serving!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave out the rice if you plan to freeze, as it can become mushy when reheated.
Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Microwave – Heat in microwave-safe bowls in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until hot.
- Stovetop – Warm over low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about Greek lemon chicken soup that may help enhance your cooking experience.
What is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
Greek lemon chicken soup is a comforting dish made from tender chicken, fresh lemon juice, rice, and an egg-lemon mixture that creates a creamy texture.
How do I make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup vegetarian?
You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. Add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great in this soup. Simply add it towards the end of cooking to warm it through.
What should I serve with Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a light meal.
How can I customize Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
Consider adding spices like dill or parsley for extra flavor. You can also adjust the amount of lemon based on your taste preference.
Final Thoughts
Greek lemon chicken soup is not only hearty but also refreshing, making it perfect year-round. Its creamy texture combined with zesty lemon gives it an appealing twist. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or herbs for a personal touch!
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting warmth of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, a delightful blend of tender chicken, zesty lemon, and a creamy egg-lemon mixture known as avgolemono. This heartwarming dish is perfect for cozy dinners, gatherings, or a quick weeknight meal. With its vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients, this soup promises to be a family favorite. Easy to prepare in under an hour, it combines wholesome vegetables and lean protein for a satisfying experience. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices for an appealing presentation that will impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 6 tablespoons chicken soup base
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 egg yolks
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 16 lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, mix chicken broth, lemon juice, carrots, onion, celery, chicken soup base, and white pepper. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15–20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, combine margarine and flour until smooth; stir into the soup and cook for another 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Beat egg yolks in a bowl; temper by slowly whisking in hot soup. Then gradually add this mixture back into the pot while stirring gently.
- Stir in cooked rice and diced chicken; heat through for a few more minutes.
- Serve hot garnished with lemon slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
