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Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) – A Classic Comfort Food


  • Author: WAFA LI

Ingredients

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1½ cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• ½ cup orzo pasta (omit for grain-free; add 1 cup diced zucchini instead)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest (optional, for extra brightness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt & white pepper to taste
• Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring broth to a gentle simmer. Add onion, carrots, celery, garlic, and bay leaf. Cook 10 mins until veggies soften.
  2. Stir in orzo (or zucchini). Simmer 8–10 mins until orzo is al dente (or zucchini tender). Add chicken; heat through. Discard bay leaf.
  3. Temper the eggs (key step!): In a bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Slowly drizzle in 1 cup hot broth while whisking constantly. Continue until mixture is warm and smooth.
  4. Reduce heat to very low (no simmering!). Slowly pour egg-lemon mixture into pot while stirring gently in one direction—this creates the signature creamy, velvety texture (do not boil after adding, or eggs may curdle).
  5. Stir in lemon juice, zest, salt, and white pepper. Heat 2–3 mins—just until warmed through (should coat the back of a spoon).
  6. Ladle into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh dill.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time: 15 mins, Cook Time: 25 mins, Total Time: 40 mins, Servings: 6
Calories: 190, Net Carbs: 14g, Fats: 7g, Protein: 18g
✅ Naturally gluten-free (use GF orzo or zucchini), refined sugar–free, and deeply soothing.