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Authentic Avgolemono: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo

A close-up of a white bowl filled with bright yellow lemon chicken soup, featuring shredded chicken and orzo pasta.
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Make this comforting and bright Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, Avgolemono. This recipe uses a traditional egg-lemon broth for a creamy texture, tender chicken, and orzo pasta for a satisfying, light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pour the chicken broth into a large pot and bring it to a simmer over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the orzo pasta to the simmering broth. Cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente.
  3. While the orzo cooks, prepare the egg-lemon mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and frothy.
  4. Slowly whisk in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest into the eggs. Continue whisking until fully combined.
  5. Temper the egg mixture: Ladle about 1 cup of the hot broth from the pot into the egg mixture while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from scrambling.
  6. Reduce the heat under the pot to low. Slowly pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot in a thin stream, whisking the soup constantly. Do not let the soup boil after adding the eggs.
  7. Stir in the shredded chicken. Heat gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the soup is heated through and slightly thickened.
  8. Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Stir in fresh dill, if using.
  9. Serve the soup immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute white rice for orzo if you prefer a different texture. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a low-carb option, omit the orzo and add extra shredded chicken or vegetables like finely diced carrots.
  • This soup is best eaten the day it is made; the texture of the egg-lemon broth changes upon refrigeration.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/lemon-chicken-soup-avgolemono-recipe/