I love making this Greek lemon chicken soup when I want something comforting yet bright and refreshing. It’s a silky, flavorful soup with tender chicken, a hint of citrus, and a creamy texture that comes together without heavy cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I enjoy how this soup feels both light and satisfying at the same time. The lemon adds a fresh, tangy flavor that lifts the richness of the broth, while the chicken and rice make it hearty. I also like how simple ingredients turn into something that feels elegant and comforting.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • chicken breast or thighs
  • chicken broth
  • rice or orzo
  • eggs
  • fresh lemon juice
  • onion, finely chopped
  • garlic cloves, minced
  • olive oil
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then sauté the onion until soft. I add the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.

Next, I pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken. I let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, then remove it, shred it, and return it to the pot.

I add the rice or orzo and let it cook until tender.

In a separate bowl, I whisk the eggs with fresh lemon juice. I slowly ladle a bit of the hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking to temper it, then gently stir it back into the soup. This creates a creamy, silky texture without curdling.

I season with salt and pepper, then finish with fresh herbs before serving.

Servings and timing

I usually get about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

I sometimes add carrots or celery for extra depth. If I want a thicker soup, I use less broth or more rice. I also like using orzo instead of rice for a slightly different texture.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on low heat and avoid boiling to keep the texture smooth.

FAQs

Why doesn’t this soup use cream?

I use eggs and lemon to create a naturally creamy texture without needing cream.

How do I prevent the eggs from curdling?

I temper the eggs by slowly adding hot broth while whisking before adding them to the soup.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, I often use pre-cooked chicken to save time.

Can I freeze this soup?

I prefer not to freeze it after adding the eggs, as the texture may change.

What herbs work best?

I like dill or parsley because they complement the lemon flavor beautifully.

Conclusion

I always enjoy making this Greek lemon chicken soup when I want something cozy yet fresh. It’s a simple, comforting dish with bright flavors that make it feel special every time I serve it.

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Delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

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A comforting and silky Greek-inspired lemon chicken soup with tender chicken, rice or orzo, and a bright citrus flavor, naturally creamy without heavy cream.

  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Greek
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken breast or thighs
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup rice or orzo
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
  3. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and add chicken. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
  5. Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
  6. Add rice or orzo and cook until tender.
  7. In a bowl, whisk eggs with lemon juice.
  8. Slowly add a ladle of hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking to temper it.
  9. Gradually stir the egg mixture back into the soup.
  10. Season with salt and pepper, then garnish with fresh herbs and serve.

Notes

  • Temper eggs carefully to avoid curdling.
  • Do not boil after adding eggs to maintain a smooth texture.
  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
  • Add carrots or celery for extra flavor.
  • Orzo gives a slightly different texture than rice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

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