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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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
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until soft.
- Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and add chicken. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked.
- Remove chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add rice or orzo and cook until tender.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs with lemon juice.
- Slowly add a ladle of hot broth into the egg mixture while whisking to temper it.
- Gradually stir the egg mixture back into the soup.
- 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
