I like making Greek Lemon Chicken Soup when I want something warm, comforting, and refreshing at the same time. The combination of tender chicken, bright lemon, and a silky broth creates a dish that feels both cozy and light.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this soup balances richness and freshness so perfectly. The lemon adds a vibrant flavor, while the chicken and broth make it satisfying. I also enjoy how simple ingredients come together to create a classic, elegant dish.
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
- onion, chopped
- garlic, minced
- carrots, sliced
- celery, chopped
- olive oil
- rice or orzo pasta
- eggs
- fresh lemon juice
- lemon zest
- salt
- black pepper
- fresh dill or parsley
Directions
I start by heating olive oil in a pot and sautéing the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
I add the chicken and pour in the broth, then bring everything to a gentle boil. I reduce the heat and let it simmer until the chicken is fully cooked.
I remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot. I add the rice or orzo and cook until tender.
In a bowl, I whisk the eggs with fresh lemon juice. I slowly add a ladle of hot broth to temper the mixture, then gradually stir it back into the soup to create a creamy texture without curdling.
I finish with lemon zest, salt, pepper, and fresh herbs, then serve warm.
Servings and timing
I usually get about 4–6 servings from this recipe.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30–35 minutes
Total time: about 45–50 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use rotisserie chicken to save time. When I want a thicker soup, I add a bit more rice or orzo. I also like adding spinach or kale for extra greens.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the eggs from curdling.
FAQs
Why do I need to temper the eggs?
I temper them to prevent scrambling when adding them to the hot soup.
Can I use pasta instead of rice?
Yes, I often use orzo or small pasta shapes.
Is this soup very lemony?
I adjust the lemon juice to match my taste preference.
Can I freeze this soup?
I can, but the texture may change slightly due to the egg mixture.
What herbs work best?
I like using dill or parsley for a fresh finish.
Conclusion
I find Greek Lemon Chicken Soup to be a comforting yet refreshing dish that’s perfect for any time of year. It’s simple, nourishing, and full of bright flavors that I always enjoy.
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A comforting and refreshing Greek-style soup made with tender chicken, bright lemon, and a silky egg-enriched broth for a light yet satisfying dish.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 500 g chicken breast or thighs
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup rice or 3/4 cup orzo pasta
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion, garlic, carrots, and celery until softened.
- Add chicken and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
- 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 to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to temper.
- Gradually stir the tempered mixture back into the soup.
- Add lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently without boiling.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- Tempering eggs prevents them from curdling in the hot soup.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
- Adjust lemon juice to taste for more or less brightness.
- Reheat gently to maintain the smooth texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg
