Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
This Greek lemon chicken soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort with every spoonful. The combination of tender chicken, fresh lemon, and a creamy egg-lemon mixture creates a dish that’s both hearty and refreshing. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, this soup suits any occasion beautifully. Its unique qualities make it a standout dish, sure to impress friends and family alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 55 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of lemon juice and chicken broth provides a bright and tangy taste that’s hard to resist.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or even as an impressive starter for gatherings.
- Comforting Texture: The silky egg-lemon mixture adds creaminess without the heaviness, creating a delightful mouthfeel.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with wholesome veggies and lean chicken, this soup is nutritious and satisfying.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. For Greek lemon chicken soup, you’ll need some essential equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for simmering the soup evenly while allowing space for all ingredients.
- Small bowl: Perfect for mixing the margarine and flour smoothly before adding to the soup.
- Whisk: Essential for tempering the egg yolks to achieve that creamy texture without scrambling the eggs.
- Ladle: Makes serving the soup easy while ensuring each bowl is filled generously.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 6 tablespoons chicken soup base
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
For Thickening
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For Creaminess
- 8 egg yolks
For Serving
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 16 lemon slices (for garnish)
How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, lemon juice, shredded carrots, finely chopped onion, finely chopped celery, chicken soup base, and white pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to allow it to simmer for 15–20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
Step 2: Thicken the Soup
In a small bowl, mix the margarine and flour until smooth. Gradually stir this mixture into your simmering soup. Cook for about 8–10 minutes while stirring frequently until the soup thickens slightly.
Step 3: Temper the Egg Yolks
In another bowl, beat the egg yolks until they are pale in color. Slowly whisk in a ladle of hot soup to temper the eggs carefully. Gradually pour this tempered mixture back into the pot while stirring constantly. Heat gently without letting it boil.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Rice
Add in your cooked white rice and diced cooked chicken to the pot. Stir well and cook for an additional few minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve with Garnish
Ladle your delicious Greek lemon chicken soup into bowls. Garnish each serving with fresh lemon slices for an extra burst of flavor.
Enjoy your homemade Greek lemon chicken soup!
How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Serving Greek lemon chicken soup can be a delightful experience. This soup is not just delicious on its own but can be complemented with various accompaniments to elevate your meal.
With Crusty Bread
- Enjoy the soup with a side of crusty bread for dipping. This adds a satisfying crunch and soaks up the flavorful broth.
Fresh Salad
- A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing pairs perfectly, adding freshness and balance to the rich flavors of the soup.
Feta Cheese Crumbles
- Sprinkle feta cheese on top for an extra layer of creaminess and a tangy flavor that complements the lemon in the soup.
Lemon Wedges
- Serve additional lemon wedges on the side for those who love an extra burst of citrus flavor in each bowl.
Olive Oil Drizzle
- A drizzle of high-quality olive oil enhances the richness and provides depth to your soup’s taste profile.
How to Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
To achieve the best version of Greek lemon chicken soup, consider these helpful tips:
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor, making your soup more vibrant and enjoyable.
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Temper the eggs carefully: Gradually whisk hot broth into beaten egg yolks to prevent curdling and create a smooth texture in your soup.
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Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt or pepper as needed to suit your palate.
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Thicken as desired: If you prefer a thicker consistency, let the soup simmer longer after adding the margarine-flour mixture.
Best Side Dishes for Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Pairing your Greek lemon chicken soup with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread complements the flavors while providing a satisfying texture contrast.
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Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: This refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta adds nutrition and color to your meal.
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Spanakopita: These flaky pastries filled with spinach and feta are perfect for adding some unique Mediterranean flair.
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Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted veggies offer a hearty side that brings out complementary flavors without overwhelming the palate.
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Greek Yogurt Dip: Serve alongside pita chips or raw veggies for a creamy dip that balances the soup’s acidity beautifully.
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Olive Tapenade: A savory spread perfect for topping crostini or enjoying with crackers adds an irresistible Mediterranean touch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Greek lemon chicken soup can be straightforward, but there are common pitfalls to avoid for the best results.
- Incorrect Tempering: If you add the egg mixture directly to hot soup without tempering, it will scramble. Always whisk a small amount of hot soup into the eggs gradually before combining.
- Overcooking Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can make them mushy. Keep an eye on them and simmer just until tender.
- Skimping on Lemon: The lemon is essential for flavor! Don’t reduce the lemon juice too much or it may lose its signature tang. Adjust to your taste.
- Ignoring Thickness: If your soup is too thin after adding the flour and margarine mixture, allow it to simmer a bit longer while stirring regularly until thickened.
- Not Using Enough Broth: Insufficient broth can lead to a bland soup. Stick to the recipe’s recommended amount for maximum flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating.
Freezing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave some space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat covered for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Heat on low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Greek lemon chicken soup.
What is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
Greek lemon chicken soup is a comforting dish that features tender chicken, lemon juice, and a creamy egg-lemon sauce known as avgolemono. It’s both hearty and refreshing.
How should I serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
Serve this delightful soup warm, garnished with fresh lemon slices. It pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad.
Can I customize the ingredients in my Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like spinach or peas or even substitute quinoa for rice for a different texture and flavor.
Is Greek Lemon Chicken Soup healthy?
Yes! This soup is packed with protein from chicken and has plenty of nutrients from vegetables. It’s also lower in calories compared to cream-based soups.
How do I store leftovers of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze them for up to three months.
Final Thoughts
Greek lemon chicken soup is a delightful blend of flavors that brings warmth and comfort any time of year. With its rich taste and creamy texture, this recipe is highly versatile; feel free to customize it with your choice of vegetables or grains. Give it a try — you won’t be disappointed!
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Indulge in the warmth of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, a comforting blend of tender chicken, fresh lemon, and a creamy egg-lemon mixture known as avgolemono. This delightful dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy night in. In just under an hour, you can whip up a bowl of this hearty yet refreshing soup that’s sure to impress your loved ones. Rich in flavor and nutrition, it features wholesome ingredients like fresh vegetables and lean chicken, making it both satisfying and healthy. Enjoy this vibrant Mediterranean classic that brings a taste of Greece to your table.
Ingredients
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
- 6 tablespoons chicken soup base
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/4 cup margarine
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 8 egg yolks
- 1 cup cooked white rice
- 1 cup diced cooked chicken
- 16 lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, carrots, onion, celery, soup base, and white pepper. Bring to a boil then simmer for 15-20 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- In a small bowl, mix margarine and flour until smooth. Stir into the soup and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes while stirring until thickened.
- Beat egg yolks until pale; temper by slowly whisking in hot soup. Gradually add back into the pot while stirring constantly. Heat gently without boiling.
- Stir in cooked rice and diced chicken; cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
- Serve in bowls garnished with fresh lemon slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 300g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
