Description
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with Orzo, also known as Avgolemono, is a creamy, tangy, and comforting Greek dish made with tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a rich egg-lemon broth. This easy, one-pot soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, offering a velvety texture without any dairy.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb.)
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
- 3 large eggs
- Juice of 3 lemons
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent (3-4 minutes). Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth & Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce heat, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook Orzo: Remove the cooked chicken and set aside. Add orzo to the pot and cook according to package instructions.
- Prepare Egg-Lemon Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together eggs, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
- Temper the Egg Mixture: Slowly whisk in a ladleful of hot broth to the egg mixture to prevent curdling. Repeat with another ladleful.
- Combine & Finish: Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously. Shred the cooked chicken and return it to the soup along with chopped spinach. Simmer for a few minutes until heated through. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- Prevent Curdling: Always temper the egg mixture by slowly adding hot broth while whisking.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change.
- Reheating: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally, and avoid boiling to maintain a creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
