Avgolemono Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Avgolemono transforms simple chicken soup into a velvety, lemony masterpiece that's both elegant and comforting. This Greek classic combines tender chicken, orzo pasta, and a silky egg-lemon sauce that creates an unforgettable golden broth, rich with Mediterranean flavors and warming to the very last spoonful.

I discovered this soup during a cooking class in Athens, and it's become my go-to comfort food. The instructor taught me that patience while tempering the eggs creates that signature silkiness that makes this soup so special.

Essential Ingredients

• Egg Yolks: Room temperature eggs are crucial for the smoothest sauce
• Fresh Lemons: Only fresh-squeezed juice will give you that vibrant flavor
• Chicken Breast: Creates a flavorful base and adds lean protein
• Orzo Pasta: Tiny rice-shaped pasta that cooks perfectly in the broth
• Fresh Dill: Adds a distinctive Mediterranean freshness
• Quality Chicken Stock: Forms the foundation of your soup's flavor

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Detailed Cooking Instructions

Create Your Flavor Base:

• Gently sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until tender
• Add minced garlic just until fragrant

This slow cooking process builds essential flavor layers

Develop the Broth:

• Add chicken and stock, bringing to a gentle simmer
• Cook until chicken is tender, about 15 minutes
• Remove chicken to shred while continuing with soup

Perfect the Pasta:

• Add orzo to simmering broth
• Cook until just tender, stirring occasionally
• Return shredded chicken to the pot

Master the Avgolemono Sauce:

• Whisk egg yolks and lemon juice until smooth
• Gradually add hot broth to temper eggs
• Incorporate back into soup with gentle stirring

My Greek grandmother always said that the secret to perfect avgolemono is patience - rushing the egg tempering will result in a completely different soup.

Chef's Helpful Tips

• Keep the soup at a bare simmer to prevent curdling
• Add lemon gradually - you can always add more, but can't take it away
• Reserve some hot broth before adding orzo in case you need to thin the soup

This soup has become my ultimate comfort food, especially during cold winter months. The way the bright lemon cuts through the rich broth while the orzo provides just enough substance makes it a perfectly balanced meal. Every spoonful reminds me of sunny Mediterranean afternoons and the timeless wisdom of Greek cuisine.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serving:

• Always serve hot but not boiling - the perfect temperature maintains the soup's silky texture
• Fresh crusty bread makes an ideal accompaniment for soaking up every last drop
• Consider a light Greek salad on the side for a complete Mediterranean meal

Storage:

After years of making this soup, I've found that crusty sourdough bread works particularly well - its slight tanginess complements the lemon perfectly.

Perfect Pairings

• A crisp Greek white wine like Assyrtiko
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil
• Warm pita bread brushed with olive oil and oregano

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep

• Prepare the basic soup without the egg-lemon mixture up to 2 days ahead
• Store the base soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Add the tempered egg-lemon mixture only when reheating to serve
• Never bring leftover soup to a full boil when reheating

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Troubleshooting Tips

• If your soup is too thick, gradually stir in hot chicken broth
• For too thin soup, simmer gently until it reaches desired consistency
• If the eggs start to curdle, lower the heat immediately and whisk vigorously

My neighbor Maria, who taught me this recipe, always says "The soup should be like velvet - if it's not, you're either rushing or your heat is too high."

Final Notes

This soup is more than just a meal - it's a testament to the ingenuity of Greek cuisine, transforming simple ingredients into something truly magical. While it might take a try or two to master the egg-tempering technique, the result is well worth the effort. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked orzo, and that signature egg-lemon sauce creates a dish that's both elegant enough for special occasions and comforting enough for everyday meals.

Remember, patience is your best friend when making avgolemono - take your time with each step, and you'll be rewarded with a soup that rivals any you'd find in Athens' finest restaurants. Whether you're under the weather, seeking comfort on a cold day, or simply craving something special, this soup never fails to deliver both nourishment and satisfaction.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why temper the eggs?

Tempering prevents eggs from curdling when added to hot soup. Gradually warming them is essential.

→ Can I use different pasta?

Yes, rice or small pasta shapes work well instead of orzo.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Best served fresh as reheating can affect texture. If needed, reheat gently to prevent curdling.

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, add shredded rotisserie chicken near end of cooking time.

→ Is this soup supposed to be thick?

The egg-lemon mixture creates a silky, slightly thickened broth but not extremely thick.