Dinner

Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) Recipe for Comfort & Wellness Recipe

Name: Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Avgolemono) Recipe for Comfort & Wellness Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, diced (optional); 8 cups chicken broth; 1 cup white rice or orzo pasta; 2 large eggs; 1 egg yolk; Juice of 2–3 lemons (about ½ cup); 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish; Spinach or kale; 1 tsp turmeric; Quinoa instead of rice

ByHugo Harnd January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

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Introduction

Healing Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a comforting and nourishing dish perfect for chilly days or when you need a little wellness boost. This creamy, tangy soup combines tender chicken, fresh lemon, and delicate rice or orzo in a warm broth that soothes and satisfies.

A close-up view of a creamy soup served in a white bowl, showing a pale yellow base with small bits of shredded white chicken and thin slices of light green celery floating in the soup. On top, an uneven sprinkle of cracked black pepper is visible, along with a few bright green sprigs of fresh dill placed near the center. A thin half-moon slice of yellow lemon with a textured peel rests on the edge of the soup, adding a fresh look to the dish. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface creating a clean and simple background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, diced (optional)
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup white rice or orzo pasta
2 large eggs
1 egg yolk
Juice of 2–3 lemons (about ½ cup)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Fresh dill or parsley, for garnish
Optional Add-ins: Spinach or kale, 1 tsp turmeric, quinoa instead of rice

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and diced carrots, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 2: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the rice or orzo and reduce heat to maintain a gentle boil. Cook until the grains are tender, about 15 to 20 minutes.
Step 3: While the rice is cooking, whisk together the eggs, egg yolk, and lemon juice in a bowl until frothy and smooth.
Step 4: To temper the egg mixture, slowly ladle about a cup of the hot broth into the eggs while whisking constantly. This prevents the eggs from curdling when added to the soup.
Step 5: Gradually stir the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot with the soup. Add the shredded cooked chicken and heat gently over low heat, making sure not to boil, until the soup thickens and is hot throughout.
Step 6: Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving. Enjoy your warm bowl of healing Avgolemono soup!

Tips & Variations

For a greens boost, stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking.
Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric to the broth for extra color and health benefits.
Substitute quinoa for rice to make the soup gluten-free and nutrient-rich.
Be sure to temper the eggs slowly to avoid scrambled eggs in your soup.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling after adding eggs to prevent curdling. This soup also freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up view of creamy white chicken soup in a white bowl, showing shredded chicken pieces and small green celery bits inside a smooth, light yellow broth. On top, there is a bright yellow lemon slice and fresh green dill sprigs, sprinkled with coarse black pepper. The bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface with a blurred background of fresh dill and lemon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for this soup?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor while saving time.

Is there a substitute for lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is best for authentic flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch. Avoid using lemon zest alone as it won’t provide enough acidity.