Description
Avgolemono is a traditional Greek lemon chicken soup that is both comforting and refreshing, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 whole chicken (about 3–4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups water
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta (or rice)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, water, onion, carrots, celery, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and bay leaf, returning the clear broth to the pot.
- Add the orzo pasta (or rice) to the broth and cook according to package instructions until tender.
- While the pasta is cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until well combined.
- Once the pasta is cooked, ladle a small amount of the hot broth into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. Gradually add more broth while whisking until the mixture is warm.
- Slowly pour the egg-lemon mixture back into the pot, stirring gently to combine. Heat the soup over low heat until warmed through, but do not let it boil.
- Stir in the shredded chicken and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
- This soup can be made with leftover chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice to taste for desired tartness.
- For a thicker soup, you can add more orzo or rice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Avgolemono, Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, Chicken Soup Recipe, Comfort Food