Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Category: Warm Your Soul

This Greek lemon chicken soup features a bright, tangy broth infused with fresh lemon juice and tender chicken. Egg yolks are gently tempered, giving the soup a creamy, velvety texture without dairy. Chopped carrots, celery, and onion provide layers of flavor, while cooked white rice makes each bowl hearty and satisfying. The finishing touch is a generous slice of lemon, adding both visual appeal and extra freshness. Ideal for meal prep, it’s naturally gluten-free and protein-rich, perfect to enjoy for lunch or dinner in any season.

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Updated on Thu, 03 Jul 2025 22:01:16 GMT
A bowl of soup with carrots and lemon slices. Save
A bowl of soup with carrots and lemon slices. | sweetbyemma.com

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup delivers zesty bright flavor with every spoonful and is the kind of meal I make whenever anyone in my house needs comfort or a pick-me-up. Drawing from Mediterranean roots, this soup’s egg lemon sauce creates a velvety texture without any cream, which feels both cozy and refreshing. My family requests this every time citrus is in season and it is on heavy rotation for weeknight dinners.

I first made this while trying to use up leftover chicken and since then we have never looked back. My kids especially love the creamy texture from the egg lemon sauce paired with the fresh burst of citrus.

Ingredients

  • Chicken broth: brings body and deep savory base try to use a good quality low sodium broth for best flavor
  • Fresh lemon juice: adds tang and balances the richness pick juicy heavy lemons for maximum flavor
  • Shredded carrots: offer slight sweetness and extra color
  • Finely chopped onion and celery: build the foundational flavor use fresh crisp vegetables for brightness
  • Chicken soup base: intensifies savory depth find a low sodium version to avoid too much salt
  • Ground white pepper: gives a mild gentle heat
  • Margarine blended with flour: thickens the soup and gives it a smooth finish you can substitute butter for extra richness
  • Egg yolks: bring creaminess without dairy make sure they are at room temperature for easier tempering
  • Cooked white rice: supplies gentle body and makes the soup extra satisfying use a long grain rice for best texture
  • Diced cooked chicken: offers hearty protein
  • Lemon slices: for finishing touch and added brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Base:
Combine chicken broth lemon juice carrots onion celery chicken soup base and ground white pepper in a large pot Bring the mixture just to a boil over high heat then turn down the heat and let it gently simmer uncovered for fifteen to twenty minutes Stir occasionally and let the vegetables soften fully to release flavor
Thicken the Soup:
In a small bowl mash together the margarine and flour until perfectly smooth You want no lumps Slowly stir this mixture into the pot with the simmering soup Keep the heat low and stir frequently for up to ten minutes You should see the broth becoming silkier and just slightly thick not thick like chowder
Temper the Egg Yolks:
In another bowl use a whisk to beat the egg yolks until they are pale yellow and creamy Slowly add a small ladle of hot soup to the yolks whisking at the same time This step is key to prevent the eggs from scrambling Keep whisking as you add another ladle to slowly warm the yolks Gradually pour the warmed yolks back into the soup pot always stirring so the broth stays creamy never curdled Heat gently but do not let it boil
Finish the Soup:
Add the cooked rice and diced chicken to the soup Gently warm everything together letting the flavors blend well Do not over stir or the rice might break down
Serve:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a thin lemon slice This little detail brings extra fragrance to each spoonful Enjoy while hot and creamy
A bowl of soup with lemon slices and carrots. Save
A bowl of soup with lemon slices and carrots. | sweetbyemma.com

My favorite part will always be the way the soup transforms when the egg and lemon sauce is whisked in It is a magic moment where everything turns creamy and silky without adding a drop of cream My grandmother made this for me when I was sick and now it is my special family recipe for all sorts of cozy nights

Storage Tips

Let your soup cool to room temperature before storing Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days The soup can also be frozen but keep in mind the creamy texture may separate a bit on thawing Give it a good stir as you reheat and warm gently on the stove rather than the microwave for best results

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have cooked chicken on hand rotisserie chicken works just as well Use fresh lemon not bottled juice as the flavor truly shines in this soup If you want a dairy free option choose plant based margarine and make sure your chicken broth does not contain hidden dairy

Serving Suggestions

Serve this soup with crusty bread or toasted pita to dip and soak up every bit of the broth A fresh crisp Greek salad alongside rounds out the meal beautifully For a festive touch garnish the soup with extra chopped fresh dill or parsley and a twist of black pepper

Cultural Notes

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup often called Avgolemono is a staple in Greek households It is especially popular in colder months and is known for a unique silky texture created by blending eggs and lemon juice with hot broth Unlike many Western cream soups this stays light and bright while still satisfying and comforting

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives this soup its signature creamy texture?

The velvety texture comes from slowly tempering egg yolks into the hot broth, which thickens the soup and creates a smooth consistency.

→ How do I avoid curdling the eggs?

Gradually whisk a ladle of hot soup into the beaten egg yolks, then slowly stir the tempered eggs back into the pot over gentle heat. Avoid boiling after adding eggs.

→ Can I substitute brown rice or another grain?

Yes, cooked brown rice or small pasta shapes like orzo can be used for a different texture while still absorbing the flavorful broth.

→ Is this soup gluten-free?

The traditional version uses a bit of flour as a thickener. You can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend to keep the soup gluten-free.

→ What should I serve with this dish?

Fresh crusty bread or a simple Greek salad are ideal accompaniments, enhancing the soup’s Mediterranean character.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Tender chicken and rice in a tangy lemon broth with carrots and eggs for comforting Mediterranean flavor.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
40 min
Total Time
55 min
By: Emma

Category: Soups & Stews

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Soup Ingredients

01 8 cups chicken broth
02 ½ cup fresh lemon juice
03 ½ cup shredded carrots
04 ½ cup finely chopped onion
05 ½ cup finely chopped celery
06 6 tablespoons chicken soup base
07 ¼ teaspoon ground white pepper

→ Thickening Ingredients

08 ¼ cup margarine
09 ¼ cup all-purpose flour

→ Additional Ingredients

10 8 egg yolks
11 1 cup cooked white rice
12 1 cup diced cooked chicken
13 16 lemon slices

How to Make It

Step 01

In a large pot, combine chicken broth, lemon juice, shredded carrots, chopped onion, celery, chicken soup base, and ground white pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Step 02

In a small bowl, mix margarine and flour until smooth. Gradually stir this into the simmering soup. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 03

Beat the egg yolks in a separate bowl until pale and creamy. Slowly add a ladle of hot soup to the yolks, whisking constantly to avoid curdling. Gradually pour the egg mixture back into the pot, stirring continuously, and cook gently until heated through (do not boil).

Step 04

Add cooked rice and diced chicken to the pot. Cook for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 05

Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each with a slice of lemon. Enjoy!

Additional Notes

  1. Temper the egg yolks carefully to prevent curdling.
  2. Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.

Tools Required

  • Large pot
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Ladle

Allergen Information

Double-check each ingredient for allergens and reach out to a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These nutrition details are provided as a guide and are not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 250
  • Fats: 10 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 15 g