Delicious homemade Avgolemono soup is like a comforting hug in a bowl – it is one of my favorite meals when I’m sick and need something creamy, hearty, and comforting – with tons of lemon, rice, chicken and dill.

This recipe uses simple ingredients and is easy enough to whip up even if you’re under the weather – and makes a great beginner soup. I crave it every time I’m sick!

Don’t want all the extras in a recipe post? We provide a skip to recipe button in the top left corner, as well as a clickable table of contents, just below, to help make this page easier to navigate.

At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe – my goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.

I want each reader to walk away with a solid knowledge of each recipe, with all of the tips I’ve gathered from extensive testing of each recipe. I also answer questions my friends and family have asked about my recipes, to help everyone better understand the processes we use – and why!

Creamy Lemon Chicken And Rice Soup

Greek Avgolemono soup is a delightful and comforting dish that combines chicken broth, lemon juice, and beaten eggs to create a creamy and tangy texture. It’s a classic Greek recipe that’s perfect for chilly evenings or as a comforting the whole family will love.

Greek Avgolemono soup has a rich history dating back centuries. It’s believed to have originated in Greece during ancient times, and its name comes from the Greek words “avgo” (egg) and “lemono” (lemon), which are the key ingredients in the dish.

This iconic soup has a creamy and tangy flavor profile, created by whisking together eggs and lemon juice, makes it a unique and beloved dish.

Today, Avgolemono soup is not only a cherished part of Greek gastronomy – but it’s beloved all over the world!

How to Make avgolemono Soup

To make this recipe, we will need the following ingredients:

• Chicken Broth: The foundation of the soup, chicken broth provides a savory and hearty base, imparting a comforting flavor that serves as the backbone of the dish.
• Eggs: Eggs play a crucial role in creating the creamy and velvety texture of the soup. When tempered with hot broth and lemon juice, they thicken the soup while adding richness and a subtle custard-like quality.
• Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is a star ingredient in Avgolemono soup, contributing a bright and zesty citrus flavor. It provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the eggs and chicken broth, giving the soup its signature tanginess.
• Rice: Rice is often used in Avgolemono soup to add body and substance. It absorbs the flavors of the broth and lemon sauce while providing a pleasant, starchy element to the soup.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken (optional): This ingredient adds protein and a meaty component to the soup. It’s a convenient way to repurpose leftover chicken, and its tender shreds enhance the overall heartiness of the dish.
• Dill: Dill is a traditional herb used in Avgolemono soup, contributing a fresh and herbaceous aroma. It complements the lemony notes and adds a burst of freshness to each spoonful.
• Garlic: Garlic lends a subtle but impactful savory flavor to the soup. It’s often used in moderation to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Herbs and Seasonings: Additional herbs and seasonings can include parsley, oregano, and black pepper, among others. They provide depth of flavor and a well-balanced seasoning to the soup.
• Olive Oil: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil before serving can enhance the soup’s richness and provide a silky finish. It also adds a touch of Mediterranean flair to the dish.

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, we will use this method:

1. Broth Preparation: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
2. Cook Rice: Add rice (or orzo) to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the rice is tender (about 15-20 minutes).
3. Egg and Lemon Mixture: While the rice is cooking, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice in a separate bowl until smooth.
4. Tempering the Eggs: To temper the egg mixture and prevent curdling, slowly ladle about a cup of the hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. This gently heats the eggs.
5. Combine: Slowly pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot with the rice, stirring constantly. The soup will start to thicken slightly.
6. Add Chicken: Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the soup. Stir to combine and heat through.
7. Season: Season with salt, pepper, dill, garlic, and the herbs and seasonings to taste.
8. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped parsley or dill if desired.

Tips and tricks to perfect Avgolemono soup

Use Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice is key to achieving the best flavor in your soup. Avoid using bottled lemon juice as it can have a different taste.

Temper the Eggs: When adding the hot chicken broth to the egg and lemon mixture, do so gradually and whisk continuously. This prevents the eggs from curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Don’t Boil the Broth: Heat the chicken broth until it’s hot but not boiling. Boiling can cause the soup to curdle or become grainy.

Cook the Rice Separately: It’s a good practice to cook the rice separately and add it to the soup later. This allows you to control the rice’s texture and prevents it from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy in the soup.

Adjust Lemon and Seasonings: Taste your soup and adjust the lemon juice, salt, and pepper to your preference. The balance of flavors can vary based on personal taste, so don’t be afraid to tweak it.

Use High-Quality Olive Oil: A drizzle of good-quality olive oil before serving adds a luxurious finish to the soup. Opt for extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.

Fresh Herbs: While dill is the traditional herb used in Avgolemono soup, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a different flavor dimension.

Customize with Extras: Feel free to customize your Avgolemono soup with extra ingredients like vegetables (such as spinach or asparagus), orzo pasta, or even a dash of nutmeg for a unique twist.

Consistency: If you find your soup is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more hot chicken broth or hot water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a slurry made from a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water.

Garnish Creatively: Presentation matters! Garnish each serving with a sprig of fresh dill, a lemon slice, and a drizzle of olive oil for an appealing and appetizing look.

Serve Fresh: Avgolemono soup is best enjoyed fresh. Reheating it can cause the eggs to curdle and alter the texture. If you have leftovers, gently reheat them over low heat, stirring constantly.

FAQs

What to Serve With Avgolemono soup

Greek Salad: A classic choice! A fresh Greek salad made with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, feta cheese, and a simple olive oil and lemon dressing pairs wonderfully with Avgolemono soup. It adds a refreshing contrast of flavors and textures.

Pita Bread or Greek Bread: Warm pita bread or slices of Greek bread are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup. You can lightly toast the bread for added flavor and texture.

Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): Dolmas are vine leaves stuffed with a mixture of rice, herbs, and sometimes ground meat. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish that complements the Greek flavors of Avgolemono soup.

Hummus and Tzatziki: A spread of hummus and tzatziki served with pita bread or fresh vegetables can be a delicious addition. These Mediterranean dips offer a contrast in flavors and textures to the soup.

Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers drizzled with olive oil and seasoned with herbs make a tasty and healthy side dish. They add a charred and smoky dimension to your meal.

Roasted Potatoes: Roasted potatoes seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs complement the lemony notes of the soup. They provide a satisfying starch to the meal.

Feta Cheese: A plate of crumbled or sliced feta cheese is a simple yet delightful side. It’s a great option if you want to keep your meal light and quick.

Yogurt: A small bowl of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey can serve as a palate cleanser and a refreshing way to balance the flavors.

Fresh Fruit: A platter of fresh fruit, such as grapes, oranges, or watermelon, adds a sweet and juicy element to the meal, which can be a pleasant contrast to the soup’s tanginess.

Baklava: If you have a sweet tooth, consider serving baklava or another Greek dessert as a delightful finish to your meal.

Try these other great recipes:

Easy Greek Stuffing

Roasted Chicken Drumsticks

Halloumi Recipe (Greek Fried Cheese)

Greek Chicken Bowls

If you love this easy recipe please click the stars below to give it a five star rating and leave a comment! Pease also help me share on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

Click here to view the web story for this recipe!

Only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table? Sign up for my 30 minute dinner plans direct to your inbox!
Find and shop my favorite products in my Amazon storefront here!