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A close-up spoonful of creamy avgolemono soup, showing the tender shredded chicken and orzo pasta in the silky lemon broth.

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (Authentic Avgolemono)

This Greek Lemon Chicken Soup recipe delivers a classic, soul-warming Avgolemono. Learn the foolproof method for a silky, rich, and tangy soup with chicken, orzo, and a vibrant, curd-free lemon-egg broth.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

For the Soup
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 8 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Orzo Pasta
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Dill chopped
  • Salt and Black Pepper to taste
For the Avgolemono Sauce
  • 3 Large Eggs
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Lemon Juice from 2-3 lemons

Equipment

  • 1 Large Pot or Dutch Oven
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the chicken breasts and cover with the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
  2. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate. Use two forks to shred it. Bring the broth back to a boil and stir in the orzo. Cook according to package directions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until pale and frothy, about 1 minute. Continue to whisk while slowly streaming in the lemon juice. Temper the eggs by very slowly pouring in about 2 cups of hot broth from the pot, whisking constantly until combined.
  4. Turn the heat of the soup pot to its lowest setting. Gently pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly. Add the shredded chicken. Continue to stir over low heat for 2-3 minutes to thicken, but do not allow it to boil. Stir in the fresh dill, season with salt and pepper, and serve immediately.

Notes

Do Not Boil: Once the egg mixture is added, boiling the soup will cause it to curdle.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat. Do not microwave.