Lemon-Infused Greek Chicken Soup

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 8 cups chicken broth - 1 cup orzo pasta - 2 medium carrots, diced - 2 stalks celery, diced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 large eggs - 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Parmesan cheese for serving - Crusty bread for pairing - You can use alternative grains instead of orzo, like rice or quinoa. - If you do not have fresh herbs, you can substitute with dried ones. Use less, as dried herbs are stronger. Each ingredient plays a key role in making this soup tasty and comforting. The chicken provides protein, while the broth adds depth. The orzo gives a nice texture, and the lemon juice brings brightness. Fresh dill enhances the flavors and gives it a fresh twist. Feel free to adjust these ingredients to suit your taste. Cooking is about making it your own! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather all your ingredients. You need chicken, broth, orzo, and veggies. - Dice 2 medium carrots and 2 stalks of celery. - Finely chop 1 medium onion and mince 3 cloves of garlic. - Set these aside to add later. Next, cook the chicken. Place 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breasts on a cutting board. After the soup is ready, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Use two forks or your hands to do this. Now, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil shimmers, add the onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté these for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until the veggies soften. The onion should look translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic brown; we want it fragrant but not burnt. Pour in 8 cups of chicken broth. Bring this to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the chicken breasts to the pot. Lower the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through and no longer pink. Remove it from the pot and cool it on a cutting board. While the chicken cooks, add 1 cup of orzo pasta to the pot. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Once the chicken cools, shred it into small pieces. In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 large eggs, 1/2 cup of fresh lemon juice, and the zest of 1 lemon. To avoid curdling, temper the egg mixture. Take a ladle of hot broth and slowly whisk it into the egg mixture. Then, pour this tempered mixture back into the soup pot while stirring continuously. This will give the soup a creamy texture. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir in 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat the soup for an additional 2-3 minutes. Serve it hot in warmed bowls. For a lovely touch, garnish with fresh dill and a lemon wedge on the side. Enjoy your Greek Lemon Chicken Soup! To get the best broth, simmer it gently. Avoid boiling too hard. This keeps the flavors bright. Add your orzo pasta in the last 10 minutes. It cooks fast and keeps a nice bite. Stir often to prevent sticking. Serve the soup hot in warm bowls. A sprinkle of fresh dill on top adds color and taste. You can also add a lemon wedge on the side. It gives a fresh kick to every spoonful. A slice of crusty bread pairs well too. Do not overcook the chicken. It can become dry and tough. Cook it until no longer pink, about 15-20 minutes. Also, be careful when adding the egg mixture. Whisk it with hot broth first. This step stops the eggs from curdling in the soup. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh lemons and dill to enhance the flavor of your soup. Fresh herbs and citrus can make a significant difference in the overall taste. Perfectly Temper the Eggs: When adding the egg mixture to the soup, be sure to temper the eggs with hot broth first. This prevents curdling and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure they are diced small enough to cook through in the soup. Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge. However, it's best to add the orzo just before serving to prevent it from absorbing too much broth. {{image_4}} You can make Greek lemon chicken soup healthier with a few easy swaps. First, use low-sodium chicken broth. This change keeps the soup tasty while cutting back on salt. Next, add more vegetables. Try including spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers. These veggies boost nutrients and add color to your bowl. If you want to try something different, consider vegetarian Greek lemon soup. Replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for depth. This option is warm and filling without meat. Another fun twist is spicy Greek lemon chicken soup. Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to bring heat. This version adds a kick that spice lovers will enjoy. For a family-friendly version, make kid-friendly ingredient swaps. Use small pasta shapes instead of orzo. Kids often find fun shapes more appealing. You can also reduce the lemon juice a bit. This makes the soup less tangy for young taste buds. Finally, get the kids involved by letting them help add toppings, like fresh dill or lemon wedges. To keep your Greek lemon chicken soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure the soup cools down to room temperature before sealing the container. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can lead to spoilage. If you want to freeze the soup, it’s best to do so without the added eggs. Freeze the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last in the freezer for about 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, do it gently to keep the texture. You can use the stove or microwave. If using a pot, heat on low and stir often. Avoid boiling, as it can curdle the eggs. If you find the soup thick after freezing, add a splash of broth or water. Enjoy your warm, comforting soup! Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, has a rich history. It comes from Greece and has roots in ancient cooking. This soup symbolizes warmth and comfort for many families. It blends tender chicken, bright lemon, and creamy eggs. The dish is often served during special occasions and holidays. Its vibrant flavors make it a favorite all year round. To make this soup gluten-free, swap orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice. Many brands offer gluten-free options that work well. For the broth, choose a gluten-free chicken broth. Always check labels to ensure they are safe. These small changes keep the soup tasty and safe for everyone. Yes, you can prepare Greek Lemon Chicken Soup ahead of time. Cook the soup and let it cool before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze it, leave out the egg mixture. Add it when you reheat the soup for the best texture. When ready, heat the soup gently on the stove and stir in the egg mixture. This tip keeps the soup creamy and delicious. This blog post covered how to make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with a clear list of ingredients and steps. You learned about tips for perfecting the soup and how to avoid mistakes. We explored variations and healthy options, inviting you to adapt the recipe to your taste. Storage and reheating tips ensure your leftovers stay delicious. Enjoy this comforting dish with family and friends, knowing you can customize it to suit any palate. With these simple steps, you can create a flavorful experience that everyone will love.$

Lemon-Infused Greek Chicken Soup

A refreshing and hearty chicken soup infused with lemon and herbs, perfect for any occasion.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Greek

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 cups chicken broth
1 cup orzo pasta
2 medium carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large eggs
0.5 cup fresh lemon juice
1 zest lemon
0.25 cup fresh dill, chopped
1 to taste salt
1 to taste pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic brown.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
Once boiling, carefully add the chicken breasts to the pot. Reduce heat and let the chicken simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly on a cutting board.
While the broth is simmering, add the orzo pasta to the pot. Cook the orzo according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
After the chicken has cooled enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces using two forks or your hands.
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Begin tempering the egg mixture by taking a ladle of hot chicken broth (ensure it’s hot but not boiling) and slowly whisking it into the egg mixture. This step helps prevent the eggs from curdling when added to the soup.
Gradually pour the tempered egg mixture back into the soup pot while stirring continuously. This will create a creamy and rich texture in the soup.
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, followed by the chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
Let the soup heat for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring it’s warmed through. Serve the soup hot.

Notes

Serve the piping hot soup in warmed bowls. Garnish with fresh dill and a wedge of lemon.

Keyword chicken soup, Greek, healthy, lemon, orzo