4.3 from 12 votes
Avgolemono (Greek Lemon Chicken Soup)
Avgolemono with orzo is a creamy Greek lemon chicken soup that's naturally thickened with egg whisked into the broth to create a silky smooth and tangy soup that's quick and easy to make.
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 306 kcal
Course:
Soup
Cuisine:
Greek
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 teaspoon kosher salt , divided
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup chopped yellow onion
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 3 lemons , to make ½ cup juice plus the peel of one lemon
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- pinch cayenne pepper
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Quarter the chicken breast into four pieces, place in a bowl, season with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, then set aside. In a large Dutch oven or heavy bottom pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Add the onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Be careful not to brown or the onion will taste bitter.
- Add the chicken broth, lemon peel, and the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt. Bring to a boil then reduce to the lowest simmer. Add the quartered chicken breast to the broth so it is submerged, cover with a lid, and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the broth. Shred the chicken and set aside.
- Bring the broth back to a boil then add the orzo pasta and cook for 15 minutes. Remove the lemon peel and discard.
- Whisk the eggs and egg yolks in a small bowl with the lemon juice and cayenne pepper. While whisking, slowly drizzle ¼ cup of the hot chicken broth into the egg mixture. Whisk quickly so it doesn't turn into scrambled eggs. Whisk in an additional ¼ cup broth. Slowly drizzle the tempered broth into the orzo and broth mixture while continuing to whisk. Add the shredded chicken and cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is warmed through. Taste for seasoning and add more salt if needed. Sprinkle with chopped dill and serve.
Cup of Yum
Nutrition Information
Calories
306kcal
(15%)
Carbohydrates
28g
(9%)
Protein
25g
(50%)
Fat
11g
(17%)
Saturated Fat
2g
(10%)
Polyunsaturated Fat
2g
Monounsaturated Fat
5g
Trans Fat
0.01g
Cholesterol
174mg
(58%)
Sodium
2054mg
(86%)
Potassium
547mg
(16%)
Fiber
3g
(12%)
Sugar
5g
(10%)
Vitamin A
358IU
(7%)
Vitamin C
33mg
(37%)
Calcium
62mg
(6%)
Iron
2mg
(11%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 306
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 306kcal | 15% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.01g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 174mg | 58% |
| Sodium | 2054mg | 86% |
| Potassium | 547mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 358IU | 7% |
| Vitamin C | 33mg | 37% |
| Calcium | 62mg | 6% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.