Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot with the chicken broth. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked (about 20-25 minutes). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot, shred it using two forks, and set it aside. Keep the broth simmering while you move on to the next steps.
2. Prepare the Soup Base: In the same pot with the simmering broth, add the olive oil. Then, sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
3. Add Rice (or Orzo): Stir in the rice (or orzo, if you’re using it) and cook for another minute. Then, continue to simmer the broth for about 15 minutes, or until the rice or orzo is tender. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Prepare the Avgolemono (Egg-Lemon) Mixture: While the soup is simmering, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice in a separate bowl. To avoid curdling the eggs when adding them to the hot soup, you need to temper them first. Gradually ladle a few spoonfuls of the hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to slowly raise the temperature of the eggs. Once the egg mixture feels warm to the touch, slowly pour it back into the soup, whisking continuously to combine. This creates the creamy texture of the Avgolemono.
5. Finish the Soup: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir the soup gently to combine all the ingredients. Allow it to heat through for an additional 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to bring the soup to a boil again, as this can cause the egg mixture to curdle.
6. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill or parsley for added flavor and color. Serve hot with a side of crusty bread for dipping, and enjoy the comforting, tangy goodness of this Greek classic.

Tips for the Perfect Greek Lemon Chicken Soup:

• Use Homemade Broth: For the best flavor, homemade chicken broth is ideal, but store-bought broth will also work well. Just be sure to taste and adjust seasoning, as store-bought broth can sometimes be saltier.
• Tempering the Eggs: The most important step in making Avgolemono is to temper the eggs slowly with the hot broth. This ensures the eggs blend smoothly into the soup without scrambling.
• Customize the Soup: You can make the soup richer by adding a few tablespoons of heavy cream or extra lemon juice for a bolder citrus flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta or even vegetables like carrots or celery.
• Make it Ahead: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the soup thickens too much after sitting, simply add a bit more broth or water to reach your desired consistency when reheating.

Why You’ll Love Greek Lemon Chicken Soup:

1. Bright and Flavorful: The tangy lemon brings a fresh, vibrant note to the savory chicken broth, while the egg mixture adds a rich, creamy texture.
2. Comforting and Hearty: With tender chicken, rice or orzo, and a luscious broth, this soup is perfect for cozying up on a chilly day or when you’re feeling under the weather.
3. Quick and Easy: While it may sound like an intricate dish, this soup comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it a great weeknight meal or weekend lunch.
4. Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and eggs, along with the nourishing warmth of homemade broth, this soup is not only delicious but also good for you.
5. Versatile: While the traditional version of Avgolemono calls for chicken, you can substitute turkey or even add some vegetables to create your own version of this comforting soup.

Conclusion:

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup is the perfect combination of comfort and brightness, making it a must-try recipe for any fan of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re craving something warm and soothing or want to impress guests with your culinary skills, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be savoring a bowl of delicious Greek comfort food in no time.