Name: Savory Avgolemono Soup Recipe: Your New Favorite Greek Comfort Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (avocado oil can be used as a substitute); 1/2 to 1 cup Finely Chopped Carrots (feel free to adjust based on taste or use parsnips); 1/2 to 1 cup Finely Chopped Celery (green bell pepper can work as an alternative); 1/2 to 1 cup Finely Chopped Green Onions (substitute with yellow onions if needed); 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped; garlic powder can be used in a pinch); 8 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (vegetable broth is a lighter option); 2 leaves Bay Leaves (remove before serving); 1 cup Rice (orzo or quinoa are great swaps); to taste Salt and Pepper (use sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper); 2 breasts Cooked Boneless Chicken (shredded; rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute); 1/2 cup Freshly-Squeezed Lemon Juice (bottled lemon juice is not desirable); 2 large Eggs (essential for creamy finish); Fresh Parsley (for garnish)

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As the chilly nights of winter cast their chilly spell, there’s an undeniable magic that unfolds in the kitchen—the moment you whip up a pot of Avgolemono Soup. This beloved Greek lemon chicken delight is like a warm embrace in a bowl, with its creamy texture and vibrant lemony zing awakening your senses. I first discovered this comforting dish during a cozy family gathering where everyone eagerly gathered around the table, savoring the rich, savory aroma that wafted through the air.

The beauty of Avgolemono Soup lies in its simplicity and adaptability; it combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and the zesty brightness of lemon in a way that transforms your everyday meal into something extraordinary. Whether you’re looking to impress guests with a taste of Greece or just want a homemade dish that warms your heart, this soup is sure to delight. Let’s dive into this culinary journey and bring the soul-soothing flavors of Avgolemono Soup into your own kitchen!

Why is Savory Avgolemono Soup a Must-Try?

Comforting Brilliance: This Savory Avgolemono Soup offers the ultimate cozy experience, perfect for chilly winter nights.
Zesty Flavors: The vibrant lime from the lemons invigorates your palate, creating a delightful soup that’s both rich and refreshing.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you can whip this up quickly, ideal for weeknight dinners.
Endless Customization: Feel free to swap rice with orzo or quinoa or add fresh greens for a nutritious twist.
Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a fantastic dish to serve at gatherings, instantly elevating your meal with its delightful aromas and flavors.
For a heartwarming side, consider serving this with a Savory Chicken Caesar for a complete feast!

Savory Avgolemono Soup Ingredients

• Discover the delicious components that make up this Savory Avgolemono Soup Recipe: Greek Lemon Chicken Delight.

For the Soup Base

Extra Virgin Olive Oil – enhances flavor while providing a base for sautéing; avocado oil can be used as a substitute.
Finely Chopped Carrots (1/2 to 1 cup) – adds sweetness and color to the broth; feel free to adjust based on your taste or use parsnips for variety.
Finely Chopped Celery (1/2 to 1 cup) – contributes depth of flavor; green bell pepper can work as an alternative.
Finely Chopped Green Onions (1/2 to 1 cup) – offers a mild onion flavor and freshness; substitute with yellow onions if needed.
Garlic Cloves (2, finely chopped) – infuses the soup with a savory punch; garlic powder can be used in a pinch.
Low-Sodium Chicken Broth (8 cups) – forms the soup’s rich base; vegetable broth is perfect for a lighter option.
Bay Leaves (2) – adds aromatic depth; don’t forget to remove them before serving.

For the Soup Filling

Rice (1 cup) – soaks up the broth wonderfully; orzo or quinoa are great swaps for different textures.
Salt and Pepper – essential for flavor enhancement; use sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper for the best results.
Cooked Boneless Chicken Breasts (2, shredded) – provides protein and heartiness; rotisserie chicken is a convenient substitute.

For the Finishing Touch

Freshly-Squeezed Lemon Juice (1/2 cup) – gives the soup its signature tang; bottled lemon juice is not as desirable.
Large Eggs (2) – creates a rich, smooth texture; essential for that creamy finish.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – optional, adds a touch of visual appeal and freshness.

Gather these ingredients, and prepare to create a comforting bowl of joy with this Savory Avgolemono Soup!

How to Make Savory Avgolemono Soup

Sauté Vegetables: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped carrots, celery, and green onions; sauté for 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Stir in the chopped garlic for about 1 minute more, allowing its flavor to bloom.
Add Broth and Rice: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and toss in the bay leaves. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil before adding the rice, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat, cover, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until the rice is tender and soaked with flavor.
Incorporate Chicken: While the soup simmers, shred the cooked boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Once the rice reaches the perfect tenderness, stir the shredded chicken into the pot, allowing it to meld with the flavors.
Prepare Egg-Lemon Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the freshly-squeezed lemon juice and eggs. Carefully temper the mixture by adding two ladles of the hot broth while whisking continuously—this step ensures a creamy, smooth texture without scrambling the eggs.
Combine and Serve: Gently pour the egg-lemon mixture back into the soup, stirring well while removing it from the heat immediately. Taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. If desired, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color before serving hot.

Optional: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to enhance brightness when serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

How to Store and Freeze Avgolemono Soup

Room Temperature: Let the soup cool completely before storing. It’s best served fresh, but if left out, consume within 2 hours to avoid spoilage.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain the creamy texture of your savory Avgolemono Soup, avoid mixing in the egg-lemon sauce until reheating.
Freezer: This soup can be frozen for up to a month. Portion into freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion as it freezes.
Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent curdling of the egg mixture.

Savory Avgolemono Soup Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to explore these delightful twists and substitutions to personalize your bowl of Avgolemono Soup!

Whole Grain: Swap out white rice for brown rice or quinoa for a nutty flavor and added nutrients. Check the cooking time as whole grains may need longer to prepare.
Add Greens: Toss in handfuls of fresh spinach or kale just before serving for a vibrant pop of color and nutrition, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Herb Infusion: Experiment by adding fresh herbs like dill or oregano to the broth during simmering for an aromatic lift that perfectly complements the lemon zest.
Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a little heat, incorporate a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the sautéed vegetables; it’s a surprising and tasty twist!
Creamy Element: Blend in a splash of coconut milk or heavy cream at the end for a richer, creamier soup that adds a delightful sweetness to counterbalance the tangy lemon.
Alternative Proteins: Try substituting the chicken with shredded rotisserie turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option that still satisfies.
Sour Emphasis: If you’re a lemon lover, ramp up the freshness by adding extra lemon zest to the broth, ensuring that each spoonful bursts with citrusy brightness.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate some smoked paprika into the sauté for a unique depth; this adds an unexpected twist that pairs wonderfully with the soup’s overall flavor.

Feel inspired to mix and match these variations to make this Savory Avgolemono Soup your own!

What to Serve with Savory Avgolemono Soup?

As you savor the creamy, lemony goodness of this delightful soup, imagine an inviting table spread filled with comforting, complementary dishes.

Greek Salad: The crispness of cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crumbly feta offers a refreshing contrast, enhancing the rich flavors of the soup.
Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for dipping, this bread’s hearty texture and warm crust invite you to indulge every last spoonful of soup.
Warm Pita Bread: Soft and fluffy, pita easily hugs the soup’s flavors, adding a delightful tactile bite with each scoop.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted to golden perfection provide earthy notes that deepen the overall flavor profile, complementing the lightness of the soup.
Lemon Rice: To enhance the citrusy notes, lemon-infused rice brings a lovely brightness and texture, creating a cohesive taste experience.
Herbed Quinoa: This protein-packed alternative adds a nutty flavor and chewy texture, perfectly marrying with the soup for a complete meal.
Mint Tea: A fragrant herbal tea cools the palate and refreshes the senses, making it an inviting drink to enjoy alongside your soup.
Baklava: For a sweet finish, this flaky pastry filled with nuts and honey offers a delightful contrast to the savory soup, rounding off your meal beautifully.

Make Ahead Options

These Savory Avgolemono Soup components are perfect for meal prep, making your busy weeknights much easier! You can sauté the vegetables and prepare the rice up to 24 hours in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can shred the cooked chicken ahead of time—just ensure to refrigerate it promptly (ideally within 2 hours of cooking) to keep it fresh. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the broth, add the prepped ingredients, and follow the final steps of tempering the egg-lemon mixture before serving. With these make-ahead tips, you’ll enjoy a comforting bowl of Avgolemono Soup just as delicious as if you made it fresh!

Expert Tips for Savory Avgolemono Soup

Temper the Eggs: Always temper the eggs with hot broth before adding them to the soup to prevent scrambling and ensure a silky texture.
Quality Ingredients: Use freshly-squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor; bottled lemon juice can alter the taste of this savory Avgolemono Soup.
Storage Secrets: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain creaminess. Consume within 3 days or freeze for up to a month for later enjoyment.
Reheat Gently: When reheating, do it slowly on the stove instead of the microwave to avoid curdling the egg mixture, preserving that delightful creamy consistency.
Customizable Base: Feel free to swap rice for orzo or quinoa, and add in greens like spinach for extra nutrients and flavor variation in your stew!

Savory Avgolemono Soup Recipe FAQs

What type of lemons should I use for the lemon juice?
Absolutely, I recommend using fresh, juicy lemons for the best flavor in your Savory Avgolemono Soup. Freshly-squeezed lemon juice brings a bright acidity that bottled lemon juice simply can’t match, enhancing that delicious tangy profile essential for this dish.

How long can I store Avgolemono Soup in the fridge?
You can store your Avgolemono Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be careful to avoid mixing in the egg-lemon sauce before storing to help maintain its creamy texture. Simply add the sauce when you’re ready to enjoy it again!

Can I freeze Avgolemono Soup?
Yes, you can freeze your Avgolemono Soup! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes. This soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.

What if my soup curdles while reheating?
No worries! If your soup curdles while reheating, it’s often due to overheating. To prevent this, always reheat your Savory Avgolemono Soup over low heat and stir gently. If it has already curdled, you can try whisking in a small amount of additional broth to help smooth it out.

Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Yes, if you’re cooking for someone with egg allergies, you can substitute the eggs with a cornstarch slurry to achieve a similar creaminess. For those avoiding gluten, ensure you use gluten-free rice or quinoa. Additionally, if you’re cooking for a family pet, avoid adding any seasonings, especially salt or onions, which can be harmful. Always check specific ingredient substitutions based on individual dietary needs.

How can I tell if my chicken is cooked properly?
To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you’re using rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s heated through before shredding and adding it to your soup. This helps keep the flavors fully integrated and safe to enjoy!