Soups & Stews > International Soups & Stews > Asian Soups & Stews > Pho Recipe (Vietnamese)

Avgolemono: The Bright & Zesty Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Avgolemono is a classic Greek soup featuring chicken broth, rice, lemon, and eggs. Its creamy texture and bright, tangy flavor make it a comforting and refreshing dish, perfect for any season.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Servings
6
Ingredients
  • 8 cups Chicken broth
  • 2 cups Cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Long-grain rice
  • 3 Eggs
  • 2-3 Lemons
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh dill, chopped
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Cooking the Rice

In a large pot or Dutch oven, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked through. Make sure that the rice is properly cooked before proceeding to the next step.

Tempering the Eggs

While the rice is cooking, prepare the egg-lemon mixture. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until light and frothy. Gradually whisk in the juice of 2-3 lemons (adjust to taste). Slowly drizzle about 1 cup of the hot chicken broth from the pot into the egg-lemon mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs. This prevents the eggs from scrambling when added to the hot soup.

Combining and Simmering

Pour the tempered egg-lemon mixture into the pot with the cooked rice and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine. Add the shredded cooked chicken. Heat the soup over low heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly. Do not boil, as this can cause the eggs to curdle. The soup should be creamy and smooth.

Final Touches and Serving

Remove the soup from the heat. Stir in the chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately. Avgolemono is best enjoyed fresh. Garnish with extra dill and a lemon wedge, if desired.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods. Values are approximate.
Calories: 50-70, Protein: 4-6g, Fat: 2-4g, Carbohydrates: 3-5g

Other Considerations for Nutrition

Avgolemono is a relatively light soup. To increase its protein content, add more shredded chicken. Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control sodium levels. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.

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FAQ

  • Can I make Avgolemono ahead of time?

    Avgolemono is best served fresh. The soup can be made ahead of time, but the texture may change slightly upon reheating. If making ahead, do not add the egg-lemon mixture until just before serving.
  • What type of rice is best for Avgolemono?

    Long-grain rice is traditionally used in Avgolemono, but medium-grain rice can also be used. Avoid using short-grain rice, as it can make the soup too starchy.
  • Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

    Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup.