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Avgolemono Soup (Greek Egg-Lemon Chicken Soup)

Classic Greek egg-lemon soup with silky velvety broth. Chef Niko recipe from the island of Kos.
Servings 4 servings
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

For the soup

  • 6 cup chicken broth 1.4 liters, good quality
  • 2 cup cooked chicken 280g, shredded
  • 1/2 cup orzo pasta 90g
  • salt to taste

For the avgolemono

  • 3 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup fresh lemon juice 80ml, about 2 lemons
  • freshly ground white pepper to taste

To serve

  • fresh dill or flat-leaf parsley
  • lemon slices
  • good olive oil optional, for drizzling

Instructions

  • Bring the chicken broth to a gentle boil in a large saucepan. Add the orzo and cook for 8–10 minutes, until just tender. Stir in the shredded chicken and reduce the heat to the lowest setting.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs vigorously for 2 minutes until pale and frothy. Add the lemon juice and whisk to combine. The mixture should be uniform and slightly aerated.
  • Using a ladle, slowly add hot broth from the pot to the egg-lemon bowl, one ladle at a time, whisking constantly after each addition. Add 5–6 ladles total.
  • Pour the tempered mixture back into the pot in a slow, steady stream while stirring gently.
  • Stir the soup gently over the lowest heat setting for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly and turns a uniform golden color. Do not let it boil. Season with salt and white pepper.
  • Ladle into warm bowls. Garnish with fresh dill and a lemon slice. Add a small drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Variations: Rice instead of orzo (short-grain rice, cook 18-20 min). Egg-yolk only for a richer, deeper-colored soup. Lamb broth for deeper flavor in some regions.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat very gently over low heat, stirring constantly. Never boil.
Make-ahead: Prepare broth, chicken, and orzo in advance. Make and temper the egg-lemon fresh before serving.
Author: Chef Niko
Calories: 285kcal
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Keyword: avgolemono soup, greek egg-lemon chicken soup

Nutrition

Calories: 285kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 820mg