Name: Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 4 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup uncooked rice; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 large eggs; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 cup fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh lemon slices for garnish

Bowl of Greek Lemon Chicken Soup with fresh herbs and lemon slices

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Why Make This Recipe

Greek Lemon Chicken Soup, also known as Avgolemono, is a comforting dish that combines the flavors of chicken, rice, and a refreshing hint of lemon. It’s easy to make, and the warm, creamy soup is perfect for chilly days or when you need a little pick-me-up. This soup is not just delicious; it also uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen, making it a great option for busy weeknights.

How to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup uncooked rice
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 large eggs
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 cup fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lemon slices for garnish

Directions:

In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the uncooked rice and then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
Stir in the shredded chicken and let it heat through.
In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice until well combined.
Slowly ladle a bit of the hot broth into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to temper the eggs.
Gradually add the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly until the soup thickens slightly. Add in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh lemon slices.

How to Serve Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Serve this soup hot, in bowls, with a slice of lemon on the side for extra brightness. You can also pair it with warm bread or a side salad to create a complete meal. The soup’s creamy texture and fresh flavors make it a wonderful dish to enjoy with family and friends.

How to Store Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

If you have leftovers, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently on the stove to avoid curdling the eggs. If the soup thickens too much, simply add a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Tips to Make Greek Lemon Chicken Soup

Use homemade or store-bought chicken broth for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the step of tempering the eggs; this helps prevent them from scrambling when added to the hot broth.
For an extra touch of flavor, add some chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley before serving.

Variation

You can customize Greek Lemon Chicken Soup by adding other vegetables such as carrots or celery. For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream at the end. If you prefer a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth and replace the chicken with chickpeas.

FAQs

1. Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves you time!

2. Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just double-check your broth and rice to be sure.

3. Can I freeze Greek Lemon Chicken Soup?
It is not recommended to freeze the soup due to the egg and lemon mixture, which can alter in texture when thawed. It is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.