There’s something truly magical about a warm bowl of Greek lemon chicken soup—it’s a comforting and zesty delight that wraps you in a cozy embrace with every spoonful. This soup has always held a special place in my heart, reminding me of family gatherings where laughter filled the air and the aroma of lemon and herbs danced in the kitchen. It’s no wonder this dish is a beloved staple in many households! Trust me, once you make this Greek lemon chicken soup, you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again for a dose of comfort and flavor. It’s just that good!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Greek lemon chicken soup a success! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken breast – cooked and shredded. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker option!
- 6 cups chicken broth – this forms the flavorful base of the soup. Homemade is great if you have it, but store-bought works just fine!
- 1 cup orzo pasta – this tiny pasta adds heartiness. Make sure you have it ready to cook up perfectly in the broth.
- 2 carrots – diced. These add a lovely sweetness and color! Just chop them into small pieces.
- 1 onion – chopped. This brings depth to the flavor. I like to dice it finely so it cooks down nicely.
- 3 cloves garlic – minced. Fresh garlic is a must for that aromatic kick!
- 2 eggs – they’ll give the soup a creamy texture when combined with lemon juice.
- 1/4 cup lemon juice – freshly squeezed if possible! This will make your soup zing with that delightful citrus flavor.
- Salt and pepper – to taste. Don’t be shy; season it well to enhance all those great flavors!
- Fresh dill – for garnish. This adds a pop of color and an extra layer of flavor right before serving!
With these ingredients, you’re already on your way to creating something truly special. Let’s dive into the cooking!
How to Prepare Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the magical process of making this Greek lemon chicken soup! It’s a straightforward, step-by-step adventure, so don’t worry if you’re new to cooking. Just follow along, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of deliciousness in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first, grab a pot and heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced carrots. Sauté these beauties for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and fragrant. You’ll know you’re on the right track when your kitchen starts smelling amazing! Just keep an eye on them and give them a stir occasionally to avoid any sticking.
Step 2: Add Chicken Broth
Once your vegetables are nice and soft, it’s time to add the chicken broth. Pour in all 6 cups and crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Keep a close watch as it heats up—you don’t want it to boil over! This is where the flavors really start to meld together, and you can practically taste the comfort already!
Step 3: Cook the Orzo
When your broth is bubbling away, it’s time to stir in the orzo pasta. Give it a good mix, then let it cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until it’s tender. Make sure to check the package instructions too, just in case! You want that orzo to be perfectly al dente—nobody likes mushy pasta in their soup!
Step 4: Incorporate Shredded Chicken
Now, grab that shredded chicken and stir it into the pot. This is where the soup really comes to life! Let it simmer for another 5 minutes to heat the chicken through and let those flavors mingle. If you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together!
Step 5: Prepare the Egg and Lemon Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and lemon juice. This mixture is going to give your soup that creamy, zesty kick that makes it so special! Here’s a little secret: before you add this concoction to the hot soup, you need to temper it. Just ladle a bit of the hot broth into your egg mixture while whisking constantly—this helps prevent the eggs from scrambling!
Step 6: Combine Everything
Once you’ve tempered the eggs, slowly pour the mixture back into the pot while stirring continuously. This is where the magic happens! It’ll create a silky texture in your soup, making it feel luxurious. Give it a gentle stir, and let it heat through for just a minute or two—don’t let it boil again!
Step 7: Season and Garnish
Finally, it’s time to season your soup to perfection! Add salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy! This is your chance to elevate those flavors. Once seasoned, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh dill. This little herb adds such a fresh pop and makes everything look even more inviting. And there you have it, a bowl of Greek lemon chicken soup that’s ready to warm your soul!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful soup in no time!
- Comforting Flavors: The combination of lemon, chicken, and fresh herbs creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- Health Benefits: Packed with lean protein from the chicken and nutrient-rich veggies, this soup is a wholesome choice that nourishes your body.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the zesty taste and fun orzo pasta—perfect for a family meal!
- Versatile: Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it your own every time!
- Leftover-Friendly: This soup stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy it for days after making it.
Nutritional Information
As you indulge in this comforting Greek lemon chicken soup, it’s always nice to know what you’re enjoying! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. But regardless, you can feel good about savoring a bowl of this zesty delight!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Greek lemon chicken soup turns out absolutely fantastic every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables really make a difference in flavor! If you can, go for fresh dill and squeeze your lemon juice right before adding it to the soup.
- Adjust the Lemon: If you love a super zesty kick, feel free to add a bit more lemon juice! Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
- Don’t Skip the Tempering: Tempering the egg mixture is crucial to avoid scrambling. Just remember to whisk constantly while adding the hot broth slowly—it’s worth the extra step!
- Customize Your Veggies: Got some extra veggies lying around? Toss in some spinach or peas for added nutrients and color! Just add them in during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Storage Tip: If you plan to have leftovers, store the orzo separately from the soup to prevent it from soaking up too much liquid. Just combine them when you’re ready to reheat!
- Make It Ahead: This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, so feel free to make a big batch for meal prep!
With these tips, you’re all set for a deliciously comforting bowl of Greek lemon chicken soup that’ll impress everyone at your table. Enjoy the cooking adventure!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of pasta instead of orzo?
Absolutely! While orzo adds a unique texture, you can substitute it with other small pasta shapes like ditalini or even rice if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
How long does this soup last in the fridge?
This Greek lemon chicken soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness!
Can I freeze Greek lemon chicken soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! However, it’s best to skip adding the orzo until you reheat it. The soup will keep in the freezer for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.
What if I want a vegetarian version?
No problem! You can easily make a vegetarian version by using vegetable broth and replacing the chicken with your favorite veggies or legumes. Just remember to adjust the seasoning to keep those flavors vibrant!
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Simply sauté the vegetables as directed, then add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Just don’t forget to temper the egg mixture before adding it at the end for that creamy finish!
For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Slow Cooked Brisket.
Print
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: 7 Steps to Zesty Comfort
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek lemon chicken soup is a comforting and zesty delight.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 carrots, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- In a pot, sauté onion, garlic, and carrots until soft.
- Add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Stir in orzo and cook until tender.
- Add shredded chicken.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and lemon juice together.
- Temper the egg mixture with hot soup, then stir into the pot.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with dill before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust lemon juice for desired tartness.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: greek lemon chicken soup, chicken soup, comfort food, zesty soup
